The Solemnity of the Assumption, which also marked the Final Vows of two Sisters of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate ( SMI ) Congregation, Sr. Rita Kuubetersuur and Sr. Mary Tang, was infused with a powerful message centered on the unwavering capability of God.
The Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Daffiama in the Wa Diocese was the venue for a profound celebration of the Assumption, presided over by the Most Rev. Francis Bomansaan, M.Afr., the Catholic Bishop of Wa.
Bishop Bomansaan emphasised that the Assumption, the bodily ascension of Mary into heaven, is an extraordinary event showcasing God’s unique power and ability.
The Bishop referenced the day’s readings to illustrate God’s might. The first reading depicted the struggle between good and evil, and the eventual triumph of God’s salvation, power, and kingdom.
He quoted St. Paul from his letter to the Philippians, highlighting the Apostle’s confidence in God’s ability to complete the good work He begins in believers, just as He did with Mary.
Addressing Sr. Rita and Sr. Mary, Bishop Bomansaan encouraged them to hold firm to this conviction as they embark on their religious life. He noted that Mary’s complete “yes” to the Lord at the Annunciation, her willingness to serve her cousin Elizabeth despite her own pregnancy, and her quick, selfless journey to offer support, are all testaments to her belief in God’s ability.
This selfless service, he explained, is the essence of religious life – reaching out to those less fortunate, often at personal cost and in challenging circumstances.
The Wa Bishop then invited the newly professed sisters to reflect on their journeys with the following questions and share to the people.
What is the symbol that represents religious life for them? And what has kept them going with the SMI until today and they did not run away?
Sr. Rita shared that the Holy Rosary serves as her symbol, a source of comfort and intercession from Mother Mary, assuring her that she is never alone in her religious calling.
Sr. Mary’s chosen symbol is the Cross, representing Christ’s personal love, a love she strives to radiate to the world. The Cross also teaches her the importance of forgiveness, a crucial element in human society.
She also highlighted the role of discipline in living out her vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, alongside prayer and the inspirational lives of the Saints.
Both Sisters attributed their perseverance to God’s grace, their love for God, and the support of their fellow sisters. Said Bishop Francis.
In his concluding remarks, Bishop Bomansaan prayed that the Sisters would hold onto what has sustained them and grow daily in the conviction that God is capable of seeing them through all of life’s challenges, just as He saw them through their formation.
The celebration underscored the importance of service, faith, and unwavering trust in God’s divine power.
The faithful, priests and religious men and women from other congregations were all present at the celebration of the Solemnity of the Assumption and final profession of the two SMI sisters.
By Sr. Gloria Duongnaa, SMI
(Catholic Sister Communications Network, Ghana-CASCON-G)
