The Daughters of Mary (Wana Maria) is a special devotional group in St. Charles Lwanga Catholic Parish – Muyeye for young girls who desire to grow in faith under the example and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The group helps girls to deepen their love for God, to imitate the virtues of Mary, and to grow in Christian identity with confidence, purity, humility, and joy.
In the parish sources, Wana Maria is presented as a ministry of Marian formation and girlhood development. While some of the girls may also belong to other children’s groups, Wana Maria has its own distinct character: it helps girls reflect on the life of Mary and other holy women, and encourages them to live with obedience to God, kindness to others, modest conduct, and a generous spirit of service.
What Wana Maria Promotes
- Marian Spirituality – members learn about the life, virtues, and example of the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially her humility, purity, obedience, and trust in God.
- Prayer and Devotion – the girls pray the Rosary together, take part in Marian hymns, and grow in love for prayer and devotion to Our Lady.
- Christian Virtue – the group encourages modesty, respectful behavior, self-worth, and moral responsibility, helping girls to grow as faithful young Catholic women.
- Sisterhood and Mentorship – Wana Maria provides a supportive space where girls build friendship, encouragement, and guidance through the accompaniment of older women and parish mentors.
- Service – members take part in small acts of service, especially in connection with Marian devotion, parish celebrations, and helping others in simple and joyful ways.
Activities of the Group
The attached parish materials describe Wana Maria as a group whose members gather for prayer, Marian teaching, songs, and practical formation. They learn about Mary and the women saints, reflect on how to live Christian virtues in daily life, and sometimes practice useful skills in a spirit of discipline and service.
The group also takes part in parish celebrations connected with Our Lady. On Marian feasts and devotional occasions, the girls may help lead processions, carry flowers, perform short poems or skits, sing Marian hymns, and support other acts of devotion that enrich the prayer life of the parish.
Formation of Young Girls in Faith
Wana Maria is especially valuable because it offers young girls a faith-filled environment in which they can grow with dignity, purpose, and encouragement. The parish sources highlight the importance of helping girls develop confidence, good choices, and a sense of Christian identity in a world where many pressures can pull them in other directions. In this ministry, the example of Mary becomes both spiritual inspiration and practical guidance.
The group also helps connect generations within the parish, since older women and mentors pass on faith, wisdom, and care to the younger members. In this way, Wana Maria strengthens both the girls themselves and the wider life of the parish family.
Visible Witness in Parish Life
The sources also note that Wana Maria members may wear a simple uniform, sash, medal, or veil during gatherings and ceremonies as a sign of devotion and belonging. Their participation in prayer, Marian celebrations, and acts of service makes them a visible and beautiful witness of youthful faith within the parish community.
Current Local Information
- Age group: generally young girls of school-going age
- Meeting schedule: Consult parish office for details
- Current mentors / coordinators: Consult parish office for details
- Current spiritual guide: Consult parish office for details
- How to join: Consult parish office for details
We warmly encourage young girls and families of the parish to take part in the life of Wana Maria, so that they may continue to grow in Marian devotion, Christian virtue, joyful service, and love for the Church.