Media Release

Liberia, Dec 18: Thousands of Catholics and non-Catholics from across Liberia converged on the Archdiocesan Marian Shrine of Our Lady Queen of Peace in Virginia, outside Monrovia, for the annual Archdiocesan pilgrimage. The two-day prayer gathering, led by archbishop Dr Gabriel Blamo Jubwe, marked the close of the Jubilee Year of Hope and renewed the Church’s call for personal conversion, forgiveness and renewed commitment to social justice amid the nation’s ongoing challenges.

The pilgrimage opened with an evening vigil that drew a large patient and prayerful crowd for the Stations of the Cross, praise and worship, adoration, Divine Mercy devotions and a healing and anointing service. Priests from across the archdiocese and several missionary congregations including Fr Jonathan Whawen, Fr Charles N S Makara, Fr Edward S Tiepoh, Fr Osarodion Iriabe, SJ, Fr Stephen Esuk, SDB, Fr Harris Fayiah, Fr Joseph Momoh, C S Sp, Fr Victor Atsu Koku Gbotso, SVD, Fr Thomas M Toe and others offered short reflective meditations that kept participants engaged through the night. Fr Toe also led the Eucharistic Adoration.

The vigil concluded with Holy Eucharist presided by Fr Solomon Gbaki, SDB. Many participants described the experience as deeply moving and spiritually renewing.

On the following morning, thousands joined a rosary procession from Moulton Corner to the shrine entrance led by Fr Boniface B Florkiah and Fr Victor Atsu Koku Gbotso, SVD, and assisted by parish pious groups. Live reflections and spiritual commentary along the route were provided by the Legion of Mary and broadcast on Radio Maria Liberia, as well as streamed on the station’s social media platforms, enabling thousands more to participate virtually.

Fr Johnny Clement Kombo, the priest secretary to the archbishop, and Fr Martin Chea Dunham, administrator of Sacred Heart Cathedral, served as masters of ceremony throughout the celebrations.

Community outreach remained a defining feature of the pilgrimage. The Salesian Family, led by Fr Kpen-Ana Peter Kwaku, SDB, Rector of the Salesian Mission in Liberia, distributed free bottled water to pilgrims, an effort that was widely commended for its service to all the participants. Radio Maria Liberia and St Joseph Parish media teams provided live coverage, further expanding virtual participation, while a vibrant Salesian Family banner welcoming pilgrims drew significant attention and added colour to the event.

The Knights and Ladies of Marshall distributed scapulars blessed by archbishop Jubwe to mark the opening of the Knights’ centenary celebrations. Liberia State Grand Knight Worthy Brother S Clarance Borbordee told pilgrims, “We distribute this scapular which is a simple yet powerful sign of Mary’s protection. May this scapular strengthen your faith, deepen your devotion, and draw you under Our Lady’s loving care. May this pilgrimage remind us that hope is our shared gift and peace our shared responsibility.”

Also participating were children supported by a Spanish based organisation “In Mary’s Hands” which works for the betterment of street children through education and care. Led by Angel and Sonia, the group joined the pilgrimage with the underprivileged children, highlighting the inclusive spirit and humanitarian outreach at the heart of the event.

Medical support was provided throughout the pilgrimage, with an ambulance and medical team on standby for first aid and emergencies.

Pilgrims later received the Sacrament of Reconciliation before joining a festive Mass celebrated by archbishop Jubwe and concelebrated by about 30 priests, including the Secretary to the Apostolic Nuncio and missionary clergy from the Salesians of Don Bosco, the Society of the Divine Word, the Society of African Missions and the Jesuits.

Children liturgical dancers added colour and youthful energy to the celebration, drawing admiration from pilgrims who saw their performance as a sign of hope and continuity within the Church.

In his homily, archbishop Jubwe urged the faithful to embrace forgiveness and interior renewal. “In calling us to forgiveness and personal transformation, Mary shows us the way to rebuild our relationship with God and one another,” he said. “Nothing is impossible for God, let us renew our hearts and work together for justice and unity.”

The pilgrimage drew broad participation from religious orders, lay movements and community groups including the Brothers of St John of God, the Marist Brothers, Missionaries of Charity Sisters, FMM Sisters, Holy Family Sisters, Cenacolo Community Sisters, Clarissan Missionary Sisters, the Sisters of Our Lady of Apostles, the Hospitaller Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Legion of Mary, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and numerous volunteers.

Children from the Oscar Romero School for the Deaf - an institution providing vocational skills training for persons with disabilities, particularly the deaf and hard of hearing (HOH) actively participated in the celebrations. One of the school’s senior students translated the archbishop’s homily into sign language.

The Our Lady Queen of Peace Shrine, established after Liberia’s civil war by the late Archbishop Michael Francis and designated an Archdiocesan Pilgrimage Centre in 2000, remains a focal point of Marian devotion and national reconciliation. The annual pilgrimage continues to draw thousands each year in prayer, reflection and communcal solidarity.