Feast of the Immaculate Conception celebrated in the National Marian Shrine at Virginia, Monrovia

Mangalore Today News Network

West Africa, December 12, 2024: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception celebrates the solemn belief in the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is universally celebrated on 8th December, nine months before the feast of the Nativity of Mary, which is celebrated on 8th September. It is one of the most important Marian feasts celebrated in the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church celebrated worldwide.

Many Christian communities around the world annually observe the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and this day is a holy day of obligation in which many Christians, particularly of the Catholic faith, attend special church services for this occasion. The feast focuses on the concept that the Virgin Mary was conceived without sin. Many churches, hold special services to commemorate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

In the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Monrovia, Liberia in West Africa, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, was celebrated with Thousands of Catholics and non-Catholics making their way for a day’s pilgrimage with deep devotion to the National Marian Shrine at Virginia on the outskirts of the State’s capital city led by Archbishop Dr. Gabriel Blamo Jubwe. It may be recalled that during the notorious civil war in Liberia, thousands sought safety at this site belonging to the archdiocese of Monrovia. Notably, even with rebels passing through the area, no lives were lost . In appreciation to the Mother of God after the civil war, the late Archbishop Michael Francis founded this shrine dedicating to Our Lady Queen of Peace. In Liberia, there exists a profound reverence for the Blessed Virgin Mary. Since the year 2000, the pilgrimage has been taking place, drawing thousands of attendees from various parts of the region. The Catholic Church in Liberia has officially recognized this site as a National Pilgrimage Centre.

The prayers began with the people arriving in the evening to partake in the night vigil, which was led by Fr Tersoo Gwaza, from the Society of Jesus along with other religious from the diocese highlighted by Praise & Worship, Word of God, Special prayers, Adoration, Divine Mercy Prayer, Healing & Anointing of Holy Spirit, and concluded with the Holy Eucharistic Celebration. An enthusiastic crowd participated patiently and prayerfully, in the entire night vigil.  It was a joy to see so many of them, keeping aside all their work and participate in such a prayer ceremony. It was a wonderful experience according to many who had participated.

The following day’s programme began at 08:30 am with thousands from different parishes gathering at Moulton Corner, taking a procession reciting the Rosary up to the entrance of Queen of Peace Shrine. The Rosary was well organised and led by Rev Fr. Boniface B. Florkiah, the parish priest of Christ the King Church, assisted by the pious groups who were entrusted to lead the Rosary.

The procession concluded at the entrance of Shrine and continued with the devotion of the Stations of the cross which was led by the religious from different congregations. The priests from the Salesians of Don Bosco, Society of Divine Word, the FMM Sisters, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal team, the Marist Brothers, the Sisters of our Lady of Apostles, the Legion of Mary, the Sisters of the Holy Family, the Brothers of St. John of God, the Hospitaller Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Missionaries of Charity Sisters, the priests from the Society of African Mission and diocesan priests shared soul-stirring short reflections.

The Salesian Cooperators, ADMA, and the Salesian family headed by Rev Fr. Kpen-Ana Peter Kwaku SDB, the Rector of Salesian Mission in Liberia were spotted distributing free water pouches to the pilgrims and were commended for this initiative taken to serve the thirsty. The banner from the Salesians to greet the pilgrims was highly attention-grabbing. The distinguished team of Radio Maria Liberia, a Catholic broadcasting service, guided by the energetic leadership of its Director Rev. Fr. Alexander K. Gbamoquelli, were providing live coverage of the entire event. Concurrently, another popular online media platform Premium Online TV was also broadcasting the live events.

This marked the inaugural year of pilgrimage for the metropolitan Archbishop Dr. Gabriel Blamo Jubwe following his appointment as the Archbishop of Monrovia early this year.  This annual pilgrimage is a most important event for the Catholic Church in the archdiocese of Monrovia and was focused on deepening the faith of the participants, encouraging them to strengthen their relationship with God.

Rev. Fr Stephen SDB, conducted the adoration and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at the shrine and delivered insights on prayer. The devotees were given an opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The celebrations concluded with Solemn Festive Mass which was celebrated by Archbishop Dr. Gabriel Blamo Jubwe and concelebrated by about 40 other priests from the diocese and other congregations.

A strong choir consisting of choir members from different parish rose to the occasion to make the day’s liturgy more prayerful and exuberant. The Shrine Altar was decorated and the Chapel was shining with the divine brightness of Mary Queen of Peace statue. His Grace Archbishop Gabriel extended gratitude to the liturgical committee who organised the pilgrimage, the Priests, nuns, missionaries, participants, acknowledging their contribution to the success of the procession and pilgrimage. The Catholics who had been preparing and looking forward to this grand celebration were extremely happy to be inspired by the day’s events