In a spirit of devotion and unity, the Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church, (SMMC) observed the Feast of Mary, Mother of the Church on Monday, June 9, 2025, a day after Pentecost Sunday at Sokode Gbogame in the Ho Diocese of the Volta Region of Ghana.
The celebration, which honours the maternal role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the life of the Church, and which doubles as the titular name of the Institute, drew together members of the community for Mass, prayer, and reflection at the Institute’s grotto.
The solemn Mass was presided over by the Catholic Bishop of the Ho Diocese, the Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD, who emphasised the significance of the feast in the liturgical calendar.
“Mary stood at the foot of the cross, and from that moment, she became our spiritual mother,” Bishop Fianu said in his homily.
“This feast reminds us that the Church is not just an institution but a family—nurtured by the love and intercession of Mary.”
The Feast of Mary, Mother of the Church, was formally added to the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar in 2018 by Pope Francis, to be celebrated annually on the Monday after Pentecost.
The timing highlights Mary’s unique role in the birth of the Church through her presence at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles.
In her vote of thanks, Sr. Peace Fafali Omega, SMMC, thanked the Bishop on behalf of the Superior General and Council, and the entire institute.
She was much convinced of the spiritual role of our patroness and called the day “a beautiful reminder that Mary walks with us as a guide and intercessor in our mission of faith.”
At the SMMC institute, the feast was marked not only with a liturgical celebration but also with community service activities inspired by Mary’s example of humble service and compassion.
The liturgical celebration is animated by the Sisters and Marian songs are sung to thank Mother Mary for her intercessory role in the life of the Church and the Institute at large.
The day’s event concluded with a communal meal and cultural presentations that celebrated the universality of Mary’s motherhood across all nations and peoples.
As the Church continues in the season of Ordinary Time, the faithful of SMMC carry forward the message of Pentecost and Mary’s maternal care: to be witnesses of faith, hope, and charity in the world.
By: Sr. Gifty Anastasia Blewu, SMMC (Sister Communicator)
