2024 Award Recipients

ST. CLARE AWARD RECIPIENT: Paschalis and Ine Stassen-Pouwels

Paschalis and Ine are supporters from the Netherlands who have sponsored multiple children on Liberia Mission for many years. Because of their generosity, countless children on Liberia Mission have been given the opportunity to receive a Catholic education, a loving home on the Mission, nutritious meals, medical care, and support as they grow. St. Clare once said, “We are to become vessels of God’s compassionate love for others.”  Paschalis and Ine truly live out these words. 

ST. ANTHONY AWARD RECIPIENT:  Fr. P. Sumo-Varfee Molubah

Fr. Varfee is a Franciscan Works’ Board Member and has been an advisor to Liberia Mission for many years. He has served the Mission as a spiritual and administrative advisor to staff and students. He was also an anchor of counsel during the Ebola Crisis. Fr. Varfee is a great collaborator and conduit for communication between the Archdiocese of Monrovia, the Government of Liberia, and Franciscan Works.

ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE AWARD RECIPIENT: Ma Martha Massaquoi

Endearingly known as “Grandma” by all, Ma Martha has been a cook at Liberia Mission for over twenty years and has contributed countless hours toward the health and well-being of both students and staff. Her dedication, sacrifice, and wisdom have sustained multiple generations of children that have passed through the gates of Liberia Mission. St. Maximilian Koble said, “Do not forget that holiness consists not in extraordinary actions, but in performing your duties towards God, yourself, and others well.”  Grandma exemplifies St. Maximilian Kolbe through her kindness and charity. 

ST. THERESE AWARD RECIPIENT: Neeb Family Foundation

Thanks to the Neeb Family Foundation’s generosity and support, the children of Liberia Mission have the opportunity to develop computer literacy that will benefit their future. The Neeb Family Foundation provided the funds necessary to purchase new computers for the computer lab at St. Anthony of Padua School on Liberia Mission. The computer lab equips students with skills that can translate into jobs in their future, giving them the opportunity to learn standard computer skills. The Neeb Family Foundation’s mission is to apply the biblical story of the Good Samaritan to daily life and show God’s love in tangible ways. Like St. Therese, the Neeb Family Foundation inspires others with their outpouring of Christ’s love to others. 

2023 ST. FRANCIS AWARD RECIPIENT: Bob and Kathy O’Dwyer

Bob and Kathy have been actively involved with the daily flourishing of Franciscan Works and Liberia Mission since the organizations began. They selflessly give of their time and resources by volunteering with daily operational support of Franciscan Works, raising money through mission appeals, sponsoring children on Liberia Mission, hosting gatherings in their home, and so much more. 

Bob has been a Franciscan Works Board Member since 2003 and was Board President for 8 years. Bob and Kathy are both professed Secular Franciscans and have traveled to Liberia Mission several times. We thank Bob and Kathy for their many years of guidance, service, and support to everyone at Franciscan Works and Liberia Mission. They truly embody the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi!