By Laura Ann Phillips, in Barbados

Ten of the 11 priests who serve in the Bridgetown diocese assembled August 4 at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Bridgetown to celebrate the feast of St John Vianney, part of the diocesan observance of the Year for Priests.

Chief celebrant at the Mass, Msgr Vincent Harcourt Blackett, reminded the 70-odd faithful of their participation in the priesthood of Jesus Christ, “by virtue of (their) baptism.” Therefore, “We must serve the Church. We need a vision of the (future) Church in Barbados; we should ask God to show us this vision.”

The Pallottine, Dominican and diocesan priests present were encouraged to examine the ways in which they too are called to serve the Church.

“We really have to cultivate our gifts and talents and use them for building the kingdom of God,” said Msgr Vincent.

A convert from Anglicanism, the monsignor pondered his 34 years of priesthood – celebrated August 15, the feast of the Assumption – and declared, “I enjoy my priesthood because I chose it! God first chose me, but I chose my priesthood.

Msgr Blackett

“I will always be grateful for the support of the Church and (that) of the late Archbishop Anthony Pantin, who journeyed with me since I first wanted to join the priesthood until his death – and even now!”

Bishop Emeritus, Anthony Dickson, 73, recalled that, as a teenager, “the priesthood was the furthest thing from my mind!

“I went to a Jesuit school in Kingston,” said the Jamaican-born bishop, “and had to be dragged to Mass by my mother. Then, in sixth form, I began to think a little about priesthood – I can’t explain it at all! There began to be that ‘needling’, next thing I was in the seminary and next thing, a priest! And, I wouldn’t do it any other way. It’s been a very happy, fulfilling 47 years.”

The priestly life has been “one of the great privileges, the great mysteries in my life, for which I’ve been grateful,” mused Fr Clement Paul, OP, who celebrated 33 years of priesthood August 6, feast of the Transfiguration. “In spite of ups, downs, failures, I continue to feel the joy of the priesthood. This, I ascribe to the grace of God and the love of Mary, our mother.”

For the diocese to produce more vocations, it is imperative for the Church to work together, Msgr Vincent said.

“As a Church, we need to encourage, support and build up each other in ministry,” he declared. “When we can do that, we will see a flourishing of the priesthood. We will be exporting priests!”