Jesuit Superior General Arturo Sosa Makes Historic First-Ever Pastoral Visit to Liberia

Event closed.

Jesuit Superior General Arturo Sosa Makes Historic First-Ever Pastoral Visit to Liberia

Event Description

CALDWELL, LIBERIA — In a landmark moment for the Catholic Church in Liberia, the Superior General of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), Very Reverend Arturo Sosa, SJ, arrived in Liberia on Saturday, October 10, 2026, marking the first-ever pastoral visit by a Jesuit Superior General to the nation.The historic visit was celebrated with great joy and thanksgiving on Sunday, October 11, at Holy Family Parish in Caldwell. Parishioners, members of the clergy, and representatives from the Archdiocese of Monrovia gathered for a solemn 10:30 AM Mass, followed by a town hall reception organized in his honor in the parish hall.The Thanksgiving Mass was concelebrated by a number of priest from the Archdiocese of Monrovia alongside the visiting Jesuit delegation. A total of 12 priests graced the altar and welcomed the Father General:Very Reverend Arturo Sosa, SJ – Superior General of the Society of Jesus , Msgr. Francesco Diano – Chargé d’Affaires, Apostolic Nunciature (Attaché to Papal Nuncio to Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia) ,Very Reverend Dennis Cephas Nimene – Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Liberia (CABICOL) , Very Reverend John Ghansah, SJ – ANW Provincial , Reverend Father Miguel Zaglul Criado, SJ – Regional Assistant for Latin America North , Reverend Father Tersoo Gwaza, SJ – Pastor, Holy Family Parish , Reverend Father Chidiebere Mberu, SJReverend Father Kevin Oodo, SJ , Provincial Delegate, Society of Jesus, Liberia, Reverend Father Thomas Jabakwu, SJ – Director of Communication , Reverend Father Benedict Mayaki, SJ – Assistant Director of Communication , Reverend Father Chukwuyenum Afiawari, SJ – Regional Assistant for Africa and Madagascar / Director of Communication , Reverend Father Johnny-Clement Kombo – Vocations Director and Priest Secretary to the Archbishop of Monrovia .During the service, Nunciature and CABICOL reflected on the deep impact of the Society of Jesus in Liberia:Msgr. Francesco Diano (Apostolic Nunciature): Expressed gratitude for Father General’s historic visit and recounted the vital role Jesuits played during Liberia’s civil war, providing crucial accompaniment and spiritual presence. He highlighted ongoing pastoral works, including the impact of Xavier Jesuit School, and prayed that Father Sosa’s visit would further solidify the enduring bond between the Jesuits and the Church in Liberia.Very Reverend Dennis Cephas Nimene (CABICOL) extended warm greetings on behalf of the bishops, recognizing the expanding ministry of the Jesuits, including their significant contributions to St. Paul College Seminary ( years back) ellatheir presence at Stella Maris Polytechnic University. Father Tersoo Gwaza, SJ (Pastor) expressed heartfelt gratitude to the visiting delegation, clergy, and parishioners for their support and presence during this auspicious milestone. Father Arturo Sosa’s Homily presented a vision of God’s boundless love and a call to active mission:God’s Open Invitation: God’s abundance is offered to everyone through pure grace. The kingdom of heaven is an open banquet where no one is excluded.The Meaning of the Wedding Garment: Referring to the parable of the wedding feast, Father Sosa explained that wearing the wedding garment represents an internal transformation of heart—accepting God’s love and actively committing to His mission rather than being a passive recipient.Acknowledging that fear, financial strain, or uncertainty can paralyze us, he emphasized that Ignatian hope assures us that God’s grace is actively at work in our daily lives.A Daily “Yes” to Companionship: Fr. Sosa invited the faithful to reflect daily on the core Ignatian question: “What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ? What ought I to do for Christ?”To live out this invitation, Father Sosa urged parishioners to practice daily personal prayer and to renew their commitment to companionship by serving as living signs of Christ’s love in their families, workplaces, and communities.Following the Eucharistic celebration, parishioners, parish leadership, and invited guests joined Father General and his team for a festive Town Hall meeting and reception in the parish hall, celebrating unity, gratitude, and a shared commitment to the mission of Christ. We extend gratitude to all graced the occasion. We remain appreciative to Reverend Father Arturo Sosa for the visit. The Office of the Archbishop October 11, 2026