Let’s “protect our dignity”: Catholic Youths in Liberia’s Monrovia Archdiocese Cautioned against Social Vices

Monrovia, 03 January, 2026 / 11:09 PM

Catholic youths in Liberia’s Monrovia Archdiocese have been cautioned against social vices and urged to safeguard their human dignity as followers of Jesus Christ.

Speaking during the 2025 Archdiocesan Youth Festival, which concluded on December 31 at Stella Maris Polytechnic University (SMPU) in Monrovia, the Director of the Youth Secretariat, Fr. Johnny Clement Kombo, highlighted social vices that, if left unchecked, can undermine human dignity.

“As Christians, we must protect our dignity by rejecting drugs, pornography, violence, and self-harm, and by embracing prayer, the sacraments, and healthy living,” Fr. Kombo said.

He emphasized, “Your body is not an object, it is a gift and a temple of the Holy Spirit.”

Fr. Kombo encouraged Catholic youths to adopt practical habits such as nutritious eating, regular exercise, adequate rest, avoidance of harmful substances, and active participation in the sacramental life as concrete ways of honouring the dignity of the human body.

The six-day event brought together 271 young Catholics from across Monrovia Archdiocese for prayer, faith formation, recreation, and fellowship under the theme “Corpus Templum Spiritus Sancti – The Body, the Temple of the Holy Spirit.”

The festival opened with registration, orientation, and a vocation evening, setting the tone for a week that blended spiritual formation with practical life guidance. Daily activities included morning prayers, Holy Mass, confessions, Eucharistic adoration, interactive faith sessions, and structured recreational programs.

A key highlight was the Archdiocesan Youth Assembly (AYA) Convention, which brought together youth delegates to deliberate on leadership development, youth participation, and pastoral priorities within the Archdiocese. 

Cultural and sporting activities—such as dance, rap performances, debates, and doctrinal quizzes—were also organized to foster creativity, teamwork, and leadership skills.

The Rector of the Religious Institute of Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) in Liberia, Fr. Peter Kwaku Kpen-Ana, spoke about the sacraments, particularly the Holy Eucharist, and Christian social responsibility. 

Quoting St. John Bosco, he encouraged the youth to entrust their lives to Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

“Entrust everything to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and to Mary Help of Christians, and you will see what miracles are,” he said.

A special session on cyberbullying examined its impact on young people and the Church’s response through Scripture and Catholic Social Teaching.

Participants also took part in a Rosary walk from Our Lady of Lebanon Parish to the Marian Shrine at Don Bosco School, as well as excursions to St. Francis Xavier Outstation, St. Michael the Archangel Chapel, and Wulki’s Farm in Careysburg, offering moments of reflection, learning, and community bonding.

The festival concluded with Holy Mass, evaluation sessions, and the departure of participants. 

Wilfred Lawrence D’Souza, Cooperator of the Religious Institute of Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), contributed to this story