By: Audrey Raymonda John
Members of the Catholic Women’s Association (CWA) of St. Peter the Rock Parish on Mission Road, Calaba Town, eastern Freetown, gathered on Sunday, 25 October 2026, to celebrate their annual Africana Thanksgiving Mass, bringing together faith, African cultural heritage, and gratitude to God.
The celebration attracted parishioners, invited guests, families, and members of the wider Christian community for a day of worship, fellowship, and thanksgiving.
Dressed in colourful and coordinated African attire, members of the Catholic Women’s Association added cultural significance to the occasion, reflecting the association’s commitment to faith, unity, and shared identity within the parish.
The annual Thanksgiving Mass provided an opportunity for members to appreciate God’s blessings, reflect on their contributions to the Church, and renew their commitment to Christian service.
The atmosphere was filled with gospel music, joyful singing, prayers, hymns, and thanksgiving processions, blending Catholic worship with African cultural traditions.
The women played a central role in the celebration, demonstrating their continued commitment to the spiritual and social development of the parish. Their participation also highlighted the important role women play in strengthening the Church through prayer, charitable activities, fundraising, and support for families and the wider community.
Delivering the sermon, Reverend Father Sylvester Kirche encouraged worshippers to strengthen their relationship with God and demonstrate genuine love for one another.
Drawing on the Christian teaching of loving one’s neighbour as oneself, Father Kirche emphasised the importance of compassion, kindness, and unity in everyday life. He also highlighted divine protection, family blessings, and the responsibility of Christians to live according to their faith.
The priest further reflected on fundamental Christian beliefs, including faith in God as the Creator of heaven and earth and the divinity of Jesus Christ. He referred to the Church’s profession of faith, which describes Jesus Christ as “God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made.”
He also recalled the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, reaffirming the Christian belief that Christ rose from the dead on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
Through these reflections, Father Kirche urged worshippers to remain steadfast in their faith and allow Christian teachings to guide their relationships, families, and communities.
Special prayers were offered for members of the Catholic Women’s Association, particularly those who have devoted their time, resources, and efforts to supporting the Church and its activities.
Speaking during the fundraising segment of the celebration, Paulyana Kobby, Deputy Secretary of the Catholic Women’s Association, explained the significance of the annual Africana Thanksgiving Mass.
She described the event as an opportunity for members to thank God for the gift of life, protection, provision, and the blessings they had received throughout the year.
According to Kobby, the celebration also recognizes the resilience of women and the importance of coming together in worship, fellowship, and mutual support.
She stressed the need to preserve the annual tradition, noting that it helps strengthen relationships among members and encourages their continued participation in parish activities.
The fundraising segment also provided an opportunity for members and well-wishers to contribute towards the association’s programmes and the wider needs of the Church.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Christian Yillah, Secretary of the Catholic Women’s Association, expressed appreciation to parishioners, invited guests, and supporters who contributed to the success of the celebration.
She commended CWA members for their dedication and hard work in organizing the event and ensuring its smooth coordination.
Yillah also thanked Reverend Father Sylvester Kirche for his spiritual guidance, prayers, and continued support for the congregation. She further appreciated everyone who participated in the Thanksgiving Mass and contributed to making the occasion a success.
Her remarks underscored the importance of cooperation, dedication, and shared responsibility in sustaining the activities of the association.
Among those who attended the Mass was Umaru Fofana, BBC journalist and former President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, who was accompanied by his wife. Other invited guests, parishioners, and members of the wider community also attended the celebration.
Their presence added to the spirit of fellowship, bringing together people from different professional and social backgrounds in a shared expression of Christian faith and gratitude.
Beyond the religious observance, the event offered an opportunity for families, friends, and parishioners to interact and strengthen their bonds within the community.
The Africana Thanksgiving Mass highlighted the contribution of women to the spiritual and community life of St. Peter the Rock Parish. Through their involvement in worship, fundraising, charitable activities, and other parish programmes, members of the Catholic Women’s Association continue to support the Church and its wider mission.
The celebration also recognized the dedication of women whose contributions often take place quietly through service to their families, congregations, and communities.
As the Mass drew to a close, the atmosphere of prayer, music, and fellowship reflected the significance of the occasion to those in attendance.
For the Catholic Women’s Association of St. Peter the Rock Parish, the Africana Thanksgiving Mass remains more than an annual celebration of African attire and cultural expression. It serves as an opportunity to give thanks to God, strengthen Christian fellowship, preserve cultural heritage, and recognize women’s contributions to the life and development of the Church.
The celebration reaffirmed the enduring importance of faith, gratitude, unity, and service within the parish community.