In a decisive move to expand Catholic brotherhood across West Africa, Liberia’s Supreme Subordinate Commandery of Liberia (SSCL) has launched a historic mission to establish the revered Order of Knighthood in the Ivory Coast, marking the first formal introduction of the Order in that country.
The five-day high-level mission, held from March 26–30, was carried out at the invitation of Bishop Alexis Youlo Touabli of the Diocese of San Pedro, signaling strong ecclesiastical backing for the initiative from the outset.
Leading a 15-member delegation, Noble Knight Major General Charles Kpan departed Monrovia following a morning Mass at St. Joseph Parish, arriving in San Pedro to a rousing reception led by Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Bernard Koffi.
However, the warm welcome underscored growing anticipation within the Diocese for the establishment of the Order.
Declaring the delegation’s intent to “plant a seed of Knighthood in the Ivory Coast,” Maj. Gen. Kpan emphasized the Order’s pillars of faith, charity, service, and unwavering commitment to the Catholic Church.
Bishop Touabli responded with firm endorsement, symbolically opening the Diocese to the Order’s expansion.
The mission gained momentum with a strategic visit to Sassandra, where further consultations with Church leadership deepened plans for the Order’s future.
Also, a formal dinner at the Bishop’s Rectory reinforced ties and fostered cultural exchange. Meanwhile, a breakthrough came during an engagement with the Catholic Men Organization (CMO) at Saint Pierre Cathedral, where delegates outlined the structure and mission of the Knights of St. John International.
Speaking, Cathedral Administrator Rev. Fr. Michel Kouassi N’Goran praised the initiative and oversaw the distribution of application forms to eager participants.
The spiritual highlight unfolded on March 29, as the Liberian delegation joined Palm Sunday celebrations at Saint Pierre Cathedral.
In a compelling address, SSCL President Noble Knight Maj. General Andrew N. Nimley, Jr., urged Catholics to embrace the discipline and service ethos of Knighthood. A farewell ceremony capped the visit, with both hosts and delegates hailing the mission as a major success.
The Liberian team returned home on March 30 with renewed resolve to deepen the Order’s footprint across the region. Church observers point to strong local enthusiasm and cooperation between clergy and laity as critical to the initiative’s success.
The SSCL has already announced plans for follow-up engagements, including recruitment drives and the establishment of a preparatory committee to formalize the Order’s presence in the Ivory Coast. Beyond expansion, the mission has strengthened cross-border ecclesiastical ties and reaffirmed a shared vision of faith, unity, and service within the Catholic Church.
