Issues concerning the welfare of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) in the Caribbean were discussed as the Caribbean Service Team (CST) held a successful meeting last month in Oranjestad, Aruba.

The April 21-24 meeting, held at the Centro Pastoral Aruba, began with an opening ceremony.

Bearing the national flags of the delegates, members of the dance group World of Children with the Light of the World, entered the hall dancing to gospel music from the territory.

The emcee introduced delegates and gave a brief history of the CCR movement in the delegate’s island. The dance group performed two dances, and later, an adult couple did a colourful folk dance symbolising the death of John the Baptist.

Business sessions were held April 22 and 23, with CST spiritual director Fr Simon Wilson conducting a worship and adoration session on the Wednesday night.

The CST meeting concluded Thursday evening with Mass and a healing service at St Theresa Church, San Nicolas. Fr Wybe Fransen, Aruba CCR spiritual counsellor and St Theresa parish priest Fr Alex Talde were the celebrants; Deborah de Rosia of Trinidad and Tobago led the healing service.

World of Children with the Light of the World have accepted an invitation given by de Rosia to perform at the opening of the 2010 Caribbean CCR Conference, to be held at the Centre of Excellence, Tunapuna, January 8-10. – edited from a report by Thomas Quandus

Caribbean Service Team at Centro Pastoral Aruba, including Deborah de Rosia (seated, third from left) and spiritual director Fr Simon Wilson (seated, second from right). Thomas Quandus photo