By Ragan M. Conteh
It was a celebration of faith, African heritage, and thanksgiving as members of the Catholic Women’s Association (CWA) gathered at St. Peter the Rock Parish, Mission Road, Calaba Town, in eastern Freetown, for their annual Africana Thanksgiving Mass on Sunday, 25 October 2026.
The colourful occasion brought together parishioners, invited guests, families, and members of the wider Christian community in a spirit of worship, fellowship, and gratitude to God.
Dressed in beautifully coordinated African attire, members of the Catholic Women’s Association added colour and cultural expression to the celebration, reflecting the importance of faith, unity, and shared identity within the parish.
The annual Thanksgiving Mass provided an opportunity for women to reflect on God’s blessings, celebrate their contributions to the Church, and renew their commitment to Christian service.
The atmosphere at St. Peter the Rock Parish was marked by vibrant gospel music, joyful singing, traditional attire, and thanksgiving processions.
Members of the congregation participated in prayers, hymns, and expressions of gratitude, creating an occasion that combined Catholic worship with African cultural traditions.
The women of the Catholic Women’s Association played a central role in the celebration, demonstrating their commitment to the spiritual and social life of the parish.
Their coordinated Africana outfits reflected the cultural character of the annual event, while the thanksgiving Mass offerings provided an opportunity for worshippers to express appreciation for God’s protection and provision.
Beyond the colourful celebrations, the occasion also highlighted the important role women continue to play in strengthening parish communities through prayer, service, charitable activities, and support for families.
Delivering the sermon, Reverend Father Sylvester Kirche encouraged worshippers to strengthen their relationship with God and demonstrate genuine love towards one another.
Drawing attention to the Christian teaching of loving one’s neighbour as oneself, he reminded the congregation of the importance of compassion, kindness, and unity in everyday life.
His message also focused on divine protection, family blessings, and the responsibilities of Christians to live according to their faith.
Father Kirche reflected on the central beliefs of Christianity, 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.
The sermon also recalled the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, affirming the Christian belief that Christ rose from the dead on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
Through these reflections, the priest encouraged 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 dedicated their time, resources, and efforts to supporting the development of the Church.
Speaking during the fundraising segment of the celebration, Paulyana Kobby, the 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 express their gratitude to God for life, protection, provision, and the blessings received throughout the year.
According to Kobby, the celebration also recognises the resilience of women and the importance of coming together in worship, fellowship, and mutual support.
She highlighted the value of maintaining the annual tradition as a means of strengthening relationships among members and encouraging continued participation in parish activities.
The fundraising component formed part of the celebration, providing an opportunity for members and well-wishers to contribute towards the association’s activities and the wider needs of the Church.
Delivering the vote of thanks at the close of the event, Christian Yillah, the Secretary of the Catholic Women’s Association, expressed appreciation to parishioners and invited guests and supporters who contributed to the success of the celebration.
She acknowledged the commitment of CWA members who worked to organise the annual event and ensure its smooth coordination.
Yillah also paid tribute to Reverend Father Sylvester Kirche for his spiritual guidance, prayers, and continued support for the congregation.
She commended those who participated in the Thanksgiving Mass and recognised the collective efforts that made the celebration possible.
Her remarks reinforced the importance of cooperation, dedication, and shared responsibility in sustaining the activities of the Catholic Women’s Association.
Among those who attended the Thanksgiving Mass was Umaru Fofana, BBC journalist and former President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, accompanied by his wife.
Other invited guests, parishioners, and members of the wider community also joined the celebration.
Their presence added to the occasion, which brought together people from different professional and social backgrounds in a shared expression of Christian faith and thanksgiving.
The event also provided an opportunity for fellowship and interaction among families, friends, and members of the parish 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 parish programmes, members of the Catholic Women’s Association continue to support the Church and its wider mission.
The annual celebration also provides a platform for recognising the dedication of women whose contributions are often made quietly through service to their families, congregations, and communities.
As the Thanksgiving 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, Africana Thanksgiving Mass remains more than an annual celebration of colourful attire and cultural expression. It is an opportunity to give thanks, strengthen Christian fellowship, and recognise the contribution of women to the life and development of the Church.
The celebration served as a reminder of the enduring place of faith, gratitude, unity, and service within the parish community.
