Media Release

Liberia, Feb 4: It was indeed a great day for the Salesians of Don Bosco and for the parish of St Joseph’s in Monrovia, Republic of Liberia in West Africa when they recently celebrated the feast of St John Bosco with great joy and enthusiasm after the closing of the Novena to Don Bosco.

It may be recalled that this parish came into existence 50 years back and was entrusted to the Salesians of Don Bosco in 1979. The present rector and parish priest Fr Lionel Xavier SDB who is heading the mission in Liberia is hailing from the province of Chennai, India and the assistant parish priest, Fr Jose Valiplackel SDB from the province of Dimapur, India and are working as missionaries in West Africa from nearly two decades rendering service to the community.

The first mass was celebrated by the Rector Fr Lionel Xavier on the feast day. In his homily he presented to the faithful the seven characteristics of the life of St John Bosco, his deep love and concern for the youth, especially the poor and abandoned. His zeal for souls, his devotions to the holy Eucharist and Our Lady Help of Christians, the educative system of Don Bosco… the preventive system, A spirituality and guide to holiness, the importance of the sacrament of reconciliation and the family spirit.

The festive solemn mass was celebrated by archbishop of Monrovia, Fr Lewis Zeigler, assisted by Fr Lionel Xavier SDB and Fr Sony Potenplackal, the acting principal of Don Bosco Technical High School, along with two newly ordained deacons of the diocese of Monrovia. In his homily the archbishop exhorted the youth to study and imitate the life of Don Bosco, and be effective members of the Church and the society at large.

This festival mass was followed by a joyful festive programme of dance, drama, games, quiz which was highly appreciated by the people and concluded with a sumptuous lunch.  To mark this occasion a Rosary made of balloons was one of the attractions of the day.

The evening’s programmes was mostly confined to the religious and the priests of the diocese, along with some important dignitaries of the country, and various members of the parish committees.  The programme began with vespers which was followed by a video presentation of the message of the ninth successor of Don Bosco, Fr Paschal Chavez (The present superior general of the society of the Salesians of Don Bosco).

The presentation showed how the educational legacy of Don Bosco – the preventive system has contributed to the growth of a holistic education all over the world. This education system has borne fruits in a tangible way by the number of saints, blessed, venerable and servants of God to the Holy Catholic Church in the past 150 years of its existence.

The video clip on the life and growth of the Salesian Mission in Liberia was also presented during this occasion. The days programme concluded with a dinner.