The Ladies of Marshall, Monrovia Region, ushered in a new chapter of leadership with a solemn Thanksgiving Mass held Sunday at Sacred Heart Cathedral. The ceremony followed the formal installation of regional officers, led by Respected Lady Sister Scholastica Nyenkan Nimely, who now serves as Regional Noble Lady.
The Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. McDonald Nah, Vicar for Priests, representing Archbishop Gabriel Blamo Jubwe of the Archdiocese of Monrovia. He was joined by co-celebrants Rev. Fr. Victor Sonkarley, Deputy State Chaplain of the Knights of Marshall; Rev. Fr. Stephan SDB, Assistant Parish Priest of Holy Innocents Matadi; and Rev. Fr. Omerly Y. Kollie Jr. of Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish.
Also in attendance were Most Respected Lady Sister Sarah Jinlack, Past State Noble Lady, and Worthy Brother S. Clarence Borbordee, State Grand Knight of the Liberia State Council.
A Call to Lead with Grace
In his homily, Fr. Nah offered a historical reflection on the Noble Order and a spiritual exhortation on the evolving role of laypeople in the Church. He emphasized the importance of divine guidance, unity, and women’s leadership in advancing the Church’s mission.
“The Ladies of Marshall are called not just to serve, but to lead with humility, wisdom, and grace,” Fr. Nah said. “They must continue to build the Church through collaboration and faith.”
Honoring Legacy, Embracing the Future
During the ceremony, Sister Nimely paid tribute to her late mother, Sister Agatha Veronica Dweh-Welleh Sieh—founding member of Court #28 and Past Grand Lady—calling for a moment of silence in her honor.
“As we enter the 99th year of the Noble Order’s existence, we stand on the shoulders of giants,” Sister Nimely said. “This is a sacred trust. We must move forward united in purpose and faithful to our calling.”
She encouraged younger members to embrace their roles in continuing the Order’s legacy and invited the congregation to participate in the upcoming Feast Day of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Sister Nimely also announced the first official program under the new leadership: the “Marshallan Pilgrimage 2025” to the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Côte d’Ivoire, themed “Pilgrims of Hope.” The pilgrimage will coincide with the closing of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year and serve as a spiritual journey for members of the Noble Order.
A Procession of Pride
Following the Mass, members of the Noble Order, accompanied by a spirited junior brass band, paraded through central Monrovia from the Cathedral to the Stella Maris Polytechnic compound. The colorful procession was a public celebration of unity and the enduring presence of the Marshallans in the city.
Festivities and Reflections
The evening reception at Stella Maris was marked by jubilant celebrations and a rich display of traditional and continental cuisine. A symbolic highlight was the ceremonial popping of eight champagne bottles by the eight officers of the Monrovia Regional Court, honoring the Eight Foundation Members of the Ladies of Marshall in Liberia.
Worthy Brother S. Clarence Borbordee, serving as guest of honor, offered a toast in tribute to the Roman Catholic Church. Remarks were also delivered by Past Grand Respected President Sister Betty Evans of the Monrovia Grand Ladies Auxiliary of St. John’s International, Past Regional Grand Knight Worthy Brother Boye Johnson, and current Regional Grand Knight Worthy Brother Henry Wilson.
In her closing remarks, Sister Nimely expressed heartfelt gratitude to attendees and supporters, reflecting on her journey within the organization since joining as a junior member in 1984. She commended the organizing committee and all contributors to the event’s success.
The program was emceed by Knight Brother Michael Seator, Master of Ceremony of the Monrovia Regional Council, and Sister Patricia Kpodi, Regional Secretary of the Monrovia Regional Court. The evening concluded with a thanksgiving prayer led by Rev. Fr. Marti Dohan of Sacred Heart Cathedral.
Report by: Wilfred Lawrence D’Souza Communication Officer – Council 145, Monrovia Region
