Archbishop’s Pastoral Visitation to St. Mary Catholic High School, Duala, Bushrod Island

Event closed.

Archbishop’s Pastoral Visitation to St. Mary Catholic High School, Duala, Bushrod Island

Event Description

St. Mary Catholic High School was deeply honored to welcome His Grace, Most Rev. Gabriel Blamo Jubwe, Archbishop of Monrovia, for a memorable day of spiritual enrichment, academic encouragement, and pastoral engagement.The visitation was marked by a vibrant expression of faith, culture, and unity, reflecting the school’s enduring commitment to both Catholic values and Liberian tradition.I. A Traditional WelcomeUpon his arrival, His Grace received a warm and jubilant reception at the school’s main entrance. In a rich display of Liberian heritage, the student body welcomed the Chief Shepherd with:Cultural Artistry: Lively and captivating performances by the school’s cultural troupe, showcasing traditional dances and rhythms. Traditional Tokens: The presentation of a white chicken, rice, and kola nuts—symbolic offerings representing peace, purity, hospitality, and deep respect for the Archbishop. II. The Eucharistic Celebration & Spiritual FormationThe high point of the visit was the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, presided over by His Grace. A notable moment during the liturgy was the presentation of forty (40) catechumens—students preparing to enter more fully into the life of the Church.In his homily, the Archbishop delivered profound and fatherly guidance:Dignity and Integrity: He encouraged students to uphold their moral values and safeguard their integrity amidst societal distractions. Canonical Discipline: He emphasized the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries—what he referred to as “canonical distance”—urging students to remain focused on their academic and spiritual responsibilities. III. Pastoral Tour and Student EngagementFollowing the Mass, His Grace toured the classrooms, engaging directly with students and teachers. At each stop, he offered words of encouragement, challenging students to take their education seriously as a pathway to a brighter future.In appreciation, students presented tokens of gratitude, reflecting their joy and respect for his visit.IV. Dialogue with Educators and AdministrationThe visitation concluded with a meeting between His Grace and the school’s administration, faculty, and staff.The Mission of Formation: Addressing the educators, the Archbishop expressed concern over existing lapses within the educational system. He called for renewed dedication to the holistic formation of students—academically, morally, and spiritually.A Call to Self-Reliance: Responding to concerns about salary and support, His Grace offered a candid reflection on the Church’s present reality. He noted that reliance on external missionary assistance has diminished, emphasizing the need for local initiative and sustainability.“We must be missionaries to ourselves,” he urged, calling for collective responsibility in strengthening the educational system.