Fr Michael Moses made a difference in the life of the parish, the Church, the nation, and the lives of many. This was the sentiment expressed by several persons who spoke at last weekend’s funeral liturgy.

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was packed for last Saturday’s (Mar 15) funeral Mass for Fr Moses, who passed away March 12 after losing his battle with cancer. As the coffin lay open at the front of the church, many lined up to pay their last respects, then proceeded to sign the condolence book.

Seated in the front pews were Fr Moses’ “families” - on one side his parents, brothers and other relatives, and on the other, Arima-based Word of Life Community. Among those present in the congregation were former Health Minister John Rahael, calypso veteran Hollis ‘Chalkdust’ Liverpool, Rev Cyril Paul of the Presbyterian Church, and Pentecostal pastor Merle Ali.

Fr Moses' mother stands by the coffin

Archbishop Gilbert greets the parents of Fr Moses

Joining the clergy in procession was Anglican priest Rev Colin Sampson, Dean of the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Some parishioners of San Rafael, his last parish, wore tee-shirts with Fr Moses’ face printed on the front. The parish choir, dressed in blue gowns, sang in the choir loft alongside the archdiocesan choir.

Fr Moses’ brother, Elias delivered the eulogy at the start of the Mass. The first reading was done by Najette Abraham, the second by Erica Mapp, while deacon Rev Anthony Abraham proclaimed the Gospel.

In his homily, Archbishop Gilbert described Fr Moses as both smart and strict, but dedicated and committed to the Church and its teachings. “Church teaching meant a lot to him. He internalized it. He studied it. He researched it.”

He could be serious, but also had a serious sense of humour, he said. He preached that you can rise above secularism, “that you didn’t have to accept it, you could work to reverse it… Michael was a prophet.”

He said the readings chosen by his family (Wis 4:7-15, Rev 21:1-5 and Jn 19:25-30) captured Fr Moses’ ministry. Focussing on the second reading, he said the sting of death was taken by the sacrifice of Christ, and we can celebrate and “live the message of Michael’s life”.

The archbishop challenged all to continue the work Fr Moses started.
Before the blessing and incensing of the body, Sangre Grande parish priest Fr Ian Taylor read an e-mail from the Governor of Louisiana who described Fr Moses as a humble man who was an inspiration. Fr Moses spent time there researching their abstinence programme, which he was instrumental in introducing to the Ministry of Education.

Fr Taylor said he knew Moses for more than 20 years, meeting him while both were attending university. He described him as an original thinker, who could go against the flow and push back the tide, someone who like him had struggled with being strict yet compassionate.

He summed up, “One man can truly make a difference. He made a difference. Thank God for the life of Michael Moses.” At the end, the congregation applauded as it had done after the eulogy.

Frs Taylor and Peters, both ordained along with Fr Moses in 1988, walked ahead of the coffin as it was wheeled down the aisle to the hearse. The choir sang joyfully I have decided to follow Jesus.

Outside in the noonday sun, Archbishop Gilbert gave his final blessing, then greeted Fr Moses’ parents.

Fr Michael Moses was laid to rest at Mucurapo cemetery. - RS