PHOTO: Archbishop tMost Rev. Gabriel Blamo JubweMetropolitan Archbishop of Monrovia
CABICOL CATHOLIC BISHOPS OF LIBERIA
NATIONAL CATHOLIC SECRETARIATGAYE TOWN, OLD ROAD, SINKOR
Cell#: +231-888-910-825/775-585-713 Email: cabic01231@gmail.com
CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE OF LIBERIA (CABICOL)
2025 Lenten Pastoral Message
“Repent and Believe in the Gospel” (Mark 1, 15)
Preamble
Preamble
Brothers and Sisters, as we begin this Holy Season of Lent, a season that recalls a time of
preparation for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery (suffering, death and resurrection of our
Lord Jesus Christ), we your Shepherds, would like to address these words to you, and all men
and women of goodwill in our country.
The Evangelist Mark recounting the history of our Lord tells us the very first words proclaimed
by Him were: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdam of God is at hand; repent and believe in the
qospel (Mar 1:15). This is a call to retrospection, introspection and conversion; and it is with
these same very words that we would like to address you.
The Greek word “rnetanoi” (to repent) evokes ‘change’, a turnaround; to feel remorseful of a
situation which does not rightly align with one’s goals and aspirations. Change is necessitated
by the ordinary human desire to do better, to improve and even aim for ‘perfection’. ln fact,
change for the ‘better’ should be an evitable ingredient of every society.
Thus we would like to invite all of you, dear brothers and sisters, to journey with us during this
period of forty (40) days for both personal and societal conversion for the betterment of our
lives and our country Liberia. lt is never too late to start anew. The time is now.
Reconciliation
For decades, we have been battling the ‘old age demons of division’; hampering our progress
towards reconciliation. We see our fellow citizens through the spectrum of political affiliations,
tribal and regional lines; alienating those who do not belong to our circles. However, we forget
to knowthat all of us are created in the image and likeness of God (cf Gen L, 27)and endowed
with certain inalienable rights among which are life, liberty, freedom of speech and religion,
pursuit of happiness, to mention but a few.
Page 1 of4
These rifts within the social fabric of our society make us to sacrifice meritocracy to favoritism,
nepotism, discrimination, and other related vices; leading to the slow progress of our nation.
While conflict is inevitable within every society, inter personal and ideological conflicts which
culminate in violence and destruction are detrimentalto our growth.
Sadly, it is also worth noting that these ‘demons of divisions’ have infiltrated our families,
causing separation between spouses; children and parents and extended families. No human
family is perfect. Rather, we are all called to perfection. Thus plagued by these human
limitations, we ought to seek forgiveness from one another and from God, whom we ultimately
offend when we yield to these divisions. Therefore, we strongly reecho the words of the
Apostle paul: “we ore ombossodors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us; we
beg you on behatf of Christ, be reconciled ta God, and to one another. (2Co 5:20 )
New Public Health Bill
As was previously intimated, one of the fundamental and inalienable rights of every human
being is the right to life. ln recent times, the proposed new public health bill, through the
influence of some external forces, is diametrically opposing this basic right, through the
legalization of abortion.
As in the past, collaborating with the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) and the National Muslim
council, we reiterate our resounding No to this bill and its other subsequent tendencies of
same sex marriage, euthanasia, etc. The Church’s perennial teaching as inscribed in the
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) is that “human life must be respected and proteeted
absolutely from the moment of conception till its normal end”. {CCC # 1700}. The
commandment of God is unequivocal: THOU SHALL NOT KILL (Exodus 20, 13).
Governance
Since the end of our senseless civil crisis which saw the destru.ction of the lives of quarter of a
million of our people, we have made tremendous strides in consolidating our democratic
process. ln fact, we are greatly admired in the sub region for our peaceful transfer of power.
However, the recent happenings on Capitol Hill, specifically in the House of Representatives of
the 55th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia, are concerning and have the propensity of not
only undermining our democratic gains but even derailing allthat we have achieved thus far, if
care is not taken. We fervently call on the honorable members of the House of Representatives
Page 2 of 4
to adhere to the Rule of Law and subscribe to the Principle of Accountability in the discharge
of their duties.
National Budget
Our attention is drawn to concerns which have arisen over the years and even now about the
national budget. One of such concerns, based on budget analysis, is the high allocation of funds
for recurring expenditure in government in relation to development and social welfare
expenditure. Another concern is the manipulation of the budget in its crafting to serve
particular and even individual interests rather than the common good. The disproportionate
allocation of funds in the budget as well as the manipulation of the budget cannot put Liberia
on the path of growth and development. Regarding the budget, there should be accountability
and transparency within the three branches of government.
We remind the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary branches of government to work together in
mutual respect for the common good of our people. Take the words of our Lord seriously, who
cdme to serve, and not be serued (cf Mark 10, 45).
War and Economic Crimes Court: lnitiating the End of the Culture of lmpunity
During this Holy Season of Lent, a time to repent and be reconciled with God and one another,
we would like to remind ourselves about one of the trending issues of our country:
Establishment of War and Economic Crimes Court.
We recall the Church’s stances through the voice of our predecessors of blessed memory,
especially Archbishop Michael Kpakala Francis, the Conscience of the Nation, stating in his
pastoral Letter of January L2, 2OAg entitled “Justice-Peace-Reconciliation” that “if we do not
have justice in this country we will not have pedce and consequently reconciliation”.
We also recall that at the end of our Plenary Assembly in April 20L9 on Reconciliation in Harper,
Maryland County, in our Pastoral Communiqu6 entitled “Neither Do I Condemn You” we did
,,empl.tatically propose a National Dialogue of all stakeholders on the possible estoblishment of
War and Economic Crimes Tribunal and the implementation bf other recommendotions of the
Truth ond Reconciliation Commission (TRC)”.
Looking therefore into the “signs of the times” and hearing from deep down in the recesses of
our hearts, the voices and ‘blood’ of many of our brothers and sisters, victims of our senseless
civil crisis, we would like to reiterate our unchanging position on reconciliation, accountability
and justice.
Page 3 of 4
Accordingly, we welcome His Excellency loseph N. Boakai’s pronouncement to respect the
Recommendation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) that calls for the
Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court (WECC). We believe that the
establishment of the Court will initiate the process of accountability, justice, healing and
reconciliation. We, as well, can earnestly begin the complicated and daunting exercise of
ending the culture of impunity, which has been grotesquely normalized in Liberia.
The Jubilee Year of Hope
This Jubilee Year of Hope is an opportune time for conversion and reawakening of our hope in
the mercy of God. Hence, let us celebrate it by keeping in focus its purpose in striving for the
holiness of life, strengthening the Church’s witness to God’s mercy, fostering a global solidarity
and brotherhood, caring for the environment and sharing the hope of the Christian faith.
Conclusion
Dear Brothers and Sisters, it is never late to say sorry to God and to one another. lt is never late
to start anew and do what is right. The mercy of God is infinite. He also asks us to forgive one
another. We must act toward one another in the spirit of love as St. Paul enjoins us, “Get rid of
all bitterness, passion, and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of
any sort. lnstead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as
God has forgiven you through Christ {Eph. a:31-32}. That is why, during this Holy Season of
Lent, and throughout this Jubilee Year of Hope, we invite all of us to a thorough examination of
consciences and say our mea culpa before God and one another.
We entrust our country to the maternal care of Mary our Mother, Queen of Peace and
Reconciliation, asking her to intercede fo r{& by this, we do impart our episcopal Blessings!
tMost Rev. Anthony Fallah Bo
President of CABICOL/ Bishop of Gbarnga
tMost Rev. Gabriel Blamo Jubwe
ii Metropolitan Archbishop
f Most Rev. Andrew Jagaye Karnley
Bishop of Cape Palmas