As part of the apostolate and mission of the Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church (SMMC) to serve the poor and the marginalized in society, a five-member Committee in charge of the Prisons Ministry visited the Ho Central Prison to share the love and joy of Christ with the inmates on Christmas day, Wednesday, December 25, 2024.
Headed by Sr. Dr. Lucy Hometowu, the Superior General of the SMMC, the gesture by the Congregation’s Prisons Ministry, is an annual one since the celebration of Christ’s birth goes beyond material preparation but a spiritual connotation as well.
At exactly 9:50 am, the Sisters were welcomed by Rev/ASP Courage Atsu, the Regional Chaplain of the Ghana Prisons Service for Volta/Oti.
Accompanied by some Officers on duty, some of the inmates prior to the donation of items, led the gathering in praise and worship sessions after which two of them took the readings for the day.
Sr. Scholastica Awotsitsi-Yabotsi, SMMC, shared the Word of God during which she encouraged the inmates to be joyful for the birth of Christ is a wake-up call to all Christians, Muslims, Traditionalists and unbelievers to know that He is with us ‘Emmanuel’.
She exhorted them with words from Isaiah 11:1 “a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse… We come to share the joy of Christ with you. His birth has brought light and this light gives hope. Be encouraged that God’s children are called to rejoice no matter the circumstances surrounding their lives. Christmas is all about sharing joy and love with one another. Do not forget that one day you will reunite with your loved one and this prophecy of Isaiah would be fulfilled in your life.”
After the reflections, Sr. Dr. Lucy Hometowu, presented the items to the Chaplain and spelt out the mission of the SMMC: to live in faith, simplicity, charity and sacrifice.
This year’s visit was supported by Mr. Anthony Kofi Hometowu, a friend of the SMMC and kind courtesy of Mrs. Bernadette Nfodzo.
A total of 530 inmates and the officers on duty, shared a meal.
At the time of the visit, the female yard had four Senior Officers, 19 Junior Officers and 12 inmates while the male yard had 12 Senior Officers, 63 Junior Officers and 420 inmates.
Rev. ASP Atsu received the gifts on behalf of the Regional Commander, the Chaplaincy Unit and the inmates.
He expressed gratitude to the Sisters for their kindness and for putting smiles on the faces of the inmates. Some of the inmates beamed with joy that the society has not forgotten about them.
They offered special prayers for the Sisters as the food was distributed to them.
The Sisters who made it to the prison with the Superior General were Srs. Margaret Mary Akordor, Arcade Eleeza, Scholastica Awotsitsi-Yabotsi Josephine Mawusi Azigi and Gifty Anastasia Blewu.
In an exclusive interview with Mr. Hometowu on what motivated him to show so much love and generosity to the inmates, he said: “I have been blessed so much by the Lord and it is one of my smallest ways to say thanks to Him for His mercy”.
Mr. Hometowu’s gesture of generosity towards the marginalized in society is based on Matthew 25:40 “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.”
By Sr. Gifty Anastasia Blewu , SMMC (Sister Communicator)
