Media Release
Monrovia, Apr 20: Our Lady of Lebanon Catholic church, St Joseph Parish in Monrovia entrusted to the Salesians of Don Bosco witnessed an unforgettable Good Friday as the youth staged a moving passion play that resonated beyond the church grounds, spreading a heartfelt message of hope and salvation throughout the city. This year’s presentation was exceptional, capturing the attention of parishioners and passersby alike, as the youth carried the story of mankind’s salvation through the streets in a vivid, emotional procession.
The passion plays extended from the Don Bosco compound at 8th Street to the church opposite the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, turning the public main street into a stage for reflection and faith. Many onlookers, were drawn into the powerful narrative conveyed by the young performers and paused to reflect on the message conveyed: “despite the world’s conflicts and struggles, the cross represents a beacon of hope and assurance that Easter Sunday and new beginnings follow every Good Friday.”
Leading the procession was Fr Kpen-Ana Peter Kwaku SDB (Fr Peter Savio SDB) rector of the Salesian Mission in Liberia and parish priest, accompanied by Fr Thomas Tran SDB the asst parish priest, Fr Albert SDB, the principal of Don Bosco Technical High School and Bro Omobayode Olukanni SDB, the Salesian youth animator popularly known as Bro Brayo SDB
Despite the sweltering heat, the parishioners demonstrated deep devotion, walking with reverence and strength. In a show of solidarity, the knights, ladies, and junior order of Marshall under the leadership of Grand Knight of Council 145, Bro Joe O. Howe, State DGK Worthy Brother Clarence Borbordee, Noble Lady of Court 142 Sis Veronica Harris, DNL Sis Marcella, and other esteemed members of the Noble Order, together with Team Bliss Foundation led by Frederica Modad, who generously provided about 300 cold water bottles, which was blessed by Fr Sony Joseph Pottenplackal SDB and distributed to the participants, to keep them hydrated. This act of kindness underscored the spirit of unity and compassion that defined the day.
Salome Zinni Younge from the ADMA, together with the parish choir and youth members, brought energy and solemnity to the Way of the Cross. The Liberian National Police led by officer Agatha, an ADMA member controlled the traffic and ensured safety to the participants.
The powerful procession culminated in the Good Friday liturgy, with Fr Sony Joseph Pottenplackal SDB as the main celebrant & with the participation from various clergy, including the secretary to the Papal Nuncio to Liberia.
The event was further enriched by the active involvement of various religious orders and lay groups such as the Clarissan missionary sisters of the blessed sacrament, FMM Sisters, missionaries of charity sisters, diocesan nuns, The brothers of St John of the Cross, Salesian cooperators, ADMA members, fraternity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, knights and ladies of St John International, CMO, CWO, CYA, the Youth organization and many faithful parishioners. Their collective devotion made this Good Friday celebration truly memorable.
“Through this passion play, our youth have beautifully reminded us that with Christ, there is endless hope. It is a message the world needs now more than ever,” said Fr Peter Savio SDB and thanked everyone for their active participation.