“A public plea for mercy”: Catholic Priest on Annual Rosary Procession in Monrovia, Liberia

“We pray also for the church, the mission, missionaries, Pope, Bishops, Religious and leaders at all levels, protection for our young people, and guidance for our leaders,” Fr. Dunham said.

Credit: Wilfred Lawrence D’Souza, Salesian Cooperator, AOS Communication Officer, Council 145, Knights of Marshall

He urged Catholics and civic leaders to prioritize healing and social cohesion, calling attention to the need for pastoral care for youth and programs that address social concerns.

In the October 26 interview, Fr. Dunham underscored the importance of interreligious harmony and asked Christians and others to work together for Liberia’s well-being. 

Credit: Wilfred Lawrence D’Souza, Salesian Cooperator, AOS Communication Officer, Council 145, Knights of Marshall

In a report shared with ACI Africa on October 29, the Communication Officer of Council 145 of the Knights of Marshall in Liberia said that hundreds of Catholics from across Monrovia Archdiocese “gathered in solemn devotion at the grotto of Mary Help of Christians at Our Lady of Lebanon Catholic Church for the annual Rosary procession – a seven-kilometer prayer march to the Sacred Heart Cathedral on Broad Street.”

“The procession marked the climax of October Month of the Holy Rosary, a period dedicated to honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary,” Wilfred Lawrence D’Souza, Cooperator of the Religious Institute of Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), says in the report.

Credit: Wilfred Lawrence D’Souza, Salesian Cooperator, AOS Communication Officer, Council 145, Knights of Marshall

Wilfred further says the tradition in Monrovia, which the late Archbishop Michael Kpakala Francis initiated, “brings together the faithful on the last Sunday of the month to strengthen Marian devotion across the Archdiocese.”

Led by altar servers bearing the crucifix, the procession included members of the Mama Margaret Children’s Ministry dressed as angels, the Salesian and Archdiocesan Youth Ministries, the Legion of Mary, the Sacred Heart Confraternity, Salesian Cooperators, Priests, Religious Sisters, missionaries, and other Catholic groups.

Credit: Wilfred Lawrence D’Souza, Salesian Cooperator, AOS Communication Officer, Council 145, Knights of Marshall

As they marched through major streets, pilgrims prayed the Rosary and sang Marian hymns. A beautifully adorned statue of the Virgin Mary, transported by Radio Maria Liberia, travelled along with them.

Live reflections by Br. Michael Luah and Fr. Johnny Clement Kombo were broadcast on Radio Maria and streamed on social media, allowing thousands of Catholics unable to attend to participate virtually.

Credit: Wilfred Lawrence D’Souza, Salesian Cooperator, AOS Communication Officer, Council 145, Knights of Marshall

At Sacred Heart Cathedral, the faithful gathered at the grotto for the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Prayer of the Faithful, led by children from the Mama Margaret Ministry. Young participants dressed as angels placed a crown on the statue of Mary, drawing emotional reactions from onlookers.

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Credit: Wilfred Lawrence D’Souza, Salesian Cooperator, AOS Communication Officer, Council 145, Knights of Marshall

The ceremony continued with a consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and concluded inside the Cathedral with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Credit: Wilfred Lawrence D’Souza, Salesian Cooperator, AOS Communication Officer, Council 145, Knights of Marshall

Fr. Kombo, who serves as Secretary to the Archbishop of Monrovia, expressed gratitude to all participants, organizers, and volunteers, particularly the Knights and Ladies of Marshall, for providing water.

Also speaking to ACI Africa, Fr. Thomas Tran, assistant Parish Priest of Our Lady of Lebanon Parish of Monronvia Archdiocese, emphasized that Mary is as a “Mother of love, care, and the Help of Christians.” 

Credit: Wilfred Lawrence D’Souza, Salesian Cooperator, AOS Communication Officer, Council 145, Knights of Marshall

The SDB member underscored the need for practical charity, saying, “Our prayer must move us to works of mercy - feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, and defending the dignity of the poor.” 

Credit: Wilfred Lawrence D’Souza, Salesian Cooperator, AOS Communication Officer, Council 145, Knights of Marshall

Fr. Tran urged young people to have a special place for Mother Mary, their rosary devotion, while engaging in peaceful community service.