By: Naneka A. Hoffman
The Diocesan Administration of the Catholic Archdiocese of Monrovia, Rev. Dr. Monsignor Gabriel Blamo Jubwe, underscores a need to pray for Liberia so that leaders and politicians may understand that good leadership is at the service of peace, including respect for the rule of law.
Delivering his 2024 New Year’s Message on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at the Catholic Archdiocese of Monrovia, Rev. Dr. Monsignor Jubwe lauded the people of Liberia for the peaceful conduct of general and presidential elections last year that saw the election of a new President, Joseph N. Boakai.
He thanks outgoing President George M. Weah, for graciously conceding defeat to his major political rival during the presidential run-off election before counting of the final results by the National Elections Commission (NEC).
“As we enter the New Year 2024, let us together thank God for his enduring presence with us as a church and remain ever grateful for the blessing of peace bestowed upon us a nation following tightly contested run-off on November 14, 2023″, he says.
According to Father Jubwe, the diverse challenges of 2023 may have dampened Liberians’ hopes and crushed their spirits in different ways, their determination and resilience have enabled them to continue to endure with the emergence of a New Year that comes along with endless possibilities.
“Let us then embrace new opportunities in the New Year and as a church bounded by faith and Baptism, work together to achieve our goals in a Synodal spirit of walking together and listening to the Holy Spirit.”
The Catholic Prelate on behave of Members of the College Consultors and in his own name, acknowledges and appreciates the different ways they have worked to achieve their mission as a Church over the past years.
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“We have been overwhelmed by the selfless services and the pastoral solicitude of the Religious, the Clergy-diocesan, and missionaries alike- the catechists, pastoral workers, and individuals working in the different departments at the Archdiocesan Secretariat and institutions.”
He thanks the Catholic Church, particularly for what he describes as unweaving support and sustainable contributions of lay faithful in the different parishes and deaneries.
Meanwhile, he says that the Diocesan Administration and Members of the College of Consultors of the Archdiocese of Monrovia, extend heartfelt New Year greetings and best wishes to the Clergy, Religious Men and Women, Deacons, Seminaries, Catechists, personal workers, Department Heads of the Archdiocesan Catholic Secretariat and Education Institutions, Heads of Lady Organizations and the Lady Faithful of the Archdiocese of Monrovia.
Rev. Dr. Blamo notes that in his 2024 “World Day of Peace” message under the theme: Artificial Intelligence and Peace” Pope Francis urged all people to reflect on the important work of building peace.
He reminds that the Church is not unaware of ongoing conflicts around the world that are causing so much suffering and deaths.
The Catholic in Liberia maintains an indelible imprint on society with its strong education and health programs coupled with humanitarian service and advocacy for social justice and peace. Editing by Jonathan Browne
