The Institute of the Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church (SMMC), a Congregation of Indigenous Women of Diocesan Right meet every year during Pentecost weekend to pray and wait for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit just as the early apostles did.
From Friday prior to the vigil of Pentecost, the Sisters travel from their various communities and mission assignments and converge at Sokode Gbogame, a suburb of Ho in the Volta Region of Ghana, which happens to be the home of all the Sisters to celebrate as a family. The superior General of the SMMC, together with her Councillors receive all members in joy.
At the evening of Friday, which is the arrival, Sisters move to their places of accommodation and rest before they gather for evening prayer and the novena to the Holy Spirit. Meals are shared in common as a big family and at this family gathering, sisters exchange pleasantries and wish each other a fruitful weekend.
Pope Francis in recent time, declared Monday after Pentecost as the memorial of Mary Mother of the Church. The Sisters stay on until Monday to mark this feast with the Local Ordinary of the Diocese.
The Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church are called to share in the plan of God revealed in Christ and through the Church.
This plan is to glorify God the Father by spreading the Good News of the Kingdom. We seek to enter more fully into the Mission of Christ who was sent for the salvation of all.
This mystery of redemption manifests itself in the Church. We the Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church share in this mystery in union with Mary our Model and our help. SMMC is a Diocesan Institute of Active Religious Women just as an Institute of Diocesan right.
The Institute remains under the special care of the Diocesan Bishop. (Can. 594)” (Extract from Rule of life and Constitution of the Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church).
The Spirit of the institute is inspired by 1 Cor. 9:22-23; “I made myself all things to all people in order to save some at all cost; and I still do this for the sake of the Gospel”
The Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church therefore seek to generate and nurture life at all costs and they do this by devoting themselves through prayer and Apostolic Activity in the service of the Church:
- In Faith without which nothing survives, and living in Faith with the Church, which is constantly renewing herself, we build our apostolic Life.
- In Charity which will carry us to the poor of God, we will create a strong bond among ourselves in sisterly friendship, which is simple and loyal.
- In the Spirit of Sacrifice, which demands a deep fidelity to vocation, we follow the example of Christ who took the form of a slave and accepted the intrinsic burdens of a consecrated life. Each day we sacrifice ourselves and turn to God whatever the cost.
- In Simplicity of Life and Heart we will make ourselves available to and welcoming to all. This will enable us to carry the weight of responsibility and daily struggles, while preserving the joy and the confidence of the humble heart.
- With Mary, the Mother of the Church, it was she who helped the Infant Church and she continues to intercede for the people of God with her Son, until all the families of nations will be assembled in harmony and peace”(Lumen Gentium 69)
The SMMC’s mission is “Go therefore, make disciples of all nations…” (Mt. 28: 19-20). In response to the command of Jesus, the Sisters seek to respond to the needs of the Local Church, in collaboration with the Diocesan Bishop, and wherever they are sent by their Superiors.
They share in the following:
- In the Teaching Ministry of the Church by means of different types of schools and Catechetical Centres.
- In Christ’s compassion for the poor, the sick and the aged, by our involvement in his Healing Ministry in hospitals, Clinics and homes.
- In the Social Apostolate of the Church by responding to the contemporary social needs of the people of God.
