St. Anna Society Launched in Sunyani Diocese
The St. Anna Society, an association dedicated to widows and widowers, has been officially inaugurated in the Sunyani Diocese at a special ceremony held at St. John’s Parish, Jamdede, in the Berekum Deanery.
Named after the biblical figure, Prophetess Anna—a widow known for her life of prayer and temple service—the Society seeks to provide spiritual, emotional, and communal support to Catholic widows and widowers. It also aims to foster a sense of belonging and equip members to face the challenges of widowhood with faith and dignity.
Presiding over the inauguration, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani and President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, described the initiative as a vital expression of the Church’s commitment to care for the vulnerable and marginalised.
“Supporting widows is not just a responsibility; it is a reflection of our Christian love and compassion. The St. Anna Society embodies the Gospel mandate to care for the least among us,” he stated.
Bishop Gyamfi blessed and commissioned the widows and widowers, invoking God’s strength and grace upon them. He encouraged the Society’s growth beyond the deanery level, envisioning its expansion across the diocese and eventually nationwide.
“Let us be beacons of hope, touching the lives of more widows and widowers as we walk together in faith,” he added.
The St. Anna Society was first initiated at the parish level in Nsoatre in March 2010 by Sr. Lucy Yeltule Dery, HHCJ, to promote awareness of human rights and social justice. The initiative aligns closely with Catholic Social Teaching and reflects the charism of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ).
Dignitaries present at the inauguration included: Very Rev. Fr. Cyriacus Asiegbu, CMF, Parish Priest of St. John’s, Jamdede, and Dean of Berekum Deanery; Very Rev. Fr. Francis Kwame Mfodwo, Parish Priest of St. Matthew, Nyamebekyere; Rev. Fr. Christian Nti, Assistant Parish Priest of St. Theresa of Avila Parish; Sr. Judith Magbity, HHCJ, Provincial Vicar, Ghana; Sr. Theresa Barnie, HHCJ; Sr. Emelia Fekaa, SVI and Sr. Felicia Fokawati, HHCJ.
From Sr. Lucy Yeltule Dery, HHCJ
