Indian Salesian Missionary Rev. Fr. Sony Joseph appointed provincial economer for West Africa

Indian Salesian Missionary Rev. Fr. Sony Joseph appointed provincial economer for West Africa

Mangalore Today News Network

Monrovia, Liberia, September 18, 2025: Parishioners of Our Lady of Lebanon Catholic Church, St. Joseph Parish, gathered in large numbers on Sunday to bid an emotional farewell to Rev. Fr. Sony Joseph Pottenplackal, SDB. After 12 years of dedicated missionary service in Liberia, Fr. Sony departs to take on a new leadership role as Provincial Economer of the Salesian West Africa South Province (AOS Province), based in Ghana.

The farewell Mass and reception drew a broad cross-section of the community — from parishioners and students to religious leaders and well-wishers — all paying tribute to a priest widely respected for his deep commitment to pastoral care, education, and social development. Fr. Sony will now oversee the financial and administrative operations of Salesian works across five countries: Liberia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire.

During his time in Liberia, Fr. Sony held several key positions, including Parish Priest, Rector of the Salesian Mission, Principal of Don Bosco Technical High School, and Project Coordinator for various youth and development programs. He spearheaded significant initiatives such as the Salesian Solar Energy Project, a proposed youth rehabilitation center in Virginia (outskirts of Monrovia), and prison-based skills training programs that offered inmates renewed hope and practical pathways to reintegration.

Two special Masses were celebrated in his honor. The first was led by Rev. Fr. Kpen-Ana Peter Kwaku, SDB, Parish Priest and Rector, with Fr. Sony concelebrating. The second, presided over by Fr. Sony himself, was concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Albert D. Gibson, SDB, Vice Rector and Principal of Don Bosco Technical High School. Both liturgies featured the parish choir under the direction of Rev. Bro. Omobayode Olukanni, SDB.

Following the liturgical celebrations, a formal farewell reception was held, featuring tributes and presentations from the parish pastoral council, the Indian community, religious organizations, and members of the broader Salesian family. Speakers shared heartfelt testimonies, highlighting Fr. Sony’s humility, leadership, and lasting impact on lives within and beyond the parish.

In his farewell address, Fr. Sony reflected on his time in Liberia as “the most meaningful period” of his priestly life. “It was never about roles or titles,” he said. “It was about being present, accompanying the young, and responding to the needs of the time.” He expressed gratitude to the parish community, his fellow Salesians, the Archdiocese of Monrovia, local clergy, lay collaborators, and community partners, emphasizing the collective nature of the mission’s achievements.

The day concluded with an evening gathering hosted by the Salesian family. The event included Vespers, the Rosary, a video tribute, and a fellowship meal. Parish leaders and Salesian members offered personal reflections and words of gratitude. Fr. Kpen-Ana praised Fr. Sony’s visionary leadership, while Fr. Albert Gibson spoke movingly of his mentorship and friendship since seminary days.

Fr. Sony, in turn, promised to keep the Liberian community in his prayers and encouraged them to continue the work they had built together.

The evening closed with a vote of thanks delivered by Rev. Fr. Thomas Tran, SDB — marking the end of a deeply emotional day marked by gratitude, reflection, and renewed commitment to the Salesian mission in Liberia.