Hundreds of faithful Catholics journeyed to San Rafael RC on the serene evening of April 20, for the forty days Memorial Mass of our beloved parish priest Fr Michael Moses.

 In attendance were Fr Moses’ parents, his brother and other family members, together with Aunty Babsie and other members of the Word of Life community, his close friend Najette, calypsonian Chalkdust and countless others who came to celebrate the life of this inspirational leader and one whose passion was the salvation of souls.

Fr Jason Gordon was the chief celebrant and Frs Ian Taylor, Wilfred John, George Lewis and Dwight Merrick concelebrated.

The liturgy began with lively choruses as the faithful sang, danced and raised their hands in worship. The choir, dressed in t-shirts bearing prints of a smiling Fr Moses, under the direction of Kerry Ragoobarsingh, sang energetically throughout the Mass.

Before the homily the choir was asked to sing Fr Moses’ favourite Holy Spirit song, a custom all his parishioners are familiar with. In delivering the homily Fr Taylor mentioned that prayer, the priority of priests, was which was the cornerstone of Fr Moses’ ministry.

He spoke too of the social events organised by Fr Moses, which were always Christ-centered. Fr Taylor held everyone’s attention delivering his message of healing and repentance through the power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit in a similar and unique fashion reminiscence of the style of Fr Moses.

Fr Moses’ mother and other family members carried the gifts to the altar. The children, or as Fr Moses affectionately called them, “the little mosquitoes” from Talparo Community, who received their first holy communion the previous week were also in attendance.

Following the rendition of the meditation hymn Sing out my soul to the Lord Fr Jason addressed the congregation. He joked about the trouble caused by Frs Moses and Taylor invoking thunderous applause and laughter from the congregation.

He described Fr Moses as a fine man and prophet and reminded all those gathered that Fr Moses’ memory must always be in their hearts and the principles he stood and fought for must be part of their everyday existence.

He thanked Fr Moses’ family for their contribution in molding him into the splendid individual he was. Fr Jason also paid tribute to Auntie Babsie describing her as a woman of vision and courage and thanked her for all that she did for Fr Moses and the entire country.

Continuing his tribute, Fr Gordon spoke about the Abstinence Programme, Fr Moses’ brainchild. Sadly he was unable to be part of its final implementation due to his illness.

In paying tribute to Fr Moses calypsonian Chalkdust spoke on the healing he underwent as Fr Moses prayed for unbearable pains he continually experienced. He spoke about the various interactions he had with Fr Moses concerning calypso and his stance on the Trinity Cross issue.

Kerry Ragobarsingh, youth leader of the parish, described Fr Moses as the greatest person he ever met. He mentioned the tremendous work Fr Moses put into the development of the music ministry and the spiritual revolution experienced through the Monday night prayer meetings with his dynamic preaching and soul-searching talks.

Hollis Raghunanan, parish administrator of San Rafael shared similar sentiments as the previous speakers. He spoke of the pain and grief experienced in the community at the loss of this great man.

He asked everyone to continue praying for the parish in the period of transition and more so for a new shepherd who will continue the great work started by our late parish priest

As the liturgy came to an end with the song And the Father will Dance the congregation was treated to refreshments organised by Lucy, Carol, Mrs Pantin and team.

Many mingled exchanging greetings and laughs as they remembered their experiences with the greatest man they ever knew – Fr Michael Moses.