Sr. Rejoice Hoedoafia of the Sisters of Divine Love and Mercy Institute (SDLM) in Tamale has delivered a vital talk on Safeguarding to the Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church (SMMC) at their titular feast gathering of Pentecost in Sokode Gbogame.
The impactful and thought-provoking session on June 6, 2025, formed part of a broader effort by the SMMC Congregation to strengthen child protection practices and foster a culture of accountability and care within religious communities.
Sr. Hoedoafia, a seasoned clinical psychologist and advocate for Safeguarding within Religious Institutions, emphasised the importance of vigilance, responsibility, and the Gospel call to protect the vulnerable — especially children and at-risk adults.
Her address highlighted not only the Church’s moral and spiritual duty but also the legal and pastoral obligations involved in ensuring a safe environment.
“The call to safeguard is not just administrative,” Sr. Hoedoafia stated, adding, “It is deeply rooted in our mission to witness Christ’s love through care, justice, and protection for the most vulnerable among us.”
The presentation included real-world scenarios, Church guidelines on safeguarding, and a call for each sister to become actively involved in promoting awareness and preventative measures within their ministries.
Topics covered ranged from recognising signs of abuse and handling disclosures, to appropriate boundaries and the procedures for reporting concerns.
Participants engaged in reflective dialogue and group activities aimed at deepening understanding of safeguarding principles.
Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be educated on such a sensitive but necessary issue.
Sr. Magdalene Toffah, SMMC, one of the participants, shared in proposing the vote of thanks: “This talk has opened our eyes to the urgent need to be proactive in creating safe spaces — not just in our institutions, but in all our interactions.”
As safeguarding becomes an increasingly essential component of pastoral ministry worldwide, the SMMC Sisters in Sokode Gbogame have taken a firm step forward.
With leaders like Sr. Hoedoafia guiding the way, the SMMC Congregation continues to affirm its commitment to the dignity and protection of every human person.
By: Sr. Gifty Anastasia Blewu, SMMC (Sister Communicator)
