Three members of the Sister of Mary Immaculate (SMI) Congregation have professed their final vows on August 15, 2025.
The finally professed Sisters were Sr. Theresa Bayor, Sr. Sylvia Kono and Sr. Regina Tiretaabo.
The Most Rev. Francis Bomansaan, M. Afr., Catholic Bishop of Wa Diocese presided over the Holy Mass in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Daffiama, Upper West Region.
In his homily, the Bishop told them that as religious, their identity is found in prayer and service.
He added that one could only minister to people as a Religious after they had encountered Jesus Himself in their lives.
It was not possible to be a disciple of Jesus without encountering Him, he added.
Addressing the people of God, the Bishop indicated that the quality of the ministry of any of Sister depended on the quality of her inner life.
The Wa Bishop stated that Mary is a model for Christians and particularly for Consecrated People.
Reflecting on the Gospel of Luke 1:39-56, he mentioned two qualities in Mary’s life which stands out as a model for us as Christians and a very special way for consecrated people.
“Mary is portrayed as a caring and prayerful woman,” he indicated.
She stepped out on a journey of love to give support to Elizabeth, her cousin, who was in need.
He asserted: “We can only step out to minister to others only if Jesus is with us. As Christian, we are called to make sacrifices, bringing the Lord to others through our goodness and kindness.”
As a result of Mary’s visit, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and Mary was blessed.
He encouraged them to learn from Mary and Elizabeth’s example, being attentive to others in their daily lives, workplaces, and community, and showing special care by responding with gratitude and praise to God for His blessings, just as Mary did in the Magnificat, and serving humanity with humility and compassion.
With Mary as the Patron of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate, 15th August of every year has been set apart for the celebration of final commitment to the Lord in the SMI Congregation, that’s if there is any.
*Profile of the three Sisters*
Sr. Theresa Bayor is from Eggu Zang, Wa – Upper West Region. She is the first of nine siblings.
After completing her secondary education, Sr. Theresa felt called to serve the Lord and humanity through the Religious Life. She began her discernment with the SMI Congregation.
She started her initial formation, the Pre-novitiate from 2014 – 2015 in Daffiama and entered the Novitiate on September 7, 2015, and made her First Profession on September 8, 2017.
Sr. Theresa served in various roles, including as House Bursar at the Generalate community. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and Catering Technology at Kumasi Technical University.
Sr. Sylvia Kono is a native from Bussie in the Upper West Region, under Daffiama, Issa Bussie District. She is the third born of seven siblings.
She completed St. Anne’s Girls Senior High School in Damongo, Savanna region. There she had the desire of becoming a religious one day. She was inspired by the SMI Sisters who were working in the St. Anne’s Girls SHS.
Sr. Sylvia started her Formation training from 2013 to 2015. She completed her Pre-Novitiate in Daffiama and entered into Novitiate from 2015 to 2016 in Wa, and took her First Vows into the Religious life in the year 2017.
After her Profession she was sent to Nandom Hospital Convent, there she gained admission into the Nursing Training College Lawra and completed successful. Currently, Sr. Sylvia is working at St. Theresa’s Hospital Nandom as a nurse.
Sr. Regina Tiretaabo is from Jirapa Zaghe in the Upper west Region.
She completed Jirapa senior High school, and developed the desire of becoming a Religious, so she joined the SMI Congregation.
Sr. Regina was admitted to start her formation program. She started her Pre-Novitiate from 2013 to 2015 and Novitiate from 2015 to 2017 and took her First Vows on 8th September 2017.
Inspired by the Charism, Vision and Mission of the Congregation, Sr. is passionate about the youth, caring for the sick and the aged.
Currently, Sr. Regina is working at St. Lucy’s Catholic Hospital as a Laboratory Assistant, providing medical care and spiritual support to patients.
Rev. Fr. Peter Nolasco Naab, the parish priest of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church acknowledged and welcomed the people for coming to grace this very important occasion in the parish.
By Sr. Gloria Duongnaa, SMI (Sister Communicator)
