By Anthony Adongo Apubeo, GNA
Bolgatanga, Jan. 01, GNA – The Very Reverend Father Samuel Ayinbora Atinga, the Cathedral Administrator of the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish, Bolgatanga, has called on mothers to draw inspiration from the maternal attitude, faith, and resilience of the Virgin Mary in navigating the challenges of life and motherhood.
He said Mary’s life, marked by uncertainty, pain and sacrifice from the womb to the tomb, remained a powerful example of how faith could help mothers and families endure difficulties with patience and hope.
Very Rev. Fr. Atinga made the call in a homily to mark the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, which also coincided with the celebration of the New Year at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bolgatanga.
Reflecting on the Gospel account of the shepherds’ visit to the infant Jesus, the Cathedral Administrator contrasted the fleeting amazement of others with Mary’s deep, reflective faith, noting that while many were astonished by events surrounding Christ’s birth, Mary “kept all these things in her heart and pondered over them.”
“That attitude of Mary is an act of faith,” he said, explaining that from the Annunciation through the birth of Jesus and ultimately to His crucifixion, Mary embraced life’s uncertainties with trust in God.
Very Rev. Fr. Atinga recounted the hardships Mary endured, including fleeing with the infant Jesus to Egypt under the threat of death, a journey made without modern means of transport and through harsh desert conditions.
“Imagine being a mother with a little baby whose life is in danger and having to travel through the desert,” he said, adding that such experiences underscored the depth of Mary’s courage and maternal love.
He noted that Mary’s faith enabled her to stand even at the foot of the cross, witnessing the suffering and death of her Son, a moment he described as one of the greatest tests any mother could face.
Using a folktale of two monks crossing a river to illustrate the importance of letting go of burdens, the priest encouraged Christians, especially mothers, to release past pains and face new challenges with renewed faith in the New Year.
He said life would continue to present difficulties, including broken relationships, misunderstandings, and suffering, but urged the faithful not to confront such challenges with despair.
“Mary gives us an example of how to deal with difficulties and challenges in our lives,” he stressed.
Very Rev. Fr. Atinga also highlighted the importance of maternal care, protection, and education, noting that valuing education and nurturing life could open new possibilities and equip families to face future challenges with resilience.
As the Church entered the New Year, he prayed for God’s guidance and strength for families and the parish community, expressing gratitude for the grace that had sustained them through the past year despite numerous challenges.
“At least, as a parish, we can celebrate a year in which, in spite of suffering, we were able to do something and continue growing,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Linda Asante Agyei