Published: February 19, 2026
GREENVILLE, Sinoe County — The Catholic Diocese of Cape Palmas has concluded its fifth annual Diocesan Youth Festival, bringing together more than 200 young Catholics from across southeastern Liberia for five days of spiritual formation, leadership training and community engagement.
By Fr Amos Cornelius Sikar, Parish Administrator, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Greenville
Held in February at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Greenville — the only Catholic parish in Sinoe County — the gathering drew 220 participants from nine parishes and their outstations. Many traveled nearly a full day over difficult road conditions to attend the event themed “Servant Leadership: Leading with a Heart.”
Organizers said the atmosphere throughout the week blended reflection, fellowship and practical learning, with activities designed to deepen faith while preparing young people for leadership roles within the Church and their communities.
Formation and Spiritual Reflection
The annual festival, initiated by Bishop Andrew J. Karnley, has grown into a central youth formation program in the diocese since its first edition in Pleebo, Maryland County. The event aims to strengthen faith practice, mentorship and service.
Activities included daily prayers, Mass, confessions, Eucharistic adoration, vocation talks and structured recreational sessions. A Diocesan Youth Assembly Convention also convened youth delegates to discuss engagement strategies and pastoral priorities.
Diocesan Youth Coordinator Fr. Ernest Wisner said the purpose extends beyond a gathering.
“The Youth Fest helps young people strengthen their relationship with Jesus and reminds them the Church’s future is entrusted to them,” he said. “A Church without youth does not have a future.”
Servant Leadership Message
During the opening Mass, host pastor Fr. Amos Cornelius Sikar emphasized participation in Church life and presented the festival’s first major formation talk on servant leadership.
“The Church is not only for the clergy but also for the youth,” he told participants. “Leadership means service, humility and love, following the example of Christ.”
Speakers including Fr. Christopher Harmon and Sr. Benetta Dweh addressed sacraments, vocation and Christian responsibility, encouraging young people to consider priesthood, religious life and committed Christian family life.
William Mentor Flomo, president of the Monrovia Archdiocesan Youth, called for stronger coordination among Liberia’s three Catholic dioceses and proposed a unified national youth structure.
“You are the Church’s strength, voice, present and future,” he told participants, expressing hope for the revival of a national Catholic youth festival.
Community Engagement and Activities
Beyond formation sessions, participants held a public evangelization parade through Greenville, praying the Rosary and singing hymns. Sporting events with local schools and other denominations drew community crowds, while competitions in debate, dance and quizzes encouraged teamwork and creativity.
The festival concluded with a closing Mass and a Diocesan King and Queen contest in which Emmanuel Teah and Philomena Toe of St. Joseph Parish won both titles — the first time the host parish secured the dual honor.
Organizers said the program strengthened discipline, unity and moral development among youth while encouraging continued participation in Church life.
“The Bishop has entrusted the Church to you,” Wisner said in his closing remarks. “Be ready to serve and take responsibility for its growth.”
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