On Saturday, June 6, 2026, members of the Christian Mothers’ Association (CMA) in the Catholic Archdiocese of Accra embarked on their annual pilgrimage to the St. Paul Major Seminary at Sowutuom, Accra on the theme: Christian Mothers as Witnesses of Christ in a Broken World.
The pilgrimage, which provided a solemn period of spiritual reflection, devotion, and fellowship for the members of the Christian Mothers’ Association, together with Christian Fathers, Sons and Daughters, was facilitated by Rev. Fr. Francis Fynn, Formator at the seminary.
The hundreds of pilgrims from the eight Deaneries of the Accra Archdiocese were welcomed by the rector of the seminary, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Okine Quartey, who asked the mothers to feel at home and experience the spiritual atmosphere of the Seminary.
The CMA annual spiritual programme commenced with the Rosary prayers, led by the Kaneshie Deanery mothers, followed by the Stations of the Cross, which was prayerfully led by Rev. Fr. Edmund Ekow Neizer, Ashaiman Deanery Spiritual Director and Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Acheampong, Archdiocesan Spiritual Director of the CMA.
As part of the programme, the mothers, who were all in prayerful moods, also undertook the Sacrament of Reconciliation through Confession.
Reflection on the theme, Fr. Fynn, who was the Retreat Master, delivered a profound reflection focusing on the identity, expectations, and calling of a Christian Mother in today’s world and reminded pilgrims of their distinct identity.
He emphasised that Christ must remain the central focus of every Christian Mother and underscored the importance of alignment with the Association’s Vision, Mission Statement, and Code of Ethics, noting that regular attendance at meetings is an essential requirement of membership.
To guide the daily conduct and public witness of the members, the Retreat Master outlined key directives from the Association’s Code of Ethics, admonishing members to strictly adhere to them.
According to him, the positive actions members were expected to practice included loving each other genuinely, attending meetings regularly, and showing steadfast solidarity, encouraging the Mothers that they were to maintain an approachable demeanour with a smiling face, control their tempers, be prepared to lend a helping hand, and act as instruments of peace.
Again, Fr. Fynn noted that certain practices must be avoided to preserve the integrity of the Association and their Christian faith, cautioning members not to wear the official regalia inappropriately and not to engage in unnecessary public arguments.
He reminded them that in family life, mothers must not push or force their children into unhealthy relationships.
On liturgical reverence, he urged the pilgrims to avoid missing the introductory blessings before Mass, avoid leaving the church before the final blessings, and strictly refrain from eating, drinking, or chewing during Mass.
Drawing a parallel to the Martyrs, Fr. Fynn noted that Christian Mothers were called to be steadfast witnesses of their faith, stating that that Jesus left believers on earth to fulfil a mission that could not be done in heaven, which is to be witnesses who attract people to God.
Using the biblical framework of spreading the Good News starting from Jerusalem, then to Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth, the Retreat master provided a practical interpretation for mothers.
He intimated that transformation must begin with oneself and extend directly to the home, which represents Jerusalem, saying that in training children, mothers are tasked with raising them well without granting excessive liberty.
He emphasised that there should be clear boundaries between parents and children to prevent over-familiarity, which serves as a total distraction for the youth.
Reflecting on the biblical reference of Matthew 5:14-16, Fr. Fynn reminded the CMA members that they were the light of the world, hence, must be true witnesses to they know, which for Christians is Christ, and share what they have personally experienced.
He advised them ensure that as witnesses, they remain loyal to the end, stay visible, and live attractive lives that draw others to God.
Following the spiritual talk, the Eucharistic Celebration was held, presided over by Fr. Francis Fynn and concelebrated by Fr. Quartey Fr. Â Neizer, Fr. Acheampong and Rev. Fr. Dodji Gadesodjie, Spiritual Director of the Kaneshie Deanery.
After the Mass, the Archdiocesan President, Mother Eunice Kokui Dumashie, who doubles as the National Secretary , led mothers to make a presentation of food items and toiletries on behalf of the Association to the Seminary as a practical demonstration of the Association’s support and solidarity.
Mother Erica Adu-Poku, 1st Vice President and Mother Rita Kwashie, 2nd Vice President, jointly handed over the items to the Rector who received them on behalf of the Seminarians and thanked mothers for the kind gesture and for always showing love to the seminarians especially by stocking up their infirmary every year to ensure they are always strong and healthy for their formation.
Mother Dumashie praised mothers for turning out massively in their numbers for the 2026 pilgrimage despite the heavy rain to seek Christ’s face and favour in all their endeavours.
Mothers who went on the pilgrimage to Rome, Portugal etc were acknowledged and given the opportunity to share their experiences. They encouraged all mothers to plan and visit the holy land at least once in their lifetime for unlimited blessings.
By Mother Mary Ganaah, Archdiocesan Secretary
Photo Credit: ACCRA ARCHDIOCESAN CHRISTIAN MOTHERS
