Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Monrovia (Fides Service)- “Yesterday in Monrovia we celebrated a solemn Mass for the Holy Father. It was an official service attended by representatives of the United Nations and other leading personalities, as well as ordinary people” said Italian missionary Fr Mauro Armanino, Provincial Superior SMA in Monrovia, capital of Liberia.
“On Friday 8 April in Monrovia a requiem Mass for the Pope will coincide with the funeral Mass in St Peter’s in Rome. The evening before we will hold an all night prayer vigil which will close with morning prayers for the dead.
“Not only Catholics are mourning the passing of the Pope. Also many protestants, the majority of the population, have voiced their grief and sympathy. Although Liberian Catholics are a little sad that the Pope never came here, he was known and loved by all” Fr Armanino told Fides.
Liberia is still feeling the effects of the civil war (1999-2003). “Unfortunately the only way to describe the situation is destitution: there will be elections soon and already we see the usual merchants offering a packet of rice in exchange for votes” the missionary said. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 5/4/2005 righe 23 parole 257
