Christians must ensure the Cross does not lose its meaning, said the main celebrant and homilist at the fifth and penultimate Laventille Devotions for 2008.

Recently-ordained Carmelite friar Fr Hasely King focussed on the cross in recognition of the feast being celebrated that day, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14).

He began explaining that the cross was an instrument of execution in the days of Christ. Christ’s death on the cross then was a source of embarrassment for the Jews and a sign of failure for the Gentiles, he said.

He said what we celebrate today would be like a group, 1000 years from now, celebrating a feast of the electric chair. People would think they were crazy, he said. The cross, however, is for Christians everywhere a story and symbol of the conquering of death, and of eternal life, Fr King added.

“We have a story as Christians. It is a well known story about Christ and the cross. Every church has a crucifix, and we often make the sign of the cross. Good Friday after Good Friday after Good Friday we venerate the cross because it is an essential part of our story.”

Fr King, based at St Michael’s church, Maracas Valley, said it is important to understand our story, recalling an interaction with a student at Corpus Christi College, Diego Martin. The student had worn a diamond-studded cross against school rules, but when asked what the cross meant could not answer.

“Is our story losing meaning?” he asked rhetorically. “Has the cross become ‘bling’ to us as well?”

Fr King said as Christians we have a responsibility to ensure the story is not forgotten “because of our relationship with God”. He ended urging those struggling with health or relationship issues to reflect and leave their worries at the foot of the altar, and allow God to do the rest.

Concelebrating the Mass was Archbishop Gilbert and Fr Peter Hill, CSsR, assistant parish priest at St Theresa’s, Barataria. Deacon Rev Leslie Tang Kai proclaimed the gospel.

Principal Wendy Aqui, teachers and students of Holy Name Convent, Port of Spain, led the Holy Hour with recitation of the Luminous Mysteries of the Holy Rosary.

They also did the readings and led the singing. Form Five student Reanne Hutton signed throughout the devotions for the hearing-impaired.

The social justice talk before Mass was delivered by Sr Arlene Greenidge, OP, who invited 17-year old St Dominic’s Home resident, Candice Khan to speak. Khan gave a reflection on her experience of living in a home without parental involvement.

She said she had been scorned at times because she lived in a home, and cried for a mother and father. She exhorted young people in the congregation to love and treasure their parents, saying that those who have both mother and father in their lives, “You don’t know how blessed you are.” Khan also urged parents to take care of their children: “Your children need you.”

There was no Benediction as there was no Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament before devotions.

Final devotions for 2008 will be on October 12. - RS