SMMC Sisters in Ghana celebrate Christmas with inmates at Ho Central Prison

As part of efforts that exemplify their commitment to serving the marginalised, the Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church (SMMC) in Ghana visited Ho Central Prison on Christmas Day, 25 December 2024.

A five-member committee, led by Sr. Dr. Lucy Hometowu, sent messages of love and joy to the inmates, emphasising that the celebration of Christ’s birth transcends material gifts and holds profound spiritual significance.

The delegation was received by Rev/ASP Courage Atsu, the Regional Chaplain of the Ghana Prisons Service for Volta/Oti. Accompanied by prison officers, the Sisters entered a designated area for prayer, where inmates led a praise and worship session.

Following this, two inmates read the day’s scripture passages, and Sr. Scholastica Awotsitsi-Yabotsi, SMMC, delivered a reflective message.

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In her address, Sr. Scholastica urged the inmates to find joy in the celebration of Christ’s birth, reminding them that His presence, “Emmanuel,” is a source of hope for all—Christians, Muslims, Traditionalists, and non-believers alike.

She cited Isaiah 11:1, stating, “A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse… We come to share the joy of Christ with you. His birth has brought light, and this light gives hope.” She encouraged the inmates to remain steadfast in joy despite their circumstances, reminding them of the eventual reunion with loved ones.

For her part, the Superior General, Sr. Dr. Lucy Hometowu, presented gifts to Rev. Atsu on behalf of the SMMC, articulating the congregation’s mission of faith, simplicity, charity, and sacrifice. This year’s visit was supported by Mr. Anthony Kofi Hometowu, a friend of the SMMC, and Mrs. Bernadette Nfodzo.

The Sisters and prison officers shared a meal with a total of 530 inmates. At the time of the visit, the female yard had 4 senior officers, 19 junior officers, and 12 inmates, while the male yard housed 12 senior officers, 63 junior officers, and 420 inmates.

Rev. ASP Atsu expressed gratitude to the Sisters for their kindness, acknowledging the smiles they brought to the inmates’ faces. Many inmates expressed their appreciation, feeling remembered by society.

As food was distributed, they offered special prayers for the Sisters. Accompanying Sr. Hometowu were Srs. Margaret Mary Akordor, Arcade Eleeza, Scholastica Awotsitsi-Yabotsi, Josephine Mawusi Azigi, and Gifty Anastasia Blewu.

One of the benefactors, Mr. Hometowu explained his motivation for supporting the inmates, stating, “I have been blessed so much by the Lord, and it is one of my smallest ways to say thanks to Him for His mercy.” His generosity reflects the biblical principle from Matthew 25:40: “AS much as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.”