Indian Missionary Appointed Provincial Economer for West Africa South Province
- Salesian Missionary from India Rev. Fr. Sony Joseph Pottenplackal SDB appointed Provincial Economer for West Africa South Province (AOS)
Monrovia, Liberia: Our Lady of Lebanon Catholic Church and St. Joseph Parish were filled with parishioners who gathered to bid farewell to Rev. Fr. Sony Joseph Pottenplackal SDB, a Salesian missionary from India, as he concludes 12 years of service in Liberia. Fr. Sony has been appointed Provincial Economer for the Salesian West Africa South Province (AOS).
The farewell Mass and subsequent reception celebrated Fr. Sony’s significant contributions to pastoral care, education, and community outreach during his tenure. In his new role, he will relocate to Ghana to oversee Salesian projects, financial administration, and operational matters across the AOS Province, encompassing Liberia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Cote d’Ivoire.
Throughout the past decade, Fr. Sony held several key leadership positions, including Parish Priest, Rector of the Salesian Mission, and Principal of Don Bosco Technical High School. He also spearheaded youth and development initiatives, such as the Salesian Solar Energy Project and the establishment of a youth rehabilitation center in Virginia, near Monrovia. Furthermore, he initiated skills training programs within the prison system, providing inmates with valuable tools for reintegration into society as productive and law-abiding citizens.
Two Masses were held in his honor. Rev. Fr. Kpen-Ana Peter Kwaku SDB, Parish Priest and Rector of the Salesian Mission, celebrated the first Mass, with Fr. Sony concelebrating. Fr. Sony then celebrated the second Mass, concelebrated by Fr. Albert D. Gibson SDB, Vice Rector and Principal of Don Bosco Technical High School. The parish choir, under the direction of Rev. Bro. Omobayode Olukanni, SDB, enhanced both liturgies with their musical contributions.
Following the Masses, a formal farewell reception was held, during which Fr. Sony received tributes, gifts, and words of gratitude from representatives of the parish pastoral council, the Indian community, various organizations, and the Salesian community. Speakers shared personal anecdotes, highlighting Fr. Sony’s humility, leadership qualities, and tireless dedication to both pastoral and developmental endeavors.
In his farewell address, Fr. Sony expressed his sincere gratitude for the relationships he had forged and the memories created during his 12 years in Liberia. He stated, “It was never about roles or titles, but about being present, accompanying the young, and responding to the needs of the time.” He described his time in Liberia as “the most meaningful period” of his priestly ministry, emphasizing the unique opportunity to witness the lasting impact of the initiatives he helped to implement. He acknowledged the collective efforts of the parish community, his Salesian colleagues, the late and current Archbishops of Monrovia, diocesan clergy, members of religious orders, parish staff, local partners, and lay collaborators, recognizing their contributions to the mission’s success.
The day concluded with an evening gathering hosted by the Salesian family, featuring Vespers, the Rosary, a video tribute, and a communal meal. Fr. Kpen-Ana SDB, representing the Salesian community, lauded Fr. Sony’s unwavering commitment and insightful leadership, wishing him well in his new role. Fr. Albert D. Gibson SDB offered personal reflections, recalling Fr. Sony’s mentorship since their seminary days. Fr. Sony, in turn, expressed his gratitude to all, promising to keep them in his prayers. Rev. Fr. Thomas Tran, SDB, delivered a vote of thanks, bringing the day’s events to a close.
The day was marked by emotion, appreciation, and a shared dedication to continuing the Salesian mission in Liberia.
Report by: Wilfred Lawrence D’Souza
