A TRIBUTE TO CLAUDE DEXTER HONORÉ, who was called home to glory on Sunday, December 16, 2007.

A parishioner of St Anthony’s Parish, Point Fortin, Claude was often referred to as the “National Parishioner” since the boundaries of Vicariates and Communities never prevented him from worshipping wherever the Spirit led him to at any given time.

Because of his love for God and the Church, Claude’s involvement was many faceted. He was a lay minister, a catechist, a youth co-ordinator, choir member, Men’s Group member, Cursillo and Youth 2000 member. He was also involved in Special Olympics.

Claude Dexter Honoré

You can imagine then, the shock and sadness experienced by those who knew and loved him when news of his death was communicated.

His funeral was a lively liturgy with inspirational, dynamic music and powerful preaching by the parish priest, Fr Trevor Nathasingh. Also present were Frs Dwight Merrick and George Lewis and a church packed to capacity with relatives, friends and well-wishers.

Before the service began tributes were paid to Claude’s memory by representatives from TTUTA, Cursillo, Cipriani Labour College (where he attended at the time of his death) and Palo Seco Secondary School (where he taught before entering Cipriani).

All the speakers were unanimous in their description of Claude as a loving, caring person with a zeal for living and going beyond the call of duty to ensure success in whatever endeavours he was undertaking.

In the field of catechetics Claude proved to be a devoted worker for the Lord. As Fr Nathasingh shared, “Claude possessed a heart which desired God, and he truly loved and defended his Church, so all the good things which he did, he did from his position of faith.”

Claude could always be counted on to be there for the Confirmation candidates, the choir and in whatever activities the Church was hosting, he always played an integral part.

During the days of the Deanery system in the archdiocese, Claude was an active member in the South Western Deanery’s Youth Ministry. Family day, carnival shows, Christmas concerts and Youth Rally, he was always present.

This did not stop with the coming into being of the Vicariate system, and although many of the activities had stopped, the annual penitential Youth Rally at Penal continued, and Claude never missed one.

As a motivational speaker, Claude could always be counted on to inspire the young people. He had the distinct honour of planning the Men’s Day at the Palo Seco Secondary School where the fathers would be invited to come and spend time learning about their children, bonding with them and being open to ways in which their relationship with their offspring could be improved.

When the representative of the said school paid tribute to Claude at the funeral, she said his death was so hard to take, she kept looking at him in the casket expecting him to get up, give his signature mischievous laugh and tell all present it was a joke.

Those who knew him will never forget his sense of humour, the sound of his uninhibited laughter, his love for food and music, his adventurous spirit, his willingness to help, his love for water, be it the beach or the pool.

But most of all, he will always be remembered for his devotion to God and the Blessed Mother of Jesus. Coincidentally, while news of his death was being made public, a pre-recorded programme with Claude and the other members of the Men’s group praying the rosary was being aired on channel 10. A fitting tribute to one who used his skills and talents to love and serve God and live the faith he professed in the Church he loved.

In closing his homily, Fr Nathasingh urged the congregation to see Claude’s funeral as not just another social event, but as an opportunity to allow Jesus the privilege of being the most important part of our lives, since He will never abandon those who put their trust in Him.

Claude Dexter Honoré, we will miss you and always love you.
Rest in peace.