The Sisters of the Handmaids of Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ J) on Friday, September 4 2026, bade farewell to Sr. Marie Jean Frances Dabouh, HHCJ, and commend her earthly journey into the hands of God.
A funeral Mass at the St. Paul Catholic Church, Nsoatre,
brought together Priests and Religious Men and Women from different Dioceses, including the HHCJ Sisters from various communities and countries , Sisters of Mary Immaculate (SMI) Sisters from Wa, Sisters of the Incarnate Word (SVI) and many other Sisters from different Congragations and Dioceses.
They joined the biological family of Sister Marie Jean Frances and the HHCJ Congregation to mourn her passing, celebrate her life and vocation, and offer prayers for the repose of her soul.
Among those present were the Superior General, Mother Gemaine Ocansey, HHCJ, and her Council; Sr. Patricia Onah, HHCJ, and other representatives from Nigeria; and the Provincial Superior, Sr. Judith Magbity, HHCJ, together with her Council. Their presence expressed the solidarity of the HHCJ Congregation and its various provinces and communities in Ghana, Nigeria and beyond.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of the Sunyani Diocese, and concelebrated by Most Rev. Dominic Nyarko Yeboah, Bishop of Techiman; Very Rev. Fr. John Kuupiel, Vicar General of the Diocese of Wa; and several Priests from different Dioceses.
A Life of Service and Joy
In his homily, Bishop Gyamfi reflected on the mystery of death and the Christian hope of eternal life. Drawing inspiration from the Gospel of John, particularly Christ’s assurance, “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places,” he reminded the faithful that death, though painful, is not the end of the Christian journey.
The Bishop described heaven as the true and eternal home prepared by Christ for those who faithfully follow Him.
Reflecting on the life of Sister Marie Jean Frances, Bishop Gyamfi highlighted her years of dedicated service to God and humanity, particularly through her healthcare ministry.
As a nurse and midwife, she cared for mothers, newborns and the sick, accompanying many people through some of the most important and vulnerable moments of their lives. She served in hospitals, established and supported clinics, and participated in healthcare outreach, including mobile clinics that reached people in remote communities.
Her apostolate also extended beyond healthcare. She contributed to the mission and growth of the HHCJ Congregation by helping to establish communities and convents and by serving in different towns and villages.
Bishop Gyamfi recalled Sister Marie Jean Frances as a woman who carried out her ministry with commitment, generosity and joy. Her smile, kind words and welcoming nature made people feel comfortable in her presence.
He encouraged the faithful to mourn her with hope and, above all, to thank God for the gift of her life and the many people she touched through her service.
“Sister Jane, Rest in Peace”
The Bishop also shared a personal recollection of Sister Marie Jean Frances, recalling his acquaintance with her during his years in the Minor Seminary and his visits to the sisters in Obuasi.
He remembered her as a person who brought joy to others and served the Lord faithfully.
Reflecting on the final moments of her earthly journey, he offered a moving image of Christ welcoming her home:
“Do not let your heart be troubled. Continue to have faith in God and in me. I have prepared a place for you, and I will come and take you to myself.”
Bishop Gyamfi prayed that the angels of God would accompany Sister Marie Jean Frances on her final journey and lead her safely into the heavenly home prepared for her.
He reminded the congregation of Christ’s words in the Gospel: “I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was sick and you cared for me.” He noted that Sister Marie Jean Frances lived these words through her years of compassionate service, particularly to the sick, mothers and children.
He, therefore, expressed hope that the Lord would fulfil His promise in her life and grant her the eternal rest she had longed for through a life of faith and service.
As the Church, the HHCJ Congregation and the biological family said their final farewell, the funeral became not only a moment of grief but also a celebration of a life generously given to God and His people.
The gathering served as a powerful reminder that every Christian journey has an ultimate destination—the eternal home promised by Christ.
The Catholic Church now entrusts Sr. Marie Jean Frances Dabouh, HHCJ, to the loving mercy of God, with the hope that she will be welcomed among the saints and reunited with those who have gone before her in faith.
May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
By Sr. Vera Tina Woelinam Tay, HHCJ
(Catholic Sister Communicators Network, Ghana (CASCON-GH)
