Canonical Visit in Liberia: Encounter with Hospitality in Monrovia
The Canonical Visit to the centers of the England Delegation continues its journey. From February 23 to 28 in Monrovia, Liberia. Sisters M. Antonia Guerra (General Treasurer) and M. del Carmen Martín (General Councillor) had the opportunity to enter the “sacred land” of the hospitaller mission.
On this itinerary they were accompanied by Lourdes Sanz, Delegate Superior, and Mary Ann Curimatmat, Delegate Treasurer, who facilitated the translation work throughout the entire visit.
One Center, two structures: St. Benedict Menni Health Center
Under the management of the Hospitaller Sisters and belonging to the Archdiocese of Monrovia, the St. Benedict Menni Health Center stands as a reference of comprehensive care through two differentiated areas:
- The Clinic: A pillar of community health that offers services ranging from emergency care and pharmacy to critical Maternal-Child care programs, diagnostics, immunization (EPI), and specialized treatments for communicable diseases such as TB, HIV, and ART programs.
- María Josefa Recio Mental Health Center: A rehabilitation space dedicated exclusively to women. Here, mental and neurological pathologies are treated, as well as detoxification processes and addictions.
A model of care with identity
The visit made it possible to verify a way of working totally centered on the patient, integrating:
- Specialized medical and nursing care.
- Psychosocial, occupational, and recreational therapies.
- The innovative Substance Use and Addiction Management Program (SUD).
- Continuous follow-up through outpatient consultations (OPD) and a committed program of weekly home visits to ensure the recovery of those who have already been discharged.
Listening, Dialogue, and Gratitude
Beyond the structures, the visit focused on people. Through various meetings with sisters and collaborators, the coherence of the service with the Hospitaller Model was verified. The welcome, marked by the richness of Liberian culture, made it possible to experience the value of Hospitality in every detail.
We had the opportunity to greet the Brothers of St. John of God and to learn about the service they carry out at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Liberia.
At the conclusion of this stage, the visiting sisters reiterate their deep gratitude to the Monrovia community and to the Congregation. “Images and moments that will accompany us on our journey remain engraved in us,” they affirm, highlighting the dedication of all those who are part of this great Hospitaller Community.
