Sr. Dr. Lucy Hometowu, SMMC, President of the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious-Ghana (CMSR-GH), has called on Consecrated Persons in West Africa to move beyond the margins and embrace a prophetic role in a rapidly changing world.
She made this invitation in a Welcome Address during the Opening Ceremony of the Regional Conference of Major Superiors of West Africa (RECOMSWA) and Africa Religious Union, Ghana (ARUG) Conference at the Christian Village, Santasi – Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, West Africa, on March 13, 2026.
Speaking on the theme “Religious Life for Transformation,”
Sr. Hometowu, who is the Superior of the Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church (SMMC) noted that the assembly had gathered at a “decisive moment in history.”
She observed that as the world and societies evolve, the Church herself is journeying through a period of renewal.
“In such a time, Consecrated Life cannot remain on the margins,” she stated firmly, adding that religious men and women are “called to stand at the heart of transformation.”
Clarifying the nature of this change, she explained that transformation is “not merely adjustment, it is renewal”.
She again admonished the delegates to allow the Holy Spirit to breathe new life into their various Charisms, quoting Psalm 104:30: “Send forth your spirit, and they shall be created and you shall renew the face of the earth.”
Sr. Hometowu shared an inspiring vision for the future of religious institutes, inviting the all gathered, to imagine communities that are “more prophetic in spirit, more intercultural in character, more collaborative in practice, and more missionary in purpose.”
She further emphasized that such transformation should not be limited to Ghana or the West African sub-region, but should extend to the whole world.
Acknowledging the presence of Sr. Tiziana Merletti, SPF, Secretary to the Dicastery of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, Vatican, Rome, representing Sr. Simona Brambila, MC and Very Rev. Fr. Clement Nandou, OSB, an Official from the Vatican, she reminded the Consecrated persons that they are part of a “bigger body which oversees our activities and doubles as a mother of the Universal Church”.
She pointed out that West Africa possesses a “vibrant and youthful Church,” and opined that Consecrated Life in the region carries “immense potentials to shape the future of evangelization, justice, education and healthcare”.
The President of CMSR-GH expressed her hope that the Conference would not just be limited to meetings and discussions, but also serve as a turning point for all Consecrated Persons.
She urged that the event should “ignite new passion, strengthen solidarity across borders, and inspire bold decisions for the future”.
Concluding her address with the traditional Ghanaian greeting, she schooled the international delegates that in Ghana, and precisely in Akan, the greeting ‘Akwaaba,’ means “you belong and it is your home”.
Sr. Hometowu expressed great joy and hope as she welcomed delegates to the historic gathering, not just into the country, but into a “shared vision”. She prayed that the Conference would be “fruitful in ideas, rich in fraternity, and powerful in its impact.”
“The Spirit is at work among us,” she acclaimed, as she invited all present to embrace a future filled with hope and courage.
Sr. Hometowu acknowledged the presence of Distinguished Partners from Conrad N. Hilton Foundation (Ms. Angelique Mutonbo, Nana SangBenda and Ms, Eundria Hill-Joseph), Missio Aachen, and Catholic Relief Services, among others.
Dignitaries present during the Opening Ceremony were: Most Rev. Mathew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani and President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Most Rev. Gabriel Justice Yaw Anokye, Archbishop of Kumasi.
Others were Nana Amoah Kesse, Odikro of Santasi, with his elders, the Municipal Chief Executive and other political leaders among others.
By Sr. Sylvie Lum Cho, MSHR, Sr. Gifty Anastasia Blewu, SMMC Sr. Sheila Adombire, HHCJ and Sr. Agnes Mercy Nyatsoe, SMMC (Catholic Sister Communicators Network, Ghana – CASCON-GH)
