The Catholic Church in Grenada will once again have its mother church available for worship as restoration work continues on the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in St Georges.

Contractors have been given a mandate by Bishop Vincent Darius, OP to return the cathedral to its state prior to Hurricane Ivan. The cathedral sustained serious damage – including a roof cave-in - when the powerful hurricane ravaged the island in September 2004. The cathedral hasn’t be used since.

Workmen at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Katheann Smith photo

At the current rate of construction, which began earlier this year, contractors hope to have the landmark available for Christmas Masses.

The project is estimated to cost EC $5M. So far, through the efforts of Fr Bill O’Carroll SPS, parishioners, local and overseas donors, a total of EC$3M has been raised.

A fund-raiser organised by the Diocesan Finance Committee was a well-attended and supported “The Bishop’s Annual Awards Dinner and Banquet”, held April 24 at the Grenada Trade Centre.

Members of the clergy, religious and laity who have made significant contributions to the Catholic community in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique received awards in such categories as Clergy Ministers for long years of service, Religious for long years of service, Outstanding Primary and Secondary School Principals, and Outstanding Lay Persons in the Parishes.

Awardees included Bishop Emeritus Sydney Charles, Msgr Cyril Lamontagne and Frs O’Carroll, Peter Clarke OP, James Mc Donnell SPS, Sean Doggett SPS and Mark Haynes; Srs Angela Mathlin SSM, Reina Loe-Sack-Sioe SJC, Pia Babb SJC and Presentation Brother Mathias Comyns.

Bishop Darius presented a special award to Denise Joseph, coach at St David’s Catholic Secondary School, for her commitment and outstanding achievement in sports not just at the school but nationally. - Petra George