About 53 Sisters of Mary Immaculate (SMI) brought their 2026 retreat to a prayerful conclusion with a closing Mass on 14 August 14, at the SMI Mother House in Daffiama.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Mak Caesar Abagna, who works
at Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Parish Minor Basilica in the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese.
In his homily, Fr. Caesar reflected on the readings, particularly 1 Chronicles 15:3–4, 15–16; 16:1–2 and Luke 11:28, drawing out three important lessons for the religious life.
The first reading recounts David’s efforts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem with great joy and reverence.
The Gospel message emphasizes that true blessedness belongs to those who hear the word of God and put it into practice.
Responding to God’s Blessings through Service,
Fr. Mak began by reflecting on how people should respond when God blesses and favours them. He used the example of King David, who, after experiencing God’s favour in his life, sought an opportunity to honour and serve God by bringing the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem.
He encouraged the Sisters to recognize that their vocation is first and foremost a gift from God. Like David, they are called to respond to God’s blessings through generous service.
He also referred to the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Paul as examples of people who allowed God’s work in their lives to become a blessing to others through their availability and service.
Fr. Mak reminded the retreatants:
“Do not think that it is your making that you became religious, but the Lord. Therefore, we should live and use every opportunity to serve God through His people.”
The second point of the homily focused on God’s standard of faithfulness and holiness. Fr. Mak connected this with the Gospel message: “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.”
He explained that before God, every person is called to respond faithfully to His word. Religious profession, position, age or status does not exempt anyone from the responsibility of listening to God and living according to His word.
He, therefore, encouraged the Sisters that whenever they experience God’s blessings, they must respond with continued obedience and faithfulness.
The third point centered on the resurrection and the hope of eternal life. Fr. Mak reminded the Sisters that their religious journey must always be lived with heaven in view.
He challenged them to ask themselves an important question:
“What do you do with the Word whenever you hear it?”
The Christian vocation, he emphasised, is not simply about hearing God’s word but about putting it into action. Jesus teaches that blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.
Fr. Mak therefore encouraged the retreatants to allow God’s word to shape their choices, relationships, community life and apostolic service, always remembering that their ultimate destination is to be with God.
Following the homily, the Superior General, Sr. Christina Pogbeyir, invited all the temporarily professed Sisters to renew their religious vows.
Each Sister individually signed her Formula of Profession, which she had written on a sheet of paper.
The document was then signed by the Superior General and Rev. Fr. Mak Caesar.
After all the temporarily professed Sisters had completed the renewal of their vows, the Superior General called upon the finally professed Sisters to renew their commitments.
The celebration became a significant moment of thanksgiving, renewal and recommitment as the Sisters concluded their August retreat and prepared to return to their various communities and apostolates.
The retreat and closing Eucharist reminded the Sisters that their vocation is a gift from God, their response must be one of faithful service, and their daily lives must continually reflect the Word of God.
As they return to their communities, may the grace received during the retreat strengthen them to hear God’s Word, live it faithfully, and serve Him generously through His people.
By Sr. Sylvia Babategre, SMI
Catholic Sister Communicators Network – Ghana (CASCON-GH)
