We need to repent not only as individuals, but also as Church and as nation.

“We have to adopt a spirituality of repentance…We cannot neglect such saving grace,” said Trevor Nathasingh at last weekend’s Jesus Explosion X (JE-X), which had as its theme Strive to enter through the narrow gate (Lk 13:24).

LET IT BREATHE ON HIM Fr Ian Taylor, Msgr Robert Llanos, Br Richard Jones, OSB and Janet Chinnia pray for Fr José Maniyangat before he gave his talk at Jesus Explosion X, Saturday, July 21. Photos: Raymond Syms

Participants in praise and worship session.

Speaking last Saturday (July 21) on “Repent or Perish”, the Mayaro parish priest said repentance required us to recognise ourselves as sinners, but many have become comfortable with wrongdoing. “No one talks about morality anymore. Everything has become relative.” He cited the crime situation, saying as a society our consciences no longer seem to be affected by the bloodshed on our streets.

Humourous at times but with a direct message, Fr Nathasingh said Catholics needed to turn away from “a cosmetic approach to spirituality” and recognise that repentance is a must for a Christian. “As Catholic people we have to embrace once again the Sacrament of Reconciliation…We need to not only repent, but live the power of absolution thereafter.” He remarked firmly, “If you don’t repent, suck salt”.

Day two of JE-X began with Mass celebrated by Couva parish priest Fr Godfrey Stoute. Vicar General Msgr Robert Llanos later brought greetings on behalf of Archbishop Joseph Harris who is presently out of the country. He congratulated organisers on their tenth anniversary and thanked them for their contribution to the archdiocese through evangelisation.
The Vicar General challenged the gathering to encourage young people to think about religious life, saying “We need priests and religious to come from among you.” He called on them to remain rooted in Gospel values. “Strive to become another Christ,” he told the hundreds in attendance, many wearing commemorative canary yellow polo shirts.
There were contingents from the USVI, Curaçao and Grenada in the packed Preysal High School, Gran Couva auditorium.

Main overseas speaker was India-born, US-based missionary priest Fr José Maniyangat, who spoke of his experience of visiting hell, purgatory and heaven with his guardian angel after dying in a vehicular accident. His soul was returned to his bone-shattered body after 29 minutes. Fr José’s experience and his life since can be read on his website, www.frmaniyangathealingministry.com.

Also addressing the participants that day was San Rafael parish priest and JE spiritual director Fr Ian Taylor, who later led the gathering of mainly young people in the Invocation of the Holy Spirit. That evening, there was Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

JE-X began Friday, July 20, with praise and worship, a talk on the main theme by Fr Taylor, and an address by Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Nicola Girasoli.

Sunday’s session comprised talks, workshops and a closing concelebrated Mass: San Juan parish priest, Fr Cornelius Phillip was the chief celebrant and homilist. – RS