Official newsletter of the Catholic Diocese of Cape Palmas, Liberia, West Africa..

1. Cape Palmas Herald
Diocesan Newsletter Volume 1, Issue 3
January-June ,2012
Inside this issue:
Message from the Bishop Priestly Ordination and Reli-
gious Profession 2
I am of the opinion thus far : Where is
Bishop Karnley visits Catholic
that Liberia is Liberia heading in Agencies in Germany
3
gradually moving terms of healing and
forward in building reconciliation? And
the institutions of what are we Liberi- Msgr. Gaye speaks at Devel-
democracy, good ans giving back in the opment Conference
4
governance and the rebuilding process of
rule of law. Plans our country, commu-
and visions are also nities, educational,
Pastoral & Social Strategic
Planning committee Installed 5
being crafted for the religious and social
infrastructural de- economic institu-
His Excellency, Most Rev. Karnley
Renewal Ministries Conduct
velopment , social tions? Seminar & Revival 5
and economic re- giving back to our coun-
covery of the coun- I am a subscriber to try, communities, edu-
try. Liberia has the principle that de- cational, religious, and
once again become velopment contrib- social institutions.
Boosting Education in
a respectable inter- utes to peace. But we Liberia 6
national partner. equally need to ad- I can envisage an even
Bishop Karnley reopens the
The country ’ s dress the root causes better Liberia if we work Mission in Sasstown 7
mineral, forest, ma- of the lack of devel- to heal and reconcile
rine , and oil re- opment, social and this country through ad- Serving Humanity with Dig-
sources have made economic inequality dressing the root nity 8
her attractive to in- in the past that inevi- causes of our conflict
ternational partners. tably lead to the con- and also developing a CHS activities in Photos 9
Liberia has now be- flict. Some programs culture of giving back. Priestly Ordination in
come of strategic of structural justice Photos 10
interest to some are being under
Final Religious Profession in
global economic taken but more +Most Rev. Andrew J. Karnley Photos 11
stalwarts. needs to be done.
Bishop of Cape Palmas Renewing the Infrastructure
But I need to ask With regard to the of the Diocese of Cape Pal-
12
two questions in- second question, we mas
spite of the note of Liberians need to de-
velop the culture of Back cover 13
optimism expressed

2. Page 2 Cape Palmas Herald
Editorial
Priestly Ordination and Religious Profession Reconciliation is God’s Initiative
4 Priests Ordained and 3 Religious Professed in the Diocese of Cape Palmas
There is no agreed upon definition of
reconciliation in human societies. Our Liberian
culture have a distinct concept of
January 7– 8, 2012, are days that will never be forgotten in the history of the reconciliation that is expressed ritually: an
church in Cape Palmas . During this period, the people of God were able to wit- accusation of wrong doing is leveled at
ness for the first time, the ordination of 4 young men to the priesthood and 3 someone, that person acknowledges the
wrong doing and apologizes in some formal
young religious making their final profession. These events are signs of growth
way; the apology is accepted by the
for the local church. community, signifying forgiveness.
The ordaining prelate was Archbishop John Onaiyekan of the Archdiocese of
First of all, reconciliation is not a human
Abuja, Nigeria. The ordination which was held in open air at the St. Francis Par- achievement, but the work of God within us.
ish in Pleebo brought together hundreds of well wishers from across Liberia and From the past and present situations of our
a delegation from Nigeria. Those ordained to the Priesthood were, Rev. Fr. Fran- country, we see the challenges in reconciling
cis Torpor, Rev. Fr. Pius Gipply ,Rev. Fr. Joseph Tugbe and Rev. Fr. Godfrey Ne- our many tribes and peoples. It is apparent
mah. In his homily, Archbishop Onaiyekan called on the congregation to ob- how enormous, complex, and nearly
impossible the task of reconciliation is in
serve a moment of silence for the Late Rev. Stanley Tarwo who would had been
Liberia. What will reconciliation mean for a
the fifth candidate for ordination. He thanked the families of the ordinands for neighbor whose son was killed by another
presenting them to the church for ordination and service in the church. He also neighbor’s son or what will reconciliation
called on family members not to bother the ordinands with family problems. He mean for a child who saw his parents killed by
then said it is great joy for the Church in Cape Palmas to have four priests or- rebels? All of these are situations that appear
dained on the same day. Speaking with the press, after the ordination , Bishop to exceed our capacity to change completely.
Karnley said, this is a boost to the human resource capacity of the diocese. It is God who initiates the work of
reconciliation in the lives of victims. Ordinarily,
A day after the ordination, Sr. Emily Wureh, Sr, Patience Payne, and Sr. Amelia we expect reconciliation to begin with the
Wallace, all of the Sisters of the Holy Family, made their final profession of repentance of the wrongdoers. But experience
chastity, poverty, and obedience in the presence of their Mother Superior Sr. in Liberia shows that wrongdoers are rarely
Edith Wallace and Bishop Andrew J. Karnley. The occasion was graced by the willing to acknowledge what they have done.
presence of the Archbishop Lewis Zeigler of the Archdiocese of Monrovia as well This was seen in the Truth & Reconciliation
Commission hearings around the country. If
as Archbishop John Onaiyekan of Abuja, Nigeria.
reconciliation is depended entirely upon
In his homily, Msgr. Melvin Nyanti Gaye, Vicar General of Cape Palmas, said that wrongdoers’ initiative, there would be no
the way to poverty, chastity and obedience is through humility, prayer and the reconciliation at all in Liberia.
sacraments. Humility , he said is being opened to say YES. He cautioned the sis- This emphasis on God’s initiative could lead
ters to recognize their poverty and surrender themselves to the Lord in humility. some to assume that human activity
The only way that can happen he said , is through prayer. “Spend time in prayer contributes nothing to the reconciliation
with God and that will sustain your vocation.” Msgr. Gaye added. process. God’s action is not some thunderbolt
over and apart from human action. This
Msgr. Gaye continued, “Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation are important sacra- communion between the human and the
ments that nourish every vocation. Holy Eucharist reminds of the total self-giving divine involves divine initiative coming through
to which we are called. As Jesus gives you his body and blood in the Eucharist, human action. It is in God working through us
that reconciliation is to be found.
may you give him yourselves completely so as to receive him worthily and be Reconciliation means in the first instance,
nourished spiritually”. then, the cultivation of a relationship with God
In conclusion, Msgr. Gaye called on the sisters to live their vocation faithfully for that becomes the medium through which
reconciliation can happen. That relation
the rest of their lives. “May the Lord who pours forth his spirit upon you
expresses itself in practices that create space
strengthen your hearts and minds to persevere in the call he has given you. He for truth, justice, healing, and new
has chosen you, he calls you his friends. May you respond like Mary, Let it be possibilities. Such practices lead to creating
done unto me according to your word”, Msgr. Gaye said. communities of memory, safe places to
explore and untangle a painful past, and the
cultivation of truth-telling to overcome the lies
of injustice and wrongdoing.

3. Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 3
Bishop Karnley visits Catholic Agencies in Germany
And speaks to the press on Taylor’s trail
stein, the Association for humanity. He was arrested “With the tasks and
challenges before us, I
Development Cooperation on March 29, 2006 when make a fervent appeal to
(AGEH) and the Archdio- he tried to flee Nigeria. the Clergy, Religious and
cese of Cologne in Co- Taylor was president of Laity of the Diocese of
logne. These agencies are Liberia from 1997 to 2003. Cape Palmas for
collaborative action in the
already giving support to He was on trial on a 11 dispensation of our duties
the pastoral and social de- count indictment for war in the Lord’s vineyard.
velopment programs of crimes against humanity There is a popular saying
and crimes against human- that unity gives strength”.
the diocese.
Bishop Andrew J. Karnley
Meanwhile , the press offi- ity committed during the (abstract from Bishop
Bishop Karnley
cers of MISEREOR and Aid civil conflict in Sierra karnley’s remarks on
Leone. April 30,2011)
to the Church in Need in-
terviewed Bishop Karnley In December 1989, Taylor,
about the Charles Taylor launched an armed upris-
Bishop Andrew Karnley trail and verdict in The ing to overthrow the Sam-
paid a two week visit to Hague. In the interviews, uel Doe regime, leading to
Germany from April 15- Bishop Karnley stated that the Liberian civil war. Dur-
29,2012 to meet with the trail and verdict of ing the civil war , all Libe-
Catholic funding agencies the former Liberian Presi- rian dioceses suffered
with the view to dent were a welcomed greatly; a Ghanaian priest
strengthening the bonds development in establish- and five American nuns
of partnership and ac- ing a culture of holding were killed, the Church’s
quainting them with the people accountable for properties were vandalized
pastoral and social devel- their actions and also in by Taylor’s rebels, and nu-
opments of the Diocese breaking the culture of merous nuns and priests
of Cape Palmas. While in impunity. He further fled the country. With help
Germany, he held meet- stated that it is his hope from foreign Catholic fund-
ings with the following that the guilty verdict that ing agencies, Liberia’s three
agencies: MISEREOR, has been served on Mr. dioceses, the Archdiocese
Misso Aachen and Kin- Taylor will bring some of Monrovia and the Dio-
dermissionswerk in measure of healing in Si- ceses of Cape Palmas and
Aachen, the Medical Mis- erra Leone and Liberia. Gbarnga are gradually re-
sion Institute in Wurz- The former Liberian Presi- building their infrastruc-
burg, CARITAS Germany dent has been standing tures ,human capacity, so-
in Freiburg, Aid to the trial in The Hague for war cial and pastoral programs.
Church in Need in Konig- crimes and crimes against
To read more visit: http://www.churchinneed.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=6995&news_iv_ctrl=1001 Thursday, April 26

4. Page 4 Cape Palmas Herald
Msgr. Gaye speaks at Maryland County Development Conference
land County” Msgr. Gaye said, “peace-building is Marylanders as well as the entire
the phase of the peace process that takes place country needed more human capacity
in line with peace making and peace keeping. development most especially in the
The process of peace-building facilitates the area of agriculture. Marylanders, he
establishment of durable peace and tries to said, should find ways to enhance
prevent the recurrence of violence by address- development and that those ways
ing root causes and effects of conflict through must involve the local communities.
reconciliation, institution building, and political
Acting Dean of TU’s College of Man-
as well as economic transformation.” Speaking agement and Public Administration,
about reconciliation, Msgr. Gaye said reconcilia- Prof. Isaac George, then spoke on
Msgr. Gaye tion after violence plays an indispensible role in current issues and pressing needs in
peace theory. Quoting Galtung, Msgr. Gaye said the county. He stated that many of
that reconciliation can be thought of as the res- the past challenges had been met but
toration of a state of peace to human relation- that there are still key outstanding
The Vicar General of the Diocese of ship, where the individuals are at least not
areas of concern: Education, Security,
Cape Palmas, Rev. Msgr. Melvin Gaye harming each other , and can begin to be
Economic Revitalization, Road Recon-
spoke on April 23, 2012 at the Mary- trusted not to do such in the future, which
struction & Reconciliation. He laid the
land County Development Confer- means that revenge is forgone as an option. To road-map for the conference by com-
ence. The two day conference ,which ensure peace-building, reconciliation, and secu- paring targets in the 2008 Poverty
was held from April 23-24, 2012, was rity in Maryland County, the Diocese of Cape
Reduction Strategy with the County
hosted by the William V.S. Tubman Palmas in collaboration with Tubman University
Development Agenda.
University (TU) in collaboration with has developed a training on Trauma Healing &
the Maryland County Authorities. reconciliation, where 42 participants graduated On the theme “NGOs and Inter-
Speaking on the topic “Peace-building, from a eleven month program about two years national Organizations as Develop-
Reconciliation and Security in Mary- ago, Msgr. Gaye said. He continued, “as the ment Partners”, Mr. Anthony Riggio of
contribution of the diocese to the process of Marylanders for Progress (MFP) and
peace building, reconciliation and security, we Phil Merriam, of the National Mary-
History carry out legal education, human rights educa- land County Association of Liberia
tion, conduct small skill mediation, do advocacy, (NAMCAL) were the presenters. Mr.
The Diocese of Cape Palmas is conduct skills training in trauma healing and Riggio, shared a Kru proverb that says,
located in South-eastern Liberia. reconciliation, and network with relevant NGOs “ once a person begins the process of
It comprises of five counties: as well as the government of Liberia”. In his bending down to start picking up a
Maryland, Grand Kru, Sinoe, concluding statement, the Vicar General said, a bucket of water, help will come as he
Grand Gedeh, and River Gee society’s religious network can play an impor- or she is halfway”. He stated that
Counties with the total tant role in establishing social and moral norms. NGO’s help people who are deter-
population of ap-proximately Networking, he said, is one of the keys to sus- mined to help themselves. He gave an
tainable peace and sustainable peace ensures overview of contributions MFP made
481,908 inhabitants. Its catholic
lasting security. to the people of Maryland in the past,
population is 15,863. At present,
such as the market women, a library
there are ten functional parishes Also speaking at the conference, Mrs. Edwina
in Pleebo, JJ Dossen Hospital, etc. MFP
with several outstations. On Vakun-Lincoln, Director of the Division of Micro, also promised to help with a radio
February 2,1950, it became a Small and Medium Enterprise at the Ministry of transmitter in response to a plea by
Vicariate. On May 7,1962 it was Commerce and Industry spoke on the impor-
delegates at the conference.
elevated to a Vicariate Apostolic tance of the business community –small, micro
and on December 19,1981, it and medium enterprises- working together to Group discussions were captured. An
help ensure growth and development of not open forum was facilitated by Rev.
was created as a diocese.
only Maryland County, but also Liberia. Rita Townsend, TU’s Vice President for
Institutional Advancement to identify
Mr. Eli Tubman, spoke on the topic “Maryland
key areas. Rev. Amb. Dean Gerald
Rising: A Vision for Reconstruction, Reconcilia-
Coleman was the conference facilita-
tion and Economic Growth”. He stated that if
tor, while Mr. Henry Woart ably
development was to truly come to Maryland,
served as interpreter.

5. Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 5
Renewal Ministries Conduct Seminar &
Pastoral & Social Strategic Planning Committee
Revival in the Diocese of Cape Palmas
Installed
His Excellency, Most Rev. Andrew Jaygaye Karnley has es- A cross section of priests, religious, catechists and
tablished a Diocesan Pastoral and Social Strategic Planning some laity of parishes of the Diocese of Cape Pal-
Committee in his diocese. Speaking to the Cape Palmas Her- mas had the experience of being participants at a
ald, Bishop Karnley said that the committee is mandated to seminar on the Catholic model of deliverance called
work with parishes, departments and institutions to craft a the UNBOUND. This model of deliverance is based
short and long term vision for the Diocese of Cape Palmas. on five keys: Repentance and Faith, Forgiveness,
In so doing, Bishop Karnley said: “ the committee shall re- Renunciation, Command , and Blessing. The semi-
structure the Diocesan Pastoral Conference (DPC) with a nar was facilitated by Lloyd and Nancy Greenhaw of
new vision, and prepare for the hosting of a Diocesan Pas- Renewal Ministries based in Ann Arbor, Michigan ,
toral and Social Strategic Planning Conference within 12 to U.S.A.
18 months.”
Renewal Ministries in collaboration with the Catho-
Those appointed by Bishop Karnley in consultation with his lic Charismatic Renewal of Ghana and Liberia also
consulters on March 30,2012 are : Sr. Philomena Godfrey, conducted a four day revival in the St. Theresa Ca-
SHF, Chairperson, Mr. P. Mike Jurry, Vice Chairperson, Mr. thedral in Cape Palmas . The revival was well at-
Solo Otto Gaye, Secretary, Mrs. Regina Torpor, Member, Mr. tended.
Charles S. Chea II, Member, Rev. Fr. Foster Gardiner, Mem-
As an outcome of the revival, the exposition of the
ber, Msgr. Melvin Nyanti Gaye, Member, and Rev. Fr. Ted
Blessed Sacrament is now taking place in the Cathe-
Hayden, SMA, Advisor.
dral from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Wednesdays. The
Meanwhile, the committee was installed on May 30, 2012 at revival and seminar were held from March 10-14,
the Holy Mass held at the St. Theresa Cathedral. Speaking to 2012.
the press, Sr. Philomena Godfrey called on committee mem-
bers to take the task very serious so as to achieve the goal
for which the committee was organized. She then called on
parishes, departments and institutions to work in close co-
operation with the committee for a successful implementa-
tion of its mandate. The committee has since begun its
work.
Members of the Renewal Ministries and Charismatic Renewal of
Ghana & Liberia pose with Bishop Karnley
Members of the Strategic Planning Committee

6. Page 6 Cape Palmas Herald
Boosting Education in Liberia
Catholic Diocese of Cape Palmas makes strides in South-eastern Liberia
high school to further their education. disclosed that the secretariat operates the
Completing high school is not all, but school system from funds generated from
having the sound and quality educa- school fees paid by students; an amount
tion that smoothens the way to higher that does not ably caters to the payment of
institutions of learning and preparing teachers salaries and needed materials for
the mind for future challenges is what the schools. Another emerging challenge is
the nations and parents yearn for, a the recent increment in salaries of teachers
challenge the secretariat is faced with. of public schools in Liberia. This, according
Sr. Philomena Jappah explained how to Sr. Jappah, has increased the outflow of
Sr. Philomena Jappah, Assistant Edu-
the secretariat is preparing to face this teachers from the system thereby increas-
cation Secretary for Administration
great challenge. “We have in place a ing the burden.
periodic capacity building plan for our Speaking in terms of donors, she lauded
teachers to improve skills and add on MISEREOR for supporting a 3 year project
their knowledge in the various sub- which will build the capacity of teachers,
The Education Secretariat of the Catholic jects. They also attend the rural teach- provide science laboratory equipments for 4
Diocese of Cape Palmas in south-eastern ers training programs organized by high schools, renovate 3 schools, provide
Liberia has been one of government’s government ,partners, and the educa- essential text books for all diocesan schools
key partners in terms of providing sound tion secretariat. We also provide mini and a vehicle for school monitoring and
and quality education to its citizens, es- reading rooms for our students and supervision..
pecially in South-eastern Liberia. closely monitor the teaching proc-
The Education Secretariat of the Catholic
Currently, the secretariat operates about esses to ensure people adhere to the
policies and guidelines provided by Diocese of Cape Palmas has provided sound
12 schools with (5,620 students)2,900 and quality education for people of the
males and 2,720 females, ages ranging both the government and the dio-
southeast since it was founded. Prior to the
from 3 to 24years attending. These stu- cese”. In furtherance of their plan, a
special one month training session is civil unrest in Liberia it was known as one of
dents include young people from differ- the best. In the 60s and 70s the Catholic
ent nations, Christian denominations, to be held in Harper, Maryland County
School System also ran a college that pro-
and religions. Currently, there are stu- from July to August 2012 for about 50
teachers within the Catholic School duced many prominent persons who have
dents from Guinea, Ghana, as well as contributed and are contributing to the
students from the Philippines within the System. Topics to be taught include
well being of society. Currently, the Diocese
school system. These schools include counselling and testing, various meth-
ods and teaching strategies, educa- is comprised of 5 counties, namely: Sinoe,
‘day care’, elementary, junior and senior Grand Gedeh, River Gee, Grand Kru and
secondary schools in the south-eastern tional psychology, professional ethics,
Maryland. There are 4 major high schools,
region of Liberia. According to Sr. Philo- catholic doctrines and Christian princi-
ples and key subjects such as Lan- St. Joseph in Greenville, Sinoe, Bishop Juwle
mena Jappah, Assistant Secretary for in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh and St. Francis and
Finance, Training and Administration at guage Arts and Mathematics.
Our Lady of Fatima in Pleebo and Harper
the secretariat, there are three additional Despite these efforts, Sr. Jappah un- cities in Maryland County.
schools undergoing scrutiny to be incor- derscored many challenges faced by
porated in the systems soon. Also with the secretariat in carrying out its du- “The idea is to add on government’s efforts
the help of the SMA another school has to build the minds of our young people who
ties and mandate. She named the exit
been built in Hoffman Station, a popu- of qualified teachers from the system are the future leaders. The diocese also
lated community outside of Harper city, in search of higher salaries; the insuffi- develops the mind of people as one of its
Maryland County named in honor of the ciency of books and other materials; humanitarian efforts,” Sr. Philomena said.
Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese, Boniface the lack of computer and other sci-
Nyema Dalieh. This school is expected to ence laboratories, and the need for
begin classes in September 2012 with an scholarships for needy and deserving
initial status of KG to 3rd Grade. students. She also stressed the need
With the newly transformed Tubman for an active Parents and Teachers
University in the region, more young Associations in every school to en-
people are being motivated to complete courage students stay in school. She

7. Volume 1, Issue 3 Page 7
Bishop Karnley reopens the Mission in Sasstown
The Diocese of Cape Palmas has officially reopened the Christ the King Parish located in Sasstown, Grand Kru
County on March 24, 2012. Speaking at the official reopening of the parish, Most Rev. Andrew Karnley called on
the faithful to work in close collaboration with their pastor, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Kumeh . The mission in Sasstown
had no priest in residence since 1994. According to Fr. Nathaniel Kumeh, there is more work to be done in Sass-
town with the church destroyed and no presbytery for the priest. The priest is presently residing in a private home
given to the Church by the family of Fr. Blamo Harris, SDB. “The challenges here are very high, there is a need to
construct a new presbytery, rehabilitate the church and school and reinforce the teaching of catechism,” Fr.
Kumeh told the Herald the church was established in Sasstown by the SMA Fathers in 1911.
In Buah, a large number of Catholics gathered to meet their bishop for the first time. Parishioners were amazed
to meet and discuss with their bishop. One parishioner said, “it has been over ten years since a bishop had ever
visited this region. Today is a great day because the people of God are meeting their Shepherd for the first time
since his enthronement in April 2011.”.The two churches in Buah are inaccessible due to the deplorable road con-
dition. Speaking to the laity, Bishop said he was in Buah to see for himself the prevailing pastoral situation on
ground and to meet the people he has been called to shepherded. As the tradition of the people of South-eastern
Liberia demands, Bishop Karnley and his delegation were served with kola nuts and water as a sign of welcome.
In Betu, Bishop Karnley and his delegation paid a surprising visit. He and his delegation inspected church proper-
ties and visited the graves of the first SMA Missionaries who died in Betu as early as the 1900s. According to some
reliable sources, it is believed that the Church was first planted in Betu and this place is the cradle of Catholicism in
Liberia.
Fr. Kumeh also stressed the need for more support to the mission in Sasstown. “I have to ride my motor bike
sometimes for about two hours to reach some stations and when the bike has mechanical problems, I walk” he
told our reporter. He also called on people from this region to give back to the local church.
Bishop Karnley was accompanied on his pastoral journey by Mr. Solo Otto Gaye, Mr. Abraham B. Wesseh, and Sr.
Philomena Godfrey,SHF.
From Left To right: Fr. Kumeh, Sr. Godfrey, Bishop Greaves of Early SMA Missionaries who died in Betu
Karnley, & Mr. Gaye

8. Page 8 Catholic Diocese of Cape Palmas
E-Newsletter
Serving Humanity with Dignity
-Catholic Health Services Put Smiles on Faces-
Sr. Edith Wallace, SHF, Heath Coordinator
Joan Sieh, a 22 years old mother walked out of the Sacred Heart Clinic with smile beaming on her face. She and her 2 year old son
have just received an emergency treatment for cholera. “I woke up this morning with the pains in my stomach, after little time I
started vomiting and my child started crying, both of us went in the latrine more than two times. I was brought here by my
brother, but I am ok now”, she explained.
This is just one scenario of the hundreds of cases catered to by the 5 Catholic clinics spread out in rural counties of south-eastern
Liberia. These clinics carry out many services ranging from consultations, PMTCT, MCH, basic laboratory services, and regular and
emergency treatments and referrals eight hours a day, five days a week. According to records from these clinics, they cater to
more than 10,000 patients monthly with various cases including emergency deliveries, HIV/AIDS counselling and testing, post and
prenatal cares, malaria, sexually transmitted infections and diseases, natural family planning methods, various vaccinations and
many others. According to the Coordinator of Catholic Health Services (CHS) in the Diocese of Cape Palmas, Sr. Edith Wallace, ser-
vices are provided for minimum fees as compared to other private clinics around the country. “We have professional staff and run
a fee for service but at a minimum cost. This is intended to make these clinics self dependent should donors funding stop in the
future”, she said. Sister Wallace named some partners of the clinics to be the government of Liberia through its National Aids Con-
trol program (NACP) and some financial aid provided at times; MISEREOR Germany for providing drugs and other supplies and the
Lutheran World Services (LWS) through counselling trainings provided for staff of the clinics.
She disclosed that with the help provided by these partners the CHS is providing Prevention of Mother To Child Transmission
(PMTCT) services of HIV/AIDS in two of its clinics in Maryland alone. These clinics include Sacred Heart in Harper and Saint Francis
in Pleebo. She added that Saint Francis Clinic has a ‘Support Group’- people living with HIV- of 100 members. “They attend regular
counselling sessions, we also give ARTs and the cotrim as the need arises”.
The coordinator of CHS also disclosed that teenage pregnancy and high rates of female contraction of HIV are major issues her
clinics are faced with. Regular counselling and health talks on family planning, STIs and STDs prevention, hygiene promotion and
other that are held at these clinics appear not to be sufficient to address these issues. The CHS also runs mobile clinic for HIV test-
ing and other health matters to help minimize the HIV infection rate in the region.
Despite these efforts it is obvious that these clinics are faced with numerous challenges as they strive to make Liberians healthy.
As Sr. Edith Wallace explained there is a need for more support. “Generally, we need funds. Finance is the key but we appreciate
other medical supplies such as laboratory equipment, solar freezers for vaccines, CD4 count machines that determine the level of
HIV infections in people and as many drugs as we can have. We also need ambulances and cars to enhance our movements.”
She also disclosed that her clinics are faced with the problem of employees exit in search of higher salaries. According to the CHS
Coordinator, the bad roads during raining season also hamper movement amongst the counties in which these clinics are located.
Managing health facilities with challenges like the ones measured is tedious and stressful, a task Sr Edith Wallace and her staff em-
brace to serve humanity. “We are motivated by the fact that we are serving humanity and contributing towards government’s ef-
forts to save lives and make our people live healthy”, Sr. Wallace said.

9. Page 9 Catholic Diocese of Cape Palmas
Newsletter
Catholic Health Services Activities in Photos
Maternal & child health activities, Sacred Heart Clinic, Harper In-service training, Christ the King, Zwedru
Anti AIDS Club in Schools HIV Program T-Shirts
HIV/AIDS Awareness
Mobile Testing

10. Page 10 Catholic Diocese of Cape Palmas
Newsletter
Priestly Ordination in Photos - January 7,2012

11. Page 11 Catholic Diocese of Cape Palmas
Newsletter
Final Religious Profession in Photos -January 8,2012

12. Page 12 Catholic Diocese of Cape Palmas
Newsletter
Renewing the Infrastructure of the Diocese of Cape Palmas
The seemingly daunting and challenging task of renovating and even reconstructing the damaged infrastruc-
tures of the Diocese of Cape Palmas is one of the priorities of Bishop Andrew J. Karnley. This process has al-
.
ready begun with the renovation of the Diocesan Secretariat in Harper and Convent of the Schools Sisters of
Notre Dame in Zwedru. Other works already in progress are the renovation of the presbytery in Harper and a
building for the establishment of a nursery in Pleebo by the Sisters of the Holy Family. Rev. Fr. John Guiney
has provided funding for the renovation of the chapel in Bonike. Bricks are being made for the construction
of a new presbytery in Zwedru. The construction of the presbytery in Zwedru is being funded by Missio
Aachen, and the American Province of the Society of African Missions.
MISEREOR will fund the renovation of three schools in the diocese, namely: Our Lady of the Angelus in
Zlehtown, Grand Gedeh County, St. Patrick in Grandcess, Grand Kru County, and St. Joseph in Greenville, Si-
noe County. Renovation is already in process on the school in Zlehtown.
OPAM in Rome, Italy, has approved funding for some basic renovation of St. Peter Claver School in Barclay-
ville while Kindermissiowerk in Aachen, Germany will fund the renovation of the kindergarten in Grandcess.
Meanwhile, funding is being sought for other places around the diocese.
The Conference Room of the newly renovated
Diocesan Secretariat Side view of the renovated Diocesan Secretariat
Front view of the renovated convent in Zwedru Sitting room of the renovated convent in Zwedru

13. Catholic Diocese of Cape Palmas
Newsletter
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Cape Palmas Herald is the official Newsletter of
the Diocese of Cape Palmas
Managing Editor : Solo Otto Gaye
Email: sologaye@yahoo.com
Phone: +231-886333-194
Production Center: Diocesan Secretariat, Harper,
Liberia, West Africa
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this Newsletter, please email : sologaye@yahoo.com
Philippians 4:13, “I have
the strength to face all
conditions by the power
that Christ gives me”.
Bishop Karnley crossing River Gbartuah to reach the Faithful
in Betu, Grand Kru County. SMA Missionaries arrived in Betu
as early as 1900.
Congratulations!!!!!!
Inspirational Quote
“It is not ideologies that
save the world, but only
Heartfelt Congratulations to Bishop Andrew J. Karnley as he cele- a return to the living
brates his first anniversary of his Episcopal Ordination on April
God, our Creator, the
30.2011. Bishop Karnley was born on 26 April 1967 in Jawajeh
Varney Bohn,Bomi County, North-western Liberia.He was ordained
guarantor of our
to the priesthood on 9 July, 1995 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral. freedom, the guarantor
From 2005-2009, was appointed by the Holy Father as Apostolic of what is really good
Administrator Sede Plena of the Archdiocese of Monrovia.On 5th and true.”
January 2011, he was appointed by the Holy Father as Bishop of the
Diocese of Cape Palmas. Pope Benedict XVI
Upcoming Event: The Silver Jubilee of Sr. Edith Wallace, SHF. Date: August 5,2012. Venue: St. Theresa Cathedral @ 10:00 AM, Harper, Liberia
RVSP: +231-886-425-339/ +231-886-601-606