Rev Fr Sylvester Saffa Wuya has marked the 40th anniversary of his priestly ordination with a vibrant Mass and celebration in his home village of Gbaima Songa. Parishioners and clergy from across Sierra Leone gathered in large numbers to honour a priest whose quiet dedication and faithful witness have touched lives for four decades.

The thanksgiving Mass brought together parishioners from Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in Juba, Freetown, Moyamba District, Mofombo, and St Pius Parish in Bo. Many came not only to celebrate Fr Wuya’s priesthood but to express their gratitude for his impact on communities across the country.

The Mass was concelebrated by several priests, including Rev Fr Francis Tommy, Rev Fr Peter Konteh, Rev Fr Paul Morana Sandi, Rev Fr John Joe Sandy, and Rev Fr Emmanuel Francis Beecher, who also served as the master of ceremonies.

A message in the readings

The scripture readings selected for the Mass highlighted key spiritual themes that echo the journey of Fr Wuya’s ministry.

The first reading from Acts of the Apostles (15:1–2, 22–29) spoke of the early Church discerning how to guide its people with clarity and compassion, reminding many of Fr Wuya’s role in guiding his communities through decades of change and challenge with wisdom and pastoral care.

The second reading from Revelation (21:10–14, 22–23) described the heavenly city, radiant with God’s glory and built on the foundation of the apostles. It was seen by many as a symbolic recognition of the legacy of those, like Fr Wuya, whose lifelong service has helped to build up the Church here on earth, especially in remote and underserved areas.

In the Gospel reading from John (14:23–29), Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would remind his followers of everything he taught. This theme of divine faithfulness and peace found deep resonance during the homily, delivered by Rev Fr Peter Konteh.

Fr Konteh, who served as cross bearer at Fr Wuya’s ordination in 1985, spoke movingly about the grace of perseverance in ministry:
“We cannot be surprised by what God does for us, because God is goodness itself. What surprises us is when someone lives faithfully for forty years in service to that God.”

A life remembered with gratitude

Tributes were offered by representatives from several parishes, including Stephen Gaojia, Vice Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council of Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish. Responding to the tributes, Fr Wuya said:
“I am happy to hear my tributes while I am still alive.”

The celebration concluded with the presentation of gifts, including what parishioners called a “healthy gift” from the faithful of Our Lady Star of the Sea.

The celebration was widely praised for being well-organized, smooth, and joyful, characterized by a strong sense of unity, lively music, and abundant food and drink shared among families, friends, and the faithful.