The Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church (SMMC), a Catholic Women Religious Congregation in Ghana has gathered from October 25 to November 3, 2023 at Sokode Gbogame in the Ho Diocese for her 7th General Chapter termed as Conclave.
Conclave comes from a Latin word meaning “room that can be locked up” (from the Latin com-, “together,” and clavis, “key”). The English conclave formerly had the same meaning, but that use is now obsolete.
Today, conclave refers not to the locked rooms but to the private meetings and secret assemblies that occur within them. The meaning of conclave has also expanded to include gatherings that are not necessarily secret or private but simply involve people with shared interests.
A General Chapter typically refers to a formal gathering of representatives from a religious order, congregation, or organization to discuss and make decisions on important matters. In the end the General Chapter will offer specific directives for the whole Congregation, proposing a path to help us live more fully the Life of Christ.
Important decisions that emerge through prayer, discussion, and study will shape the future and set a new direction for our Congregation.
The specific characteristics and procedures of a General Chapter may vary depending on the organization or religious order.
The SMMC 2024 Chapter is being moderated by Sr. Felicia Harry, OLA.
The Congregation was founded in 1971 by the Most Rev. Anthony Konings, SMA, to serve the needs of the Church and the community specifically in the Catholic Diocese of Ho in the Volta region of Ghana.
The Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church, are dedicated to Educating and forming children and youth, serving the poor and vulnerable, Promoting spirituality and evangelization, Fostering vocations and supporting Church ministries.
The peculiar mission of SMMC is to serve the Church and humanity through prayer, education, and charitable works, inspired by Mary’s maternal love and care.
The Sisters minister through Education (schools, catechesis), Healthcare (hospitals, clinics), Social services (orphanages), Pastoral care (parish ministries, spiritual direction), Vocation promotion and formation
The Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church, draw inspiration from Marian devotion, Eucharistic adoration, Scripture and prayer, Community life and collaboration.
The Sisters wear blue and white habit with an insignia/emblem, representing their dedication to Mary and the Church.
The congregation has communities in Ghana’s Volta, Oti, Greater Accra and Eastern regions and the USA, serving in various Dioceses, including the Ho Diocese.
By Sr. Gifty Anastasia Blewu, SMMC
