1
June 10,2011
Volume 1, Issue 1
holiness.
He thanked Bishop Emeritus Most
Rev. Boniface Nyema Dalieh for the
years of dedicated service to the
Diocese of Cape Palmas and aims to
build on what he has done. He also
extended his heartfelt appreciation
to Msgr. Melvin Nyanti Gaye for his
successful overseeing the affairs of
the diocese as Apostolic Administra-
tor. In the same direction, he com-
mended the Priests, Religious, and
Laity for their faithful assistance
during this period.
Meanwhile, Bishop Karnley was
consecrated by his Excellency,
Archbishop George Antonysamy,
Apostolic Nuncio to Liberia; while
Mos t Re v Le wis Ze i g l e r ,
Archbishop of Monrovia and Presi-
dent of the Catholic Bishops’ Con-
ference of Liberia (CABICOL); and
Most Rev., Boniface Dalieh, Bishop
Emeritus of the Diocese of Cape
Palmas as co-consecrators. The
Episcopal ordination also brought
together bishops from neighboring
Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone.
Bishop Karnley calls on priests to share in his shepherding
In his Episcopal Ordination remarks the
newly ordained Bishop of Cape Palmas has
called on his fellow priests to share in his
shepherding. Quoting 1Peter 5:2-4, Bishop
Karnley told the congregation gathered at
St. Theresa’s Cathedral on April 30, 2011
that the task of shepherding is a shared re-
sponsibility and that he looks forward with
pleasure and great expectation to meeting
his fellow shepherds and brother priests at
the earliest opportunity so that they can pray
and plan together on how best they can care
for the lovely people committed to their
charge. He said together they (priests) can
do a very great deal. He also made a fervent
appeal to the Clergy, Religious and Laity of
the diocese for a collaborative action in the
dispensation of their duties in the Lord’s
vineyard. He told the crowd gathered at the
St. Theresa cathedral to witness his Episco-
pal ordination that unity gives strength.
―With a heightening sense of responsibility
and service- all shrouded in a genuine at-
mosphere of religious collaboration –we
cannot fail‖ Bishop Karnley said. He cau-
tioned priests in his diocese to revitalize
their communities of faith through pastoral
and evangelical endeavors, prayer and ex-
emplary life. He reminded priests that their
call to serve God and humanity is a call to
History
The Diocese of Cape Palmas
is located in South-eastern
Liberia. It comprises of five
counties: Manyland, Grand
Kru, Sinoe, Grand Gedeh, and River Gee Counties with
the total population of ap-
proximately 481,908 inhabi-
tants. Its catholic population
is 15,863. At present, there
are ten functional parishes
with several outstations. On
February 2,1950, it became
a Vicariate. On May 7,1962
it was elevated to a Vicariate Apostolic and on December
19,1981, it was created as
a diocese.
Inside this issue:
Bishop Karnley calls
on priests to share in
his Shepherding
1
Pastoral Visitation 2-
3
Thanksgiving Mass in
Home Parish
4
Bishop’s Coat of Arms
& Episcopal Crest
5
Bishop’s profile 6
Bishop Karnley envis-
ages diocesan pastoral
Plan
7
Episcopal Ordination
in Photos
8
Cape Palmas Herald Diocesan E-Newsletter
Bishop Karnley with classmates after his Epis-
copal Ordination
Bishop Karnley taking Canonical Possession of the
Diocese of Cape Palmas, April 30,2011
2
June 10,2011
Volume 1, Issue 1
and each individual Chris-
tian has a role to play in the
fulfilling of this task. How-
ever, he stressed, ―our abil-
ity to respond to this call
will depend on the extent
Three weeks after his Episcopal Ordination, Bishop
Karnley starts pastoral visitation to parishes
The Shepherd of the Catho-
lic Diocese of Cape Palmas
His Excellency Most Rev.
Andrew J. Karnley has
begun his pastoral visita-
tion to parishes in his dio-
cese. The first leg of his
pastoral journey which
started on Saturday May
21 and ended on May 22,
2011 took him to St.
Theresa Cathedral Parish in
Harper. The visit brought
together members of the
Pastoral Council (PPC), the
Parish Finance Committee
(PFC), and representatives
of various organizations
within the parish. During
his two days visitation and
consultation with the PPC/
PFC of St. Theresa Cathe-
dral Parish, Bishop Karnley
reiterated his commitment
to see the PPC/PFC in par-
ishes in his diocese as an
enabling community,
where every member of the
parish has his/her role to
play. He also spoke of the
PCC as a partnership of
clergy and laity consulting
and working together to
enable the parish commu-
nity its mission. He said the
mission of the parish can
be found in the final words
of Matthew’s gospel which
records Jesus’ great com-
mission to his disciples:
"go, then, to all peoples
everywhere and make them
my disciples., baptise them
in the name of the Father,
the Son, and the Holy
Spirit, and teach them to
obey everything that I have
commanded you. And I will
be with you always, to the
end of the age". (Matthew
28: 19-20).
This he said is the task of
the Church in the World
and each parish community
for appropriate pastoral activ-
ity in a wide range of areas,
such as in Faith Formation,
Education and Personal
Growth; Development of
Worship, Prayer and relevant
Liturgy; encouragement of
Support groups; Youth Min-
istry; Ecumenism; Evangeli-
zation; Work for Peace and
Justice; Community Devel-
opment and Good Relation-
ship
to which we allow our par-
ish become a living, grow-
ing, healthy community
of faith. It is the role of the
Pastoral Council to encour-
age and nurture this. It en-
deavours to build up the
community of faith, not
for its own sake, but in
order that it might be a
force for good (or rather, a
force for God), as it
reaches out, intent on mak-
ing a real difference in the
wider community and
world. The first task of the
Parish Pastoral Council is
to help the parish identify
and define its particular
mission, at this particular
time, within the overall
mission of the Church. In
this way it gives the parish
a real sense of purpose
and a vision to work to-
wards”. Bishop Karnley continued,
―But its work must not end
there. It must then decide
on priorities and set goals
―With the tasks and challenges
before us, I make a fervent
appeal to the Clergy, Religious
and Laity of the Diocese of
Cape Palmas for collaborative
action in the dispensation of
our duties in the Lord’s vine-
yard. There is a popular saying
that unity gives strength. With
a heightened sense of responsi-
bility and service – all
shrouded in a genuine atmos-
phere of religious collabora-
tion – we cannot fail”. Bishop
Andrew J. Karnley (abstract
from Bishop karnley’s remarks
on April 30,2011)
Cape Palmas Herald Diocesan E-Newsletter
Bishop Andrew J. Karnley
3
he is not obliged to act on
their recommendations it is
unlikely that he will not
accept good advice‖.
He further told members of
the St. Theresa’s Cathedral
PPC that the monthly coun-
cil meetings most be a
combination of prayer,
study, reflection, planning
and reviewing and the
amount of time devoted to
each of these may vary,
depending of the needs at
the time and on the leading
of the Spirit. Speaking of
the Parish Finance Com-
mittee, Bishop Karnley told
his flocks that Canon 537
of the Code of Canon Law
calls for the establishment
etc. The list of possibili-
ties is endless. It is not the
role of the council to carry
out these tasks it-
self. Members may con-
tribute to various areas of
ministry as individuals, but
with everyone in the parish
using their God-given gifts,
together we can build a
living, growing, healthy
community of faith. To-
gether we really can make
a difference‖.
Explaining the powers of
the PPC Bishop Karnley
said; ―The PPC is consulta-
tive (Cf. Can. 536). This is
not to diminish its
role. Consultation prop-
erly understood and exer-
cised in the right spirit can
be a source of empower-
ment and life for the parish
community. The Second
Vatican Council recom-
mended the establishment
of such councils and stated
that people have a right and
duty to express their opin-
ion on what pertains to the
good of the church. By
establishing a Pastoral
Council the priest acknowl-
edges the wisdom of his
parishioners and gives
them the task of investigat-
ing, considering and re-
flecting on all matters relat-
ing to the life of the par-
ish. He invites them to
draw conclusions and make
recommendations. While
make significant contribu-
tion to parish funds.
Meanwhile Bishop Karnley
will continue his pastoral
visitation across the dio-
cese until mid July 2011.
The focus of his pastoral
visitation message will be
the PPC and PFC.
of a finance committee in
each parish to help the par-
ish priest in the administra-
tion of the goods of the
parish. According to
Bishop Karnley, ―the Par-
ish Finance Committee
(PFC) is consulted before
any major item of expendi-
ture is incurred. They
(PFC) advise the parish
priest and the PPC on the
ongoing maintenance of
the Church as well as over-
seeing any fundraising pro-
jects‖.
He then called on the PFC
to be responsible in ensur-
ing that proper records of
income and expenditure are
maintained and that an
account of administration
is given to the parishioners
and his office in every
three months. He cau-
tioned PFC members to
also ensure that the parish
income remains in line
with rising costs. With this
in mind, Bishop Karnley
said, the PFC should en-
courage parishioners to
Pope Benedict XVI appointed Bishop Karnley as Shepherd of
Cape Palmas on January 5,2011.
Page 3 Cape Palmas Herald
4
Bishop Karnley Holds Thanksgiving Mass in Home Parish
God had showered his
blessings on him since his
seminary life and then to
the priesthood. He praised
his parents for his up bring-
ing but most of all thanked
God for Rev. Fr. Gary Jen-
kins (SMA) who inspired
and supported him in his
pursuit to the priesthood.
Also attending the Thanks-
giving Mass in Tubman-
burg were priests, religious
and laity from the Diocese
of Cape Palmas, Archdio-
cese of Monrovia, and Dio-
cese of Gbarnga.
Citizens of Bomi County
on Sunday May 15, 2011
gathered at St. Dominic
Parish in Tubmanburg,
Bomi County to give
thanks to God for His se-
lection of Bishop Andrew
J. Karnley as Shepherd of
the Catholic Diocese of
Cape Palmas. The program
which was well attended
brought together a cross
session of Bomi citizens
and well wishers including
Her Excellency President
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf,
House Speaker Alex Tyler,
Anti Corruption Boss Cllr.
Francis Johnson Morris,
Monrovia City Mayor
Mary Broh , Bomi County
law maker Senator Richard
Devine among other high
top government officials.
During the ceremony, the
President of Liberia, Ma-
dame Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
including Bishop Andrew
karnley and Archbishop
Lewis Zeigler of the Catho-
lic Archdiocese of Mon-
rovia, inspected the guard
of honour of the Noble
Orders of the Knights of
Marshall ,St. John Interna-
tional , and Lady Auxiliary
of the Knights of St. John
International.
In his thanksgiving sermon,
Bishop Karnley spoke of
his up bringing and how
Page 4
“By establishing a
Pastoral Council the
priest acknowledges
the wisdom of his
parishioners and gives
them the task of
investigating,
considering and
reflecting on all
matters relating to the
life of the parish”,
Bishop Andrew
Karnley
Volume 1, Issue 1
Pictorial of the thanksgiving ceremony at St. Dominic Parish in Tubmanburg, Bomi County , Liberia
5
Meaning of Bishop Karnley’s Coat of Arms and
Episcopal Crest
Motto: OMNIA PER VIM
CHRISTI, meaning All
Things through the Strength
of Christ. This motto is a
statement of faith of Bishop
Karnley. It is inspired by
Philippians 4:13, ―I have the
strength to face all condi-
tions by the power that
Christ gives me‖.
Upper left of the shield: The
Marian symbol; this symbol
represents the Blessed Vir-
gin Mary who is the Mother
of the Church. The Episco-
pal Ministry of Bishop
Karnley is entrusted to the
intercession of the Blessed
Virgin Mary. The words of
Mary to the servants at the
wedding in Cana: ―Do what-
ever he tells you‖ Jn 2:5, are
meaningful to the Episcopal
Ministry of Bishop Karnley
in listening and serving.
Upper right of the shield:
The Holy Eucharist and the
Bible: The Holy Eucharist
and the Word of God pro-
vide spiritual nourishment
for the people of God. They
are at the center of the
Bishop’s pastoral ministry.
The words of Jesus to Peter
to feed his lamb are relevant
for the Bishop’s pastoral
ministry (Cf.Jn 21:15-19).
Lower left of the shield: The
map of Liberia with a palm
tree and lighted candle. The
significance of the map of
Liberia with the red back-
ground is to recall the mem-
ory of all those who suffered
and died during the years of
civil unrest in Liberia, com-
Bishop Karnley with his Mother Ma Hawa Sando after his
Thanksgiving Mass at St. Dominic Church in Tubmanburg,
Bomi County, Liberia.
mencing from the riots of
1979 to the end of the civil
war in 2003. The palm tree,
besides representing the lush
and green forest and vegeta-
tion of Liberia especially the
south-eastern region, is a
symbol of hope and the birth
of new life. The lighted can-
dle represents the burning
desire of Liberians to tread
along the bright and promis-
ing paths that lead to justice,
peace, healing, reconcilia-
tion, and development
Lower right of the shield:
The Dove, though generally
a symbol of peace, is also a
symbol of the grace of God.
It is only by the grace of
God that we are what we are
and can become what we
ought to be (Cf. 1Cor.15:10).
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Cape Palmas Herald is the official E-
Newsletter of the Diocese of Cape Palmas
Managing Editor : Solo Otto Gaye
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +231-6333-194
Production Center: Bishop’s House, Harper
Philippians 4:13, “I have
the strength to face all
conditions by the power
that Christ gives me”.
Catholic Diocese of Cape Palmas E– Newsletter
Bishop Karnley’s coat of arms and
Episcopal Crest
6
Bishop Karnley’s Profile
The Holy Father Benedict XVI, on 5 January 2011, appointed as Bishop of the Diocese of Cape Palmas (Liberia)
Mrgs. Andrew J. Karnley.
Bishop Karnley was born on 26 April 1967 in Jawajeh Varney Bohn,Bomi County, North-western Liberia. After
secondary school at Our Lady of the Fatima High School in Harper (Diocese of Cape Palmas), he entered the St Kiz-
ito Seminary in Kenema in 1987 for the pre-major seminary course and then started his studies in philosophy first at
St Paul's College Seminary in Gbarnga, Liberia, and then completed in Makeni, Sierra Leone, where he obtained his
baccalaureate ( Magna Cum Laude) in 1991. He completed his theological studies at St Peter's Regional Seminary,
Cape Coast, Ghana (1993-1995). He was ordained a priest on 9 July, 1995 at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Monrovia,
and appointed to the same archdiocese.
After his priestly ordination he held the following positions: 1995-1996: assistant parish priest of our Lady of
Lourdes Parish; 1996-1997: Vice Rector Queen of Apostles Minor Seminary, Monrovia; 1998-2000: Parish Priest of
Immaculate Conception Parish, Monrovia; 2000-2002 : Rector of St. Charles Lwanga Pre-Major Seminary, Mon-
rovia; 2002-2003: Study leave at the institute of St. Anselm in Kent, England where he earned a diploma in Human
Growth & Development; 2005-2009: was appointed by the Holy Father as Apostolic Administrator Sede Plena of
the Archdiocese of Monrovia; 2010- January 2011 : study leave at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome; 5
January 2011 : elected as Bishop of the Diocese of Cape Palmas, South east Liberia; 30 April 2011: Episcopal ordi-
nation/enthronement as Bishop of the Diocese of Cape Palmas.
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and entourage at the Thanksgiving Mass at St. Dominic
Church in Tubmanburg, Bomi County
From left to right: Archbishop Zeigler, President Sirleaf, and Bishop Karnley
7
Staff of the secretariat of the Diocese of Cape Palmas held a one day retreat initiating the process to find a way for-
ward for the diocese. The retreat which was aimed at re-energizing, teambuilding and moving together with a vision
was held on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in Harper City, Maryland County. The retreat
brought together directors, managers, monitors, securities and janitors of the diocesan secretariat. Welcoming the
staff members, Rev. Msgr. Melvin Nyanti Gaye, Vicar General of the diocese said that the retreat was important
because it will help shift the diocese into a new direction. He called on participants at the one day retreat to posi-
tively share their many years of experiences so as to help in the process of moving the diocese in a new and positive
direction. Meanwhile, in his opening remarks, Most Rev. Bishop Andrew Karnley thanked the organizers of the re-
treat and said he was gratified by the participants’ presence. Bishop Karnley told his staff that, ―good planning for
the short and long term is very important. The Diocese of Cape Palmas needs to set goals and objectives and means
and strategies to achieve. The input of the staff in the process is valued‖. He called on staff to identify their needs,
problems and challenges and underscored that each department, parish and organization within the diocese needs to
make plans and set priorities in order to achieve a common goal. He then challenged the secretariat staff to treat
each other with mutual respect. He also cautioned staff to properly manage and utilize the human, financial and
material resources of the diocese well. ―change will come about as time and circumstances dictate, the first change
starts with oneself - the change of mind and attitude. We should develop the right attitude to work; that is reporting
to work punctually and putting in time and energy creatively to achieve results‖ Bishop Karnley said.
During the retreat, facilitators were able to motivate participants to brainstorm on the future of the diocese. After
six hours of full participation and brainstorming, secretariat staff members were able to propose that the diocese
revisits her mission and vision statements, that a diocesan pastoral plan be draw up and a staff welfare committee be
commissioned by the bishop to sort out staff problems and needs. They said this will enable the diocese to grow in a
new direction.
Meanwhile, responding to the proposal of his staff, Bishop Karnley welcomed their ideas and said all this is possi-
ble if each and everyone work with determination, dedication and commitment. He promised staff that he will re-
view their proposal carefully and necessary considerations will be made to include their proposal within a new di-
ocesan pastoral plan. He told secretariat worker that the retreat will be extended across the diocese to priests, reli-
gious, and laity so as to sort out views on the future of the diocese.
The one day retreat was facilitated by Civil Peace Worker, Miss Brigitte Hinterregger, Very Rev. Msgr. Melvin
Nyanti Gaye, Vicar General; and Mr. P. Mike Jurry, Director, CARITAS Cape Palmas.
———————————————————————————————————————————————————
–——————————————————————————————————————————————————--
Bishop Karnley Envisages Diocesan Pastoral Plan
Left to Right: Rev. Fr. Boniface Golo Tye, Rev. Fr. Foster Gar-
diner, and Rev. Fr. Ted Hayden were appointed as Consultors
by Most Rev. Bishop Andrew J. Karnley on April 30,2011.
Left to Right:: Rev. Fr. Joseph C. Nyantee, Chancellor
of the Diocese of Cape Palmas and Very Rev. Msgr.
Melvin Nyanti Gaye Vicar General of the Diocese of
Cape Palmas. They were appointed on April 30,2011 by
Most Rev. Bishop Andrew J. Karnley.
8
Bishop Karnley’s Episcopal Ordination in Photos
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