Liberia: Walking Pilgrimage to Marian Shrine & Comunitá Cenacolo

Trekking across the Liberian countryside en route to the Marian Shrine.

The first Sunday I was in Liberia Fr. Adrian decided to do an impromptu walking pilgrimage to the Archdiocesan Marian Shrine, about an hour and a half away on foot. Last year Fr. Adrian had 15 young men living with him in the compound of St. Gabriel's for a "Gospel Year" of intensive spiritual formation. Many of these young men continue to come to the parish almost daily for Mass and other spiritual activities. They were most of the youth who accompanied us.

Jeremiah, enjoying the hike.

Fr. Adrian and Peter praying the Rosary at the Grotto of Our Lady, Queen of Peace.

The Liberian image of Mary, Queen of Peace.

For one year now, the Cenacolo Community has been residing and repairing some of the structures at the Archdiocesan Marian Shrine. The Cenacolo Community began in Italy in the early 1980s to help young people struggling with drug problems. Since then it has spread to many countries and assisted thousands of youth. Cenacolo came to Liberia with the support and encouragement of Fr. Adrian, who was also instrumental in helping to open their house in Ireland.