Bishop Gabriel Malzaire of Roseau believes listening to music can help build a relationship with God.

“There is a moment to jump up as part of a celebration and there is a moment to listen to reflective music,” he said in a Holy Week interview with the secular weekly, The Chronicle. “I would like to encourage persons to always take in any music that will in turn develop their relationship with God and there are many types of music that can do that. There is also music which is tasteful including music like classical, and olden goldies.”

The St Lucia-born bishop said he had called on Catholic faithful and Dominicans in general to use Lent to focus on their relationship with God. He believed his call had been heeded.

“…Women, youth and even children were actively involved (in Lent), especially in the retreats. I believe they ought to be commended for that as it speaks well to how they view their life with God. However, I still believe persons who have left the Church ought to come back to actively participate in matters of faith.”

On Easter, Bishop Malzaire hoped “more families will come together thereby making their contribution to national unity. I also hope to see a renewal of faith, discovery of people’s need for God in their lives and persons moving with a sense of sacrifice as that will help us focus for the future. Lent should lead into a deeper quality of life.”