The outgoing representative of the Holy Father in the West African nations of Liberia, Sierra Leone and the Gambia, who has been transferred to Indonesia and Asia, has been hailed as a visible bridge between the Holy See and the local churches.
In his homily at the farewell Mass for Archbishop Walter Erbì on Monday, August 10, at the Sacred Heart Cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Monrovia, Archbishop Gabriel Blamo Jubwe described the Apostolic Nuncio’s nearly four years of service as a period that was marked by pastoral care, diplomacy, dialogue and commitment to the poor and vulnerable.
Archbishop Jubwe said the farewell brought both joy and sadness—joy for the blessings received through Archbishop Erbi’s ministry and sadness at having to say goodbye as he prepares to take up a new diplomatic assignment in Indonesia and Asia.
He described the Apostolic Nuncio as a “visible and compassionate bridge” between the Holy See, the Holy Father and the local Churches, saying Archbishop Erbi fostered communion and dialogue in countries that have experienced post-conflict recovery, economic hardship and social challenges.
According to Archbishop Jubwe, the outgoing Nuncio’s diplomatic experience and pastoral sensitivity strengthened the Church’s engagement with governments and communities, particularly on peacebuilding, education, social justice and human development.
He said the Nuncio consistently demonstrated concern for the poor and marginalized and encouraged pastoral initiatives focused on healthcare outreach, youth formation and assistance to people affected by poverty and trauma.
Archbishop Jubwe praised the Nuncio for promoting a spirit of synodality by encouraging Bishops, Priests, religious and lay faithful to work together in advancing the mission of the Church.
The Nuncio, Archbishop Jubwe said, “understood that the mission of the Church is inseparable from the plight of the poor and marginalized”.
He highlighted the Italian-born Apostolic Nuncio’s commitment to defending human dignity in both ecclesial and civil spheres.
Archbishop Jubwe further recognized the Nuncio’s role in facilitating the transition that led to his own appointment as Metropolitan Archbishop of Monrovia, describing the process as an example of effective ecclesial diplomacy and pastoral foresight.
According to Archbishop Jubwe, the Apostolic Nuncio helped ensure that the transition was conducted smoothly and prayerfully while respecting the context and aspirations of the Liberian Church.
He said the achievement reflected Archbishop Erbi’s understanding of the Church’s hierarchical communion and his commitment to continuity in pastoral leadership.
Archbishop Jubwe noted that the Nuncio served amid difficult circumstances, including political instability, poverty, social fragmentation and internal tensions within the Church and society.
He said Archbishop Erbi’s advocacy for peace and social cohesion often placed him in a position to bridge differences and encourage reconciliation.
As Archbishop Erbi prepares for his new assignment, Jubwe prayed that his experience in West Africa would enrich his future ministry in Southeast Asia.
He also urged the Catholic community to preserve the spirit of service, dialogue and synodality demonstrated by the outgoing Nuncio.
“His legacy is one of faithful witness to the Gospel, a pastoral heart attuned to the cries of the poor, and a diplomatic voice that championed the values of the Kingdom of God in the public square,” Archbishop Jubwe said.
The Catholic Church in Liberia expressed prayers for the Vatican diplomat’s health, safety and continued effectiveness in ministry as he prepares to leave West Africa for his new diplomatic assignment in Indonesia and Asia.
Archbishop Jubwe entrusted the outgoing Nuncio to God’s care and thanked him for all he had done for the Catholic Church and people of Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.
In his farewell remarks, Archbishop Erbi responded with a message centered on gratitude, humility and dependence on God.
Reflecting on his first opportunity to address the Catholic Church in Liberia in November 2022, Erbi recalled that he had asked the faithful to pray for him and for the wisdom, strength and courage needed to exercise his ministry.
Nearly four years later, he said, his overriding feeling was gratitude.
“Today only one word comes to my mind, and the word is gratitude,” Archbishop Erbi said, attributing whatever good had been accomplished during his mission first to God.
He thanked God, the Holy Father, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Liberia (CABICOL), the Bishops, Priests, religious, seminarians and lay faithful for their cooperation and support.
The outgoing Nuncio specifically expressed gratitude to Archbishop Jubwe for welcoming him to Monrovia, first while serving as diocesan administrator and later as Archbishop, and for making himself available to support initiatives of the Apostolic Nunciature.
Archbishop Erbi expressed hope that the Interterritorial Catholic Bishops Conference of Sierra Leone and The Gambia and the CABICOL would eventually merge into a single Bishops Conference.
He also credited Liberia’s authorities, including the Presidency, Legislature, Judiciary, Cabinet and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for their cooperation during his diplomatic mission.
The Nuncio acknowledged members of the diplomatic corps, describing the diplomatic community as an important source of knowledge and understanding about Liberia and its people.
He reserved special appreciation for the staff and religious community working at the Apostolic Nunciature in Monrovia, noting that the mission relies on a relatively small team comprising a diplomatic collaborator who also serves as Deputy Chief of Mission, religious sisters from the Congregation of the Clarissan Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, and other employees.
Archbishop Erbi emphasized that the work of the Nunciature could not be effectively carried out without their dedication and cooperation.
The farewell reception also provided an opportunity for representatives of Catholic fraternal organizations and associations to express their appreciation to the outgoing Nuncio.
Members of the Knights and Dames of St. John, Knights and Dames of Malta and other Catholic fraternal and lay associations joined the gathering, recognizing Erbi’s friendship, accessibility and service to the Church.
The Archdiocesan Catholic Women Organisation also joined the expressions of appreciation, reflecting the gratitude of Catholic women for the Nuncio’s pastoral presence and encouragement during his mission.
—–By Silas Isenjia
