Three weeks ago I was at the Arima Health Facility and saw Carmen Hoyte on a wheelchair with one of her relatives beside her. I looked at her and she exclaimed, “Miss Mora!” Of course anyone from Arouca would know my maiden name.

Carmen Hoyte

Carmen was waiting to see the doctor. I asked Avril Sampson her niece if she could get a picture of Carmen so I could write a story about this great stalwart of the Catholic faith.

As a girl of about 10, going to school in Arouca, I remember Carmen as a member of the Legion of Mary with my grandmother, Florentena Mora. Carmen and my grandmother use to pound the streets of Arouca to visit every sick person and to say the rosary.

Carmen loved her Church and every church door she found open she had to enter to pray. She is a devotee of Our Lady and would hire buses to go to places like Laventille Devotions, Siparia and other places to pray.

Born on January 1, 1916, just a year ago I saw Carmen in Tunapuna and realised she also visits Debbie de Rosia’s ministry in Tunapuna. Where can we find faithful people like Carmen again? I know that we do have faithful people serving the Church. Carmen is now 92 years old and unable to visit. Now is the time to visit her. I’m quite sure she will be happy.

Carmen, may you enjoy this time of your life relaxing with your rosary. We all love you and may God keep blessing you.

Anyone who would like to make contact with Carmen can contact her niece Avril at 642-2734.