Liberian Catholic Bishop Dies: A Fearless Hero - VP Boakai Describes Late Archbishop Francis

Liberia's Vice President Joseph Nyuma Boakaihas described the late Catholic Archbishop Emeritus Michael Kpakala Francis as a fearless hero, faithful servant and consummate believer in the people. According to VP Boakai, the late Archbishop Francis was one of those exceptional lives which gave hope to the hopeless, succor for the suffering, courage for the faint of heart and voice for the voiceless.

He recalled that in the darkestmoment of Liberia as a nation, when warring factions rained death and destruction on the people of Liberia, it was the late Archbishop who stood as an embodiment of true valor and a tower of strength.

Archbishop Emeritus Francis died on Sunday, May 19, 2013 at his residence, in Sinkor, Monrovia. Prior to his demise, the prominent Catholic Archbishop was speechless after he was badly hit by stroke for several years. He was buried on Saturday, June 1, 2013 in the compound of the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Monrovia. His home going was attended by the nation- young and old; catholic and non-Catholic and all people of faith.

Speaking Friday, May 31, 2013 during the funeral service of Archbishop Emeritus Francis held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Monrovia, VP Boakai said the late Archbishop made it possible for Liberians to suspend the fears and survive the ever present menace of death.

Body of Arch-Bishop Michael Francis being carried by Priests and church members

"He stared down the guns and stood up to the warlords and child soldiers at great peril to guide his flock like a shepherd. Thus, as the labor has been done, the Servant Michael has successfully ended his tour of duty in the earthly real of God's creation," VP Boakai stated.

"The Most Reverend Michael Kpakala Francis, who will continue to dwell in the soul of Liberia, and in the minds of all Liberians--now and yet unborn--deserves a heroic send off. And we assemble here to give him just that," he noted.

The Liberian Vice President said Archbishop Francis was illustrious in life, and he will transcend the cold critical glare of history to become a larger than life figure even in death.

"A fine gentleman, he dedicated his life, time, and love to his country and fellow compatriots. He was a true patriot and nationalist who will continue to be missed not only for his magnificent stewardship of the Church, but also because he carried the cause of the less fortunate on his broad shoulders," VP Boakai pointed out.

"He was the eye of those with eyes but could not see. He spoke for those without a voice. His speech deserted him in the latter days of his mortal life may have been perhaps the greatest blow ever inflicted upon him. Yet he remained unbowed even in his affliction. Archbishop Francis fought for the weak. He stood against bad governance and challenged dictatorship and tyranny. He never caved into threats of any kind. He refused to cringe before thundering sounds of injustice," he stated.

As he continued to pay homage, VP Boakai further recalled that the late Archbishop Francis was an astute advocate and ardent defender of human rights, who instituted the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission in Liberia (JPC) - an institution of the Catholic Church consummately devoted to the defense of human rights and civil liberties in Liberia.

He said the late Archbishop Francis utilized wisely and well his tenure and service, which spanned over a quarter century, adding: "During his 28-year service, he transformed the Catholic Church in Liberia. He undertook massive infrastructural development, extensive institutional capacity building and expansion of the different apostolate."