“Do not forget about the poor”: Apostolic Nuncio to Newly Ordained Archbishop of Monrovia, Liberia

Monrovia, 06 May, 2024 / 8:03 PM

The representative of the Holy Father in Liberia has called upon the new Local Ordinary of the Catholic Archdiocese of Monrovia to prioritize the poor during his Episcopal Ministry.

In his homily during the Episcopal Consecration of Mons. Gabriel Blamo Snosio Jubwe on May 4, Archbishop Walter Erbì  said, “As you embark upon this journey, do not forget about the poor and God’s people who are in search of comfort.”

“You have to be their source of strength and inspiration,” Archbishop Erbì added referring to the needy in society during the event that was held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral of Monrovia Archdiocese

The Italian-born Vatican diplomat, who also represents the Holy Father in Sierra Leone and The Gambia urged the Catholic community in the Liberian Archdiocese to rally behind their new shepherd, so he succeeds in his Episcopal ministry.

He urged Mons. Jubwe, who was appointed Local Ordinary of Monrovia on February 28, to be “a leader who listens and serves his people.”

Born in September 1958 in Nigeria’s Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Archbishop Jubwe was ordained a Priest for the Archdiocese of Monrovia after completing his Priestly studies and formation at St. Paul Major Seminary in Gbarnga, Liberia.

As a Priest, he has served in various capacities, including Director of the Diocesan Pastoral Center; a member of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Liberian Council of Churches, and Inter-Religious Council of Liberia.

In his maiden speech following his May 4 consecration, Archbishop Jubwe pledged to foster a collaborative approach in his Episcopal ministry, cooperating with the Government of Liberia in initiatives towards reconciliation and healing. 

“We assure you that together we can restore the hopes and the various aspirations of our people throughout the country,” he told the President Joseph Boakai-led government, and added, “While the Church relies on you for single protection, you can rely on the grace of the Church as guardian for the work that you do.”

He promised to be a “selfless leader”, who will reconcile and unite the Church in Liberia and pursue healing and national unity. 

Archbishop Jubwe is the sixth Local Ordinary of the Liberian Catholic Archdiocese that was erected in April 1903 as Vicariate Apostolic of Sierra Leone before it was elevated to an Archdiocese in December 1981.

The Archdiocese, which measures 15,971 square kilometers, has a population of 147,259 Catholics representing 6.1 percent of the total population of the Metropolitan See, according to 2021 statistics.