At the memorial Mass on 25 September in Monrovia, when it was time for tributes, I crossed the aisle to take pictures, and saw a sobbing mourner in tears. “This is too hard for me,” she whispered, wiping tears from her cheeks. I sat close to her to console her. As I talked to her tears also started welling up in my own eyes. Taking pictures became difficult.
By John T. Monibah, contributing writer
Earlier, in his sermon, the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Monrovia, Fr. Ambrose Kromah, described Fr. Joe Brown SDB as a “humble pastor” and educator whose work touched not only the institutions but countless lives also. “Fr. Joe became a mentor, teacher, a humble pastor, and a friend to many, especially the young. His contributions to education and human development remains a lasting part of his legacy in Liberia,” he said.
September 11 or 9/11, as it is known in America, has never been that much of a significant date for some in Liberia. That changed with the passing of an iconic Silesian priest, Fr. Joe Brown, SDB on 9/11, 2026. From now on, this date will be remembered as a day of sorrow in the lives of countless Liberians. It was on this day that the heartbreaking news of Fr. Joe’s home-going struck us deeply.
Liberia has lost a great friend, co-worker, leader, humanitarian, educator, and Priest par excellence. Known affectionately as “2FM” (his amateur radio name) and “Fr. JB,” he brought not only Christ and the Gospel but also love, education, humanitarian service, and development in the lives of our Church, citizens, students, and friends.
Past Pupils of Fr Joe Brown SDB at the Memorial Mass in Monrovia
Ordained September 4, 1950, Fr. Joe came to Liberia in 1980 to join the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB). He served faithfully for 21 years until April 2001, when he returned to the UK. Even then, he continued working for Liberia as Director of the Missions Office in London, raising funds to support the SDB and the Catholic Church in Liberia.
Upon his arrival in 1980, Fr. Joe immediately immersed himself in the Lord’s vineyard, showing genuine leadership as Principal of the Arthur Barclay Technical Institute (ABTI) in Monrovia. Originally planned as an all-girls school, ABTI became co-educational under his visionary guidance. He also oversaw its transformation into Don Bosco Polytechnic (now Stella Maris Polytechnic University), introducing Liberia to the concept of polytechnic education. His model allowed students to progress from certificate to associate and bachelor’s degrees, while earning income as early as their first certification to support their education going forward.
When Liberia descended into civil war in 1990, Fr Joe remained in Monrovia for a long while, working and assisting the Salesians and the Archdiocese in coordinating vital relief efforts. During the Lutheran Church massacre, when displaced people were sheltered on 8th Street, he risked his life to secure food from the Freeport of Monrovia for the needy. After ceasefire, he worked tirelessly with CRS to deliver urgently needed relief supplies to Monrovia and beyond, often ahead of other agencies.
Fr. Joe was a true ambassador with a mission. Together with fellow Salesians, he helped establish the Don Bosco Programs as a centralized hub managing five institutions: Don Bosco Polytechnic, Don Bosco Homes, Don Bosco Rehab and Skills Training Program, Don Bosco Youth Center, and Don Bosco Technical High School. He was instrumental in reopening Radio Veritas, securing funds and technical expertise from abroad to make it the “Voice of the Voiceless” it became. His support for Sean Devereux’s humanitarian work in Liberia remains a shining example of his commitment.
His impact in Liberia is indelible not only through missionary, educational, and humanitarian work but also through the empowerment of countless Liberian children, youth, men, and women whom he supported in school, regardless of religion, ethnicity or background.
When news of his passing reached us on 9/11, mourning began, tears streamed down our faces and it will continue for generations. Fr. Blamoh Harris SDB, reflected: “Liberia has truly lost a best friend who served to his last strength.” Ms. Laureta Nagbe described his home-going as “a monumental loss to Liberia, especially to us his children whom he loved so much.” Amadu K. Sarnor recalled: “In 1992 at VOA-1 camp, he helped us build the Don Bosco Displaced School. It was a place of learning for children who had lost everything. Through his recommendation to CRS, that school was fed, sustained, and kept alive. When Sean died in 1993, Fr. Joe asked that the school be dedicated to his memory.” John T. Monibah called him “The Missionary Saint of Salesian work in Liberia, who served Liberians as faithfully as the first Joseph, the father of Jesus, served the Holy Family.” Wannie-Toe Derrick recounted: “Father was a real genius. When I worked with him in the Don Bosco Programs central office, I found him to be creative, hardworking, and always ready to teach on the job. He did serve humanity well”.
Fr. Joe departed Liberia after 21 years of good shepherding. His legacy lives on. Go well, 2FM. Rest in peace forever. Liberians remember you now and forever.
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