A beautiful day greeted us as we arrived for Mass at Presentation College Hall, Chaguanas for the 25th Anniversary of Teams of Our Lady on Sunday, October 26. 

Thirty to forty couples from Teams and other invited guests arrived two by two with their children and settled in after placing their lunch sharing on the tables.  Mass commenced at 10.30 a.m. with Fathers Robert Llanos and Neil Rodriguez concelebrating.

Fr Llanos in front of the Teams icon.

Cross section of Teams congregation

Fr Llanos's homily dwelt on the reading of the day and the historical context of the commandment to love our neighbour as ourselves. Jesus elevated this commandment to love our neighbour, to the level of loving God with all our heart, mind and strength, by telling the young man that the whole law and prophets hung on these two commandments.

In the Jewish tradition, life hung on love of God. Jesus completed our understanding of love for one another by elevating love of neighbour. In the context of marriage and family life, this meant that spouses should challenge each other to love the other even when it was painful, even when we may not like each other for the moment.

In our disagreements and trials, or in our joys and triumphs, we love each other, even as we love God and because we love Him. 

After Mass we all shared heartily in the array of dishes contributed by each Teams family as well as the chicken and hamburgers, which were barbecued as the day went along. Games commenced even as lunch and the 25th anniversary cake were completed. There were fun events for children as well as adults both separate and together in some cases.

Participation was positive and eager. The children had the opportunity to see their parents compete and view first-hand good sportsmanship, not only in words but by example.

Thoughtful prizes were given to the children, so that each child came away with something. The healthy, friendly atmosphere was an opportunity for bonding of family and Teams.

The tug-of-war events for children then adults was the final and most enthusiastic games event and was followed by a short series of live parang songs from Los Amigos Cantadores, a champion parang side formed partly by two Teams families from Arima.

We thank God, the principal and staff of Presentation College and all Teams couples and their families for a lovely day filled with fellowship, good food, fun and laughter.
May Our Lady, Patroness of Teams continue to pray for us.
– The Regional Team