The Catholic community in Paramin said a heartfelt thanks on Sunday, April 6 to Catherine Hosang on the occasion of her 75th birthday. 

Mrs Hosang has made a long and distinguished contribution to the Church community – more than 30 years - and she continues to serve with pride and distinction in various ministries in the Church. 

Parish Council member Marvin Gonzales was given the task of saying thanks to her on behalf of parish priest, Fr Alan Mohammed, the Parish Council and the people of the community. 

During his delivery, he summarised to the congregation the long and illustrious track record of service by Mrs Hosang. He quoted from a 1977 People magazine lead story where the Rotary Club of Port of Spain had began a pilot project in Paramin, as was being done in other communities around Trinidad at that time.

The aim of the project was to transform the village into a self-sufficient community with amenities such as water, a poultry depot and a bakery. The rotary club’s approach was to enter into a partnership with the community to realise these objectives. 

Catherine Hosang and Fr Mohammed.

The club began holding discussions with a group of committed residents in the area, including Catherine. The Paramin Development Committee was established with Catherine its first chairperson. Other active members of the committee were Jane Fournillier and Polly Romany. 

This committee, in conjunction with the Rotary Club, agitated for pipe-borne water. Many did not believe this was possible, but this dynamic and persistent group was able to surpass all expectations. They believed in God, and it happened! For the first time Paramin had the basic and precious commodity of water. Catherine and her team will always be remembered for this achievement.

Catherine was not only involved in the social life of the community. After experiencing a deeper conversion through the Charismatic Renewal some 30 years ago, she was inspired to form a prayer group.

Known today as the Incarnation Prayer Group, it continues to touch the lives of many parishioners who participate in its weekly Tuesday meetings. Evolving from this prayer group was the recently formed men’s group, Sons of Guadalupe.

Another ministry of Catherine’s is the Catechetical team. She has been involved in Catechetics for over 20 years, touching the lives of many of the young people of Paramin. Gonzales himself was a product of her catechetical ministry.

On many occasions Catherine has expressed the wish to discontinue her involvement in this ministry, saying she was growing gracefully in age and the associated challenges of moulding young minds was becoming a lot for her. To date, however, she continues to lead a dynamic and well-motivated group of catechists, of which the parish is so thankful for.

Her record of service to the Church also included the decorating and preparing of the church’s sanctuary, taking over from another veteran, Pollina Lucio. Catherine is also one of the longest serving Eucharistic ministers in the parish.

The people of Paramin are indeed grateful to God for the wonderful gift of Catherine Hosang.  Her dedication to the Church and community is a shining example for all of God’s people.

At 75, she remains “fresh as a flower and bright as the morning star” because of her faithfulness and love for the Lord.  May God continue to bless her with long life, happiness and good health. Thank you Catherine!