Archbishop Felix (second, left) leaves the sanctuary at the end of the recent Regional Seminary 65th Anniversary Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Others in photo are Archbishop Lawrence Burke of Kingston, Jamaica; Deacon Rev Carl Haynes of Grenada and Archbishop Edward Gilbert. CN FILE PHOTO

St Lucian Catholics and leaders from other sectors of St Lucia’s society will next Sunday pay special tribute to outgoing Archbishop Kelvin Felix.

A National Pilgrimage of Prayer and Thanksgiving will be held February 3 at Minoo Phillip Park in Castries, the capital.

The event will pay tribute to Archbishop Felix, who was born in Dominica on February 15, 1933; he will therefore turn 75, the retirement age for archbishops and bishops.

Archbishop Felix, who was appointed to head the Castries archdiocese on July 17, 1981, has already welcomed his replacement, Archbishop Robert Rivas. He returns to his homeland on retirement.

The national pilgrimage begins with a March of Faith by parishes, church groups and other Church organisations from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Songs of praise, tributes and presentations are all part of the day’s programme at the Park. Holy Mass will close the day.