Bishop Burchell McPherson

Don’t change just because you’re now a Bishop. That was the advice from Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Nicola Girasoli to newly ordained Bishop Burchell McPherson on June 8 in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Before a packed congregation at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, the Nuncio said: “To become a Bishop is not an honour; it is a call to service. Too many bishops start to change after ordination. Remain who you are. Listen to the poor; listen to the priests; look after the people and priests.”

In an address with several indirect references to popular tunes of Jamaican music legend Bob Marley, like “One Love” and “Redemption Song”, the Nuncio reiterated: “Continue to listen.”

Bishop McPherson later replied: “I promise I will not change, Your Excellency.”

Sacred Heart Boys forever! Standard One students of Sacred Heart Boys’ RC School are all smiles after a Mass to celebrate the school’s 125th anniversary. Photo: Raymond Syms

Sacred Heart Boys’ RC School (SHBRC) proudly sang their new school song for the first time last Tuesday as they celebrated their 125th anniversary with Mass at the neighbouring Sacred Heart Church, Richmond Street, Port of Spain.

Preaching on the theme 125 Years of Excellence, Vicar General Msgr Robert Llanos said those who went before made sacrifices to allow those who currently occupied the school to enjoy this anniversary. “Many teachers and students and others contributed to the life of SHBRC. The culture of SHBRC wasn’t formed today or yesterday but on top of the shoulders of those who went before you.”

Msgr Llanos was the main celebrant in the absence of Archbishop Joseph Harris, who was unavoidably delayed in Jamaica following the Episcopal ordination of Bishop Burchell McPherson of Montego Bay. Cathedral administrator Fr Kenneth Assing concelebrated.

The road deaths last weekend of four of our young people have sounded the alarm once again about the state of driving on the nation’s roads, even as the tragedies have stirred up feelings of great sadness. What is to be done? The particular circumstances that lead to a road accident can be myriad – bad roads, poorly lit roads, speeding, error in judgment, tiredness, poor or insufficient training, intoxication, etc.