The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM), Divine Providence Region, are in mourning following the passing of two of their own within days of each other, even as the Region’s delegates gathered at the Franciscan Valley of Prayer and Silence, Saltpond, Ghana for the 2026 Regional Chapter.
A CHAPTER MARKED BY ABSENCE AND LOSS
Rev. Sr. Laetitia DOMBESEGTAH, an ex-officio member of the Chapter by virtue of her role as Novice Mistress, was unable to travel to Saltpond with the delegates and Chapter members arriving from Kenya and Ethiopia.
Members were informed she would not be joining them on account of health challenges, and the community held on to the hope of welcoming her home soon.
That hope gave way to grief on the morning of 16th August 2026, a day after her birthday, when news reached the Chapter of her passing into eternity. Sorrow was quickly met with the consolation of faith.
The Mass of 17th August was offered for the peaceful repose of her soul, and the evening liturgy became a special prayer session in her honour, during which eleven sisters shared cherished memories of a woman remembered as a visionary vocation promoter, a dedicated formator, and a passionate educationist.
Sr. Laetitia served Mother Ghana for many years in the field of education, including as a principal of St. Mary’s Vocational Institute, Assistant Headmistress of St. Francis Girls’ Senior High School, Jirapa, before her appointment as Regional Manageress of the Catholic Education Unit, Wa, from where she retired. Over the course of her religious life she held numerous roles in the formation and leadership of the Congregation, and leaves behind a wide circle of admirers.
A SECOND LOSS STRIKES THE REGION
The Region’s grief deepened only days later. As Chapter members were still making their way home to their communities, Rev. Sr. Lawrencia HANEE, a high school mate of Sr. Laetitia and, like her, a distinguished FMM sister passed into eternity on 25th August 2026, at the Wa Regional Hospital where she was undergoing medical treatement.
Sr. Lawrencia HANEE was widely known as a selfless and compassionate health officer who served the Ghana Health Service in several capacities, retiring after more than a decade as Hospital Matron of the Tumu Municipal Hospital. She was also, in her time, a seasoned formator and vocation promoter, and was known affectionately as a tireless cross-country driver for the Congregation.
TWO LIVES OF SERVICE REMEMBERED
Both Sisters leave behind remarkable legacies of service to God and humanity, having contributed in no small way to nation-building in Ghana and touched countless lives through education, healthcare, and religious formation.
FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS
The Requiem Mass for both Sisters will be held on Monday, 7th September 2026, in Jirapa, Upper West Region:
6:30 a.m. — Reception of the body of Sr. Lawrencia since Sr. Laetitia’s body will be buried in Kenya on the 3rd of September. This will be followed by traditional mourning for both Srs., at the St. Joseph’s Parish Jirapa.
10:00 a.m. — Burial Mass
The Most Rev. Francis BOMANSAN, M.Afr. Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wa, accompanied by other Bishops, will preside over the Requiem Mass, celebrated in union with the FMM Congregation, the biological families of the two Sisters, and the wider Catholic faithful.
The FMM Divine Providence Region invites all Religious, clergy, family, and friends to join in mourning and celebrating the lives of these two beloved Brides of Christ.
May Rev. Sr. Laetitia DOMBESEGTAH, FMM and Rev. Sr. Lawrencia HANEE, FMM rest in the peace of the Risen Christ.
By FMM Divine Providence Region — Communications Office
