Sr. Marie Jean Frances Dabuoh, HHCJ, has been remembered as a true religious whose life of dedicated service, compassion and commitment to the development of women, young people and the vulnerable left an enduring mark, particularly in the Upper West Region of Ghana.
Tributes were paid during the Vigil Mass held in her honour. In a homily, Rev. Fr. John Eledi of the Catholic Diocese of Wa described the late Religious Sister as a joyful and dedicated woman who touched the lives of many through her ministry.
The Mass was celebrated by the Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Wa and concelebrated by Priests from the Dioceses of Wa, Tamale and Sunyani. The Superior General of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ), Mother Germaine Ocansey, HHCJ, was present, together with her General Councillor, Sr. Patricia Onah, HHCJ.
HHCJ Sisters also turned out in large numbers to bid their departed sister a befitting farewell, joining family, friends, priests, religious and the faithful in mourning her death.
In his homily, Fr. Eledi described Sr. Marie Jean as a “true religious”, noting that she lived her consecrated life with joy and remained committed to serving others throughout her years of ministry in the Wa Diocese and beyond.
According to him, Sr. Marie Jean had a particular passion for developing people, especially women and young people. She was described as a motivator and encourager who inspired the youth to pursue greater heights and mentored numerous young people whose lives were positively influenced by her guidance.
One of her significant contributions was her involvement in the development of the Catholic Women Association (CWA), which she helped establish in several dioceses, particularly in the northern part of Ghana. Through her work with women, she encouraged them to recognise their dignity, potential and responsibility in the Church and society.
Sr. Marie Jean also demonstrated a deep concern for the welfare of seminarians. She would often gather women and encourage them to contribute towards supporting seminarians in the various seminaries, thereby fostering a culture of communal responsibility for vocations to the priesthood.
A trained nurse and midwife, Sr. Marie Jean carried out her professional duties diligently and with dedication. Her commitment to her profession, however, went hand in hand with a strong conviction to stand for what was right.
Her concern extended especially to women and orphans, whose welfare and development remained among the priorities of her ministry. She was remembered as someone who listened attentively, cared deeply and made people feel valued.
Those who encountered her often recall her charming smile, which welcomed people and created an atmosphere in which they felt seen, accepted and comfortable.
Sr. Marie Jean also holds a special place in the history of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus as the first HHCJ sister from the Upper West Region of Ghana. Her pioneering presence and years of service have left a significant legacy for the congregation and the people she served.
Her death has therefore been deeply felt, particularly across the Upper West Region, where many people mourn the departure of a woman who dedicated her life to serving God and humanity.
As mourners gathered to bid her farewell, they acknowledged the pain of her departure while drawing consolation from the conviction that her life of service, sacrifice and love has prepared a path for her to the Father’s presence.
The Vigil Mass thus became not only a moment of mourning but also one of gratitude for a consecrated woman whose life inspired, developed and uplifted many.
By Sr. Emmanuella Dakurah, HHCJ
Catholic Sister Communicators Network–Ghana (CASCON-GH)
