The National Catholic Education Secretariat (NACES) has officially commenced its highly anticipated First Annual Gathering for 2026 in the historic city of Harper, Maryland County.
Serving as a vital forum for reflection, accountability, and visionary planning, this annual gathering brings together key educational leaders and stakeholders from across Liberia. Over the course of the gathering, participants will engage in a series of strategic meetings and intensive working sessions designed to review ongoing activities in Catholic basic and secondary schools, while collaboratively planning future initiatives.
At the heart of the agenda are deep-dive discussions focused on the administrative, instructional, and financial operations of the three Catholic Education Secretariats in Liberia, ensuring that the schools under their respective supervision continue to deliver top-tier, values-based education.
Exquisite Hospitality in Cape Palmas
From the moment delegates arrived, our hosts—the Catholic Education Secretariat (CES) of Cape Palmas—have gone above and beyond. The secretariat has extended exceptional hospitality and has taken outstanding care of all participants, setting a warm, collaborative tone for the productive days ahead.
The official itinerary got off to a wonderful start yesterday evening. The Bishop of the Diocese of Cape Palmas, Most Rev. Andrew J. Karnley, warmly welcomed the delegates to his residence, graciously hosting the entire team to a sumptuous dinner and fostering early fellowship among the secretariats.
A Morning of Grace and Wise Counsel
Today’s activities began with spiritual reflection. Delegates gathered early this morning for the celebration of the Holy Mass in the peaceful Generalate Chapel of the Sisters of the Holy Family Congregation.
Following Mass, the delegation paid an official courtesy visit to Bishop Andrew J. Karnley at his diocesan office.
During this cordial and highly engaging meeting, Bishop Karnley shared several profound reflections with the delegation. Highlighting the importance of cultural preservation and community integration, the Bishop suggested that NACES explore the feasibility of teaching at least one popular local language in every Catholic school, specifically selected from the local community where each school is situated. This visionary suggestion aims to ground students deeper in their local heritage while promoting national unity and cultural appreciation.
Deliberations: Policy Drafts and Financial Compliance
Following the courtesy visit, NACES members transitioned directly into the core working sessions of the day. Today's primary deliberations centered around two crucial pillars: refining the draft NACES Policy and auditing the financial operations of NACES.
During the financial reviews, a strong emphasis was placed on regulatory compliance. Personnel from all three secretariats were firmly reminded of the critical importance of adhering to statutory national requirements. This includes ensuring the timely and precise remittance of all organizational obligations to the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) and the National Social Security and Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP). Maintaining financial integrity and keeping up with these civic duties ensures that our Catholic educational institutions remain models of civic excellence and institutional responsibility.
Looking Ahead
As the First Annual Gathering of 2026 progresses, the dedication of the participants promises to yield a stronger, more united framework for Catholic schools across the country.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Diocese of Cape Palmas, Bishop Karnley, the Sisters of the Holy Family Congregation, and all our hardworking delegates.
We wish all participants continued success in the remaining sessions. May God’s abundant blessings be upon you all, and may He continue to crown our collective educational endeavors with success!