The first-ever Regional Chapter of the Divine Providence Region of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) is being held from August 10 to 23, 2026, at the Franciscan Valley of Prayer and Silence in Saltpond, Ghana. It is being attended by about fifty Religious Sisters from the Region.
The Divine Providence Region consists of Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Liberia, with its Regional House in Accra, Ghana. The Region came into existence on 1st November 1, 2023 after a restructuring across the Institute of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) is a Missionary Congregation of Pontifical Right founded by Blessed Mary of the Passion on January 6, 1877.
The Chapter began with a beautiful and solemn procession into the Chapel with various symbols presented, including: The Chapter Candle, the Bible, the Saint Damiano Cross, a picture of Blessed Mary of the Passion, Incense, Globe, Flags of Ghana. Liberia, Kenya, and Ethiopia, Franciscan Sandals, and a Woven cloth with Chapter Logo.
The Chapter Hall was colourfully decorated with the various flags of the Countries present; Holy pictures, including Blessed Mary of the Passion, were also displayed. In the center of this decoration were the Holy Bible a symbol of God’s living Word among us, the Chapter Candle to symbolize Christ, our Light, who walks with His people, Saint Damian Cross and the Franciscan Sandals which are a mark of our readiness to follow Christ in simplicity, humility, and joyful service wherever He sends us, and an African woven cloth which has the Chapter logo embedded in it as a symbol of our journey together.
The meaning of the symbols was voiced out with a piano background playing a cherished song, part of which is quoted below. “From East and West, from the North and the South, we meet one another to celebrate God’s love. Called to enkindle God’s gift, our Charism which He confided to Mama Passion.”
In a welcome, the Regional Superior, Sr. Julia Mombo Pelenah, FMM, introduced the Archbishop of Cape Coast by outlining his role in shepherding the flock in various Dioceses and his leadership roles in various capacities.
The Archbishop, the Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, led the Eucharistic celebration by acknowledging St. Clare of Assisi, the Patron Saint of the Perpetually Professed Sisters of the Congregation and also a Franciscan Feast for all members.
Highlighting the venue of the Chapter, which is the Franciscan Valley of Prayer and Silence, the Archbishop expressed that the entire environment and atmosphere speak of Franciscan Spirituality and wished the FMM Sisters a fruitful Chapter in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi.
In his homily, he made reference to the 150th anniversary celebration of the existence of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary in the world in 2027. He added that the Catholic Church in Ghana, which began in Elmina in the Cape Coast Archdiocese, will also be celebrating 150 years in 2030.
He encouraged the sisters to remember the church in Ghana as we prepare and celebrate our 150th anniversary.Reflecting on the theme of the Chapter: “Led by the Breath of God, Woven in Unity, Revitalized for Mission.” the Archbishop outlined the journey of Elijah the Prophet who fled from Jezebel to Mount Horeb to seek God after killing 400 ball prophets, His Grace established the significance of the still and gentle silence in which God manifested Himself to Prophet Elijah despite the powerful storm and earthquake.
He encouraged the FMM Sisters to listen for the voice of the Lord, not the voices of those who urge us to oppose the directives of the Superior. He cautioned us to refrain from abandoning our mission in times of difficulties, and offer ourselves as true handmaids of the Lord.
Furthermore, he shared with the capitulars three points for reflection and implementation. The first was on the encyclical letter of Pope Francis I in 2015: “Laudato Si”. God created us to be high priests and stewards of nature and creation. This is a sacred responsibility as Franciscans who are especially called to the care of creation.
The second was on another encyclical by Pope Francis I, “Fratelli Tutti” in 2020, which he calls us to be attentive to the fact that we human beings are called to be brothers and sisters. This is why Jesus Christ came into the world to let us know that God is our Father irrespective of our creed and race.
The third was on Pope Francis’ Synod on Synodality. Pope Francis taught a simple method of being brothers and sisters and to walk with one another in the Church in communion, mission, and participation. Conversation in the spirit demands of us, baptised and consecrated religious of God, to allow the Spirit to blow in us for the good of our congregation and mother church.
He concluded by urging us to let our light shine as baptised, consecrated, and sent, and as pilgrims of hope in the Divine Providence Region, in our congregation, in the larger Franciscan family, and in the Church.
The Capitulars were filled with a renewed hope and spirit to begin the Regional Chapter to make informed decisions for the growth of the Divine Providence Region and the FMM congregation at large.
Sr. Eunice Angsotenge, FMM (Catholic Sister Communicators Network, Ghana -CASCON-GH)
