Media Release
Monrovia, Oct 30: Hundreds of Catholics from across the archdiocese of Monrovia 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, the month of the Holy Rosary, a period dedicated to honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Each October, the Catholic Church commemorates the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary on October 7, instituted in gratitude for Mary’s protection over the Church and the faithful who pray the Rosary.
Throughout the month, Catholics in Monrovia joined in daily parish Rosary recitations, culminating in Sunday’s Archdiocesan procession organized by the Roman Catholic archdiocese of Monrovia on the last Sunday of October - a tradition inspired by the late archbishop Michael Kpakala Francis to foster Marian devotion among the faithful.
The vibrant procession, led by altar servers carrying the crucifix and followed by a large group of lay faithful, 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 organizations.
With rosaries in hand, participants prayed and sang Marian hymns as they processed reverently through the principal streets of Monrovia. The beautifully adorned statue of the Madonna, mounted on a vehicle from Radio Maria Liberia, passed through the University of Liberia campus, LNP headquarters, Capitol Bypass, Orange Liberia Technology Office, YMCA Building, and Broad Street.
Bro Michael Luah and members of the Legion of Mary, together with Fr Johnny Clement Kombo, provided live reflections and spiritual commentary broadcast on Radio Maria and streamed on the station’s social media platforms, allowing thousands to participate virtually.
Despite the intense heat, participants walked with reverence and joy. In a moving display of solidarity, the Knights and Ladies of Marshall, along with their junior order, under the leadership of Grand Knight of Council 145 Bro Joe O Howe, State Grand Knight Worthy Brother S Clarence Borbordee, Noble Lady of Court 142 Sis Veronica Harris, deputy noble Lady Sis Marcella, Jr Sis Carmilla Davis, Jr Sis Keisha Tokpa, and other esteemed members of the Noble Order, distributed cold water bottles to participants along the way. This act of kindness underscored the spirit of unity and compassion that defined the day, fostering fellowship and service.
Upon arrival at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, the congregation assembled before the grotto for the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Prayer of the Faithful led by the Mama Margaret Children’s Ministry. Children dressed as angels placed a crown upon the statue of the Madonna - a touching moment that moved onlookers. The ceremony continued with the Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and concluded inside the Cathedral with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, offering a deeply spiritual close to the month-long observance of the Rosary.
Fr Johnny C Kombo, priest secretary to the archbishop of Monrovia, extended heartfelt gratitude to all participants, organizers, and volunteers for their commitment and collaboration, and thanked the Knights and Ladies of Marshall for providing water to the participants.
In an interview, Fr Martin Chea Dunham, administrator of Sacred Heart Cathedral, reaffirmed the archdiocese’s devotion to Mary “This annual event reminds us that Mary has always accompanied us with her loving presence. We continue to pass through Mary as our shortest route to Jesus, asking her intercession for our Church, our country, and all our communities so that peace and goodwill may prevail.”
Fr Thomas Tran, SDB, assistant parish priest of Our Lady of Lebanon Catholic Church, reflected on the event in light of the Year of Hope, calling Mary 'a mother of Hope and Mercy and a powerful intercessor'. He added, “Everything the Church teaches about Mary points us to Jesus Christ. As our Heavenly Mother, she continues to guide us on the path to holiness.”
The day concluded with refreshments provided by various Catholic organizations of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, reinforcing fellowship among the faithful.
The archdiocesan Rosary Procession once again stood as a powerful testament to faith, unity, and devotion - inspiring Catholics across Liberia to remain steadfast in prayer and to live as bearers of Christ’s light in the world.