The Catholic Bishop of Banjul, Reverend Robert P. Ellison CSSP, has described The Gambia as one of the most peaceful countries in the sub-region and the world at large.

Rev. Robert P. Ellison made this remarks last Saturday during his sermon at the 23rd Catholic annual prligrimage in Kunkujang Mariama, Western Region. He urged the congregation to continue to pray with even greater favour and hope, to strengthen the existing peace and stability in the country. The Bishop said Jesus Christ has stated in the Holy Bible that: Blessed are the peace makers; they shall be called the children of God.

The Catholic Bishop said praying for peace without making the efforts needed to enable it to develop, may not be useful and the peace will easily disappear. He  observed that the price of peace is a just society and Church, while pointing out that there is no country in the world that can ignore this reality. Bishop Ellison said the synod is concentrating on a theme of the greatest urgency for Africa; the Church in service to reconciliation, justice and peace in a continent that is in dire need of these gifts and virtues. The Bishop revealed that the Catholic community has been going to the shrine of Lady Queen of peace for the past 23 years to pray for peace.

Pope Benedict's special greeting was also extended to the congregation by the Bishop. Every year, hundreds of Catholic around the country and beyond descend on the shrine of Lady Queen of Peace in Kunkujang Mariama to pray.