“May God’s people be a people of the Resurrection and life,” said parish priest Fr Steve Duncan as he concluded the homily at last Saturday’s Easter Vigil and Mass at Sacred Heart church, Gasparillo, parish of Our Lady of Montserrat.

He told the packed church that Christ was buried in a tomb or sepulchre. When one thinks of a tomb, it is seen as “a place of death, of desolation, of lifelessness”.

A tomb is also known as a burial vault and when you think of a vault, you think of a place of safety, like the security of a bank vault, he continued. He said those who crucified Christ thought they had “locked him away” - but they did not succeed.

He said Christ’s tomb could also be seen as a place of confusion and fear as these were the feelings experienced by those who came to prepare the body. He said we too find ourselves - at the tombs in our lives - experiencing similar feelings.

He continued that just as the angel told the women and the disciples that Christ was no longer there but had risen, we too need to be told to move on, to move forward, to move away from our state of confusion.

Two representatives from parish church communities take the light from the Paschal candle held by Rev Abraham at Sacred Heart church, Gasparillo. Raymond Syms photo

Assisting Fr Duncan throughout the Easter liturgy were Deacons Carl Haynes and Anthony Abraham.

Rev Haynes will be ordained in June for the diocese of St George’s, Grenada, while Trinidad-born Abraham will be ordained later in the year for the diocese of St Thomas, USVI.

The vigil began on the front lawn of the church with the Paschal candle being lit from a blazing bonfire. Representatives from the various parish communities - Tortuga, Piparo, Guaracara, Kelly Junction, Caratal #1, Caratal #2, Mayo, Gasparillo and Corosal - then lit candles from the Paschal candle and shared the flame with parishioners.

For the Liturgy of the Word, a representative from Mayo, Piparo, Corosal, Caratal #1, Kelly Junction, Caratal #2 and Tortuga each did a reading.

Afrya Joanne Faustina Orosco and Sherisse Frances Collymore were baptised and confirmed at the Mass, while the lone candidate for full reception into the Catholic Church was June Cheryl Ruth Banfield.

The celebration of baptism included the singing of the Litany of the Saints, the blessing of the baptismal water, the renunciation of sin, the profession of faith, the baptism followed by the clothing with baptismal garment, and the presentation of a lit candle by the sponsors to the newly baptised.

Fr Duncan later led the congregation in the renewal of their baptismal promises, followed by the blessing with holy water. He was assisted by Rev Haynes and Abraham for the blessing as the choir sang.

Speaking towards the end of the Mass, Fr Duncan urged all to continue praying for archdiocesan clergy as he informed the parish that he would be on indefinite leave from March 23 due to pressing health concerns.

Vicar for the Central Vicariate, Chaguanas parish priest Fr Christopher Lumsden, would assist in providing temporary cover until Fr Duncan’s return to active ministry. - RS