Liberia, Catholic Church 

The inspiring and affirmative account of a somewhat neglected chapter in American history - the relations of the United States and Western Africa, particularly Liberia, seen through the eyes of the bravest of missionary endeavor. The first attempt to bring the light of Faith to the country which is now Africa's only republic was undertaken with the support of the American hierarchy and people a little more than a century ago. Today, it is a flourishing mission field, which, however, cries out for constant assistance and prayer.

Here are hitherto untold stories of the heroic labors of Bishop Edward Winston Barron, who later died during a Savannah, Ga, plague; of Father John Kelly, later a priestly pioneer in Jersey City; of Father John Maurice, missioner in upper New York State; and of numerous members of the Holy Ghost Fathers, the Montfort Fathers, the White Fathers, and the Society of African Missions. The author, Father Martin J Bane, SMA, a member of this last group, has drawn both upon original documents and letters, many a century old, and upon his own narrative ability to tell the Catholic story of Liberia. It is his hope that his story will contribute "to the glory of God, the conversion of Liberia and the honor of America."

Taken from the inside flaps.