Last Sunday’s annual La Divina Pastora celebrations turned out to be historic as two processions were held, all because of the inclement weather.

In spite of the rainy conditions, thousands journeyed to Siparia for this annual Feast Day event of the parish, one of the most celebrated in the archdiocese.

The faithful lustily sang hymns to Our Lady and recited the Rosary before the 10 a.m. Liturgy, which was delayed due to the unusually late arrival – because of traffic – of Archbishop Edward Gilbert.

The archbishop had returned to Trinidad only the day before. He had been in Rome for two weeks with other bishops of the Caribbean for their ad limina visit, during which he met with Pope Benedict XVI.

In giving his usual welcome, he said the Holy Father had sent his greetings and blessings to the Archdiocese of Port of Spain. Archbishop Gilbert said he was impressed with the attendance, remarking that it was one of the largest crowds he had seen at the La Divina Pastora celebration.

Concelebrating the Mass with the archbishop was Fr Martin Sirju, who was officiating for the first time as parish priest.

In his homily, the archbishop spoke of four elements of being Roman Catholic: presence, fidelity, witnessing and baptism. He said witnessing should form a large part of how people related to one another, and urged the creation of Church communities where everyone felt comfortable.

It was this witnessing which attracted others to the Catholic faith, Archbishop Gilbert said, citing as an example the more than 500 people who became members of the Church at Easter mainly because of their experience of Catholic witness.

The last dimension – public baptism – should cause people to live as good Catholics and be good shepherds, he added.
In his sermon Archbishop Gilbert also reminded the congregation that

“Our Holy Mother continues with the Ministry of Intercessions - for vocations, teachers and praying for the sick.” adding, "When we are crushed with suffering all we can do is trust and believe just as Jesus trusted in the Father as he hung on the cross.

The archbishop disclosed that more priests and 24 deacons would soon be introduced to the archdiocese. “Over the last few years, priests have been spreading themselves thin to meet you in the churches. We are preparing to upgrade the ministry, for God’s people.”

He also reminded the congregation about the Archdiocesan Synod to be held in October.

Before he closed, the archbishop congratulated the choir - dressed splendidly in blue and white and led by Cossyl Joseph – and the organist for the uplifting music. Leonard Reason sang the Panis Angelicus, and a folk rendition of the hymn to La Divina Pastora was also beautifully rendered.

As it was raining heavily, a decision was taken to have the procession with the statue take place inside the church after the Benediction, instead of outdoors as customary. The statue was carried up and down the aisles as the faithful paid homage.

The weather later cleared and, with the blessing of Fr Sirju, the usual street procession was allowed, much to the delight of the pilgrims but minus the altar servers and lay ministers.

By then the secular media had already left the event, hence their reports that no street procession was held.

Strapped securely on a blue SUV and with police escort, the statue of La Divina Pastora was carried through the streets of Siparia followed by praying pilgrims.

The showers began again as the statue and thefaithful returned to the church.