The Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church (SMMC) of the Catholic Diocese of Ho, Ghana, lived through a remarkable sequence of faith-filled days, weaving together sorrow, renewal, celebration, and Marian devotion.
From Thursday, May 21 to Monday, May 25, the Institute experienced a spiritual rhythm that reflected the very heart of consecrated life in Sokode Gbogame, Volta Region.
Thursday, May 21 — Farewell to Sr. Arcade Eleeza
The week opened with solemnity as the SMMC family gathered to bid farewell to Sr. Arcade Eleeza, a beloved pioneer Sister whose life of service and prayer left an indelible mark on the congregation and the wider Catholic community.
The funeral rites were deeply moving, blending traditional liturgy with heartfelt tributes. Sisters, clergy, and lay faithful joined together in thanksgiving for her witness, entrusting her soul to God’s eternal embrace.
Her passing reminded the congregation of the fragility of life, yet also of the enduring legacy of consecrated women who dedicate themselves wholly to Christ and His Church.
In his homily, the chief Shepherd of the diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD exhorted all not to be afraid of death but live lives that will help us see God at the end of our earthly pilgrimage.
The late Sr. Arcade Eleeza lived as a Consecrated woman for fifty two years. May her soul rest in peace.
Friday, May 22 — Investiture of Five Postulants
From mourning to joy, the following day brought renewal. In a vibrant liturgical ceremony, five postulants were officially received into the Novitiate, marking their transition into deeper formation. Clad in simple habits, they stepped forward with courage, symbolizing the congregation’s future and the continuity of its mission.
The investiture was not only a personal milestone for the young women but also a communal celebration of hope.
Their “yes” to God’s call echoed the congregation’s charism and underscored the vitality of religious life in Ghana today.
Sunday, May 23 — Pentecost Celebration
Pentecost is the family feast of the Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church. The weekend climaxed with the universal Church’s feast of Pentecost saw Sisters joined in prayer, invoking the Holy Spirit’s fire to renew their mission and strengthen their witness.
The liturgy was alive with hymns, Scripture, and thanksgiving, reminding all that consecrated life is a living flame sustained by the Spirit.
Pentecost became a moment of recommitment, as the sisters reflected on their role as bearers of the Gospel in a world yearning for peace, justice, and compassion.
Monday, May 25 — Feast of Mary, Mother of the Church
The sequence of celebrations concluded with the feast of Mary, Mother of the Church, patroness of the Institute. With Marian devotion at the heart of our spirituality, the Sisters renewed their consecration, entrusting their mission to the maternal care of Our Lady in prayer during the Eucharistic celebration.
The day was marked by special prayers, hymns, and reflections on Mary’s role as mother and model of discipleship.
For the SMMC, this feast was not only liturgical but deeply personal, affirming their identity as daughters of Mary and servants of the Church.
In his homily, the Vicar General of the Ho diocese, Msgr. Walter Agbeto encourage the Sisters to be mothers of mercy; having merciful eyes, ears, hands, heart and feet like Mother Mary.
From Farewell to Fire, SMMC walked four days of Grace — Honoring Sr. Arcade, Welcoming New Novices, Celebrating Pentecost, and Entrusting all to Mary, Mother of the Church.
The celebration was crowned with birthday anniversaries of four Sisters who have become “Senior Citizens”, turning sixty (60) years.
The Sisters are Srs: Mary-Ann Afiakwah, Theodora Adzayawo, Grace Dakuedzi and Gloria Nyadanu.
By: Sr. Gifty Anastasia Blewu, SMMC
Catholic Sister Communicators Network, Ghana (CASCON-GH)
