At 5.00 a.m. on a dark, chilly Good Friday morning, 15 youths took charge of the reflections during Our Lady of Montserrat’s Parish procession, under the guidance of parish priest, Fr Steve Duncan.

The Holy Spirit Movers Youth Group from Mayo wrote the reflections, which centered on national issues. These meditations were edited by Fr Duncan and skillfully handled by the youth at the fourteen stations, which were identified by small wooden numbered crosses placed along the route.

Dramatisation on Solidarity at the Whiteland Junction

The group Holy Spirit Movers from Mayo

This was the first Good Friday procession in which all the communities including Tortuga, Piparo, Guaracara, Kelly Junction, Caratal I and II, Corosal, Gasparillo and Mayo joined in visible solidarity in a profession of faith, as they began the three kilometre uphill trek from the Poonah Junction to the Mayo RC Church. Some worshippers walked or drove the entire route while others availed themselves of a ride periodically.

Parishioners’ ages ranged from “in the womb” up to 82 years old. Halfway through the procession the sun rose bringing warmth to the two hundred people present, including Deacon Anthony Abraham and Grenada-born Deacon Carl Haynes and Brother Steve Ransome.

All in attendance stood on the pavement around the triangle at the Whiteland Junction. Here the Mayo youth group portrayed a skit entitled “Solidarity”.

The disharmony between the older generation and today’s youths, the disrespectfulness of children to their parents and the indiscipline of students in schools were the main issues depicted. Resolutions were obtained through solidarity portrayed in a dance to the song Good Morning Neighbour by the group 3Canal.

The second half of the journey continued in deep reverence as pilgrims processed the pothole-filled roads through the “cocoa” and up the steep hill to the church, visible in the distance.

As soon as the parishioners settled in their seats, the visiting Deacons and Mr Ransome led them in the Morning Prayer. This concluded in absolute silence and was followed by very light refreshment.

Everyone departed to return at 3.00 p.m. for the Solemn Good Friday Liturgy.