Strengthening Ties: Archbishop of Monrovia Deepens Partnership with the Vatican

On the back of a pivotal move, which points to the growing prominence of the Catholic Church in Liberia, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Monrovia, His Grace Gabriel Blamo Jubwe, recently concluded a productive visit to the Vatican in Rome.

This strategic engagement has apparently laid the groundwork for expanded support and collaboration between the Archdiocese of Monrovia and the global Catholic leadership, promising to advance the Church’s vital mission within the West African nation.

Archbishop Jubwe’s visit to the seat of Catholicism was marked by a flurry of discussions and outreach initiatives, all aimed at fortifying the ties between Liberia and the Holy See.

At the heart of these efforts was a meeting with officials from the Dicastery, or Department, of the Roman Curia responsible for Evangelization in the World, the First Evangelization, and New Particular Churches.

During this meaningful encounter, the Archbishop expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support the Vatican has extended to the Archdiocese of Monrovia over the years. This support has manifested in various forms, including the training of priests, the education of catechists, the formation of children and youth, the construction of churches and houses, and the provision of essential means of transport.

“The Holy See’s commitment to the growth and development of the Church in Liberia has been truly transformative,” Archbishop Jubwe remarked. “Their support has empowered us to extend the reach of our pastoral activities and better serve the spiritual needs of our people.”

The Archbishop’s visit also included a courtesy call on Ambassador Andew Kronyanh, the Liberian Ambassador to Italy, at the Liberian Embassy in Rome. This meeting was graced by the presence of two prominent Liberian priests – Rev. Fr. Urey Mark, who serves in the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and Rev. Fr. Prince Sieh, who recently completed his graduate studies in Canon Law at the Pontifical University of Urban in Rome.

The Archbishop’s itinerary in Rome also included stops at the Generalate, or headquarters, of several religious congregations with deep ties to Liberia. At the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) Generalate, he expressed gratitude for the sisters’ invaluable work in St. Dominic parish in Tubmanburg, Bomi, particularly their efforts in the areas of education, human dignity, and justice and human development.

The Archbishop’s visit to the Generalate of the Missionary Sisters of the Adorers of the Precious Blood of Christ (ASC) held particular significance. Here, he reaffirmed Liberia’s acknowledgment and appreciation of the five ASC sisters who were tragically killed during the 1992 “Operation Octopus” in Liberia. This solemn occasion was an opportunity to support the cause for sainthood of these “martyrs of charity.”

At the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM) Generalate, the Archbishop celebrated the congregation’s longstanding missionary work in Liberia since 1936 and the ascendancy of a Liberian sister, Sr. Julia Pelenah, to a leadership role within the FMM global mission.

The Archbishop’s final stop was at the Generalate of the Society of African Missions (SMA), where he renewed the commitment of the Archdiocese of Monrovia to the common mission of evangelization, education, healthcare, and improving the quality of life for the people of Liberia. This visit held historic significance, as it fulfilled the vision of the SMA’s Founding Father, Melchior de Marion Bresillac, to establish a self-ministering local church served by indigenous clergy.

Archbishop Jubwe’s comprehensive visit to the Vatican and various religious congregations in Rome has undoubtedly strengthened the ties between the Archdiocese of Monrovia and the global Catholic Church. This strategic engagement has paved the way for continued support and collaboration, empowering the Church to further its vital mission of spiritual guidance, community development, and social upliftment in Liberia.

“This trip has been a resounding success, allowing us to deepen our partnership with the Vatican and bolster the resources and expertise available to our Archdiocese,” Archbishop Jubwe concluded. “As we move forward, I am confident that these strengthened ties will yield tangible benefits for the people of Liberia, enabling us to better serve their needs and fulfill our calling as shepherds of the faithful.”