Sunday, December 11, 2005 was a rainy day, and a small congregation turned up for the second in the '05-06 series of devotions in honour of La Divina Pastora.

It was the third Sunday of Advent, and twelve beautiful Advent banners adorned the church. A group of young men of St Mary's College led the Rosary and did the readings at Mass; some of them joined the choir which was composed mainly of pupils of Siparia Boys' RC School.

In his homily Fr Ashton Pierre, celebrant at these devotions, held up St Joseph as a model for modern man. After recounting the story of Jesus' birth according to Matthew, he highlighted St Joseph 's role and the virtues these revealed about him:

(1) Joseph was a righteous, caring, responsible man of God, even though, as a human being, he did have his fears. He knew what was right, and he did it.

(2) He was puzzled by the turn of events, (Mary's pregnancy) and he was concerned about the possible consequences.

(3) He faced difficult situations squarely, standing by his family - no running away.

These qualities contrast starkly with the image of maleness held by so many today; an image of a man as one who leans against his flashy car, arms around the women on either side of him, a bottle of alcohol in one hand, and a gun stuck in the waist of his trousers - worn low-slung to reveal his underwear, and numerous large items of jewellery conspicuously worn.

How do we account for the wide acceptance of this image of manhood today? And, has society benefited from this image?

The truth is that women are much more independent today than ever before. They are highly educated, and leading men in that field as well as in the field of employment.

Yet women suffer from violence today more than ever before - from rampant rape, discrimination and abandonment to face alone the responsibilities of the family. And men are largely absent from the Church, too, and seem wedded to their careers, to the fast life, to their hobbies, etc.

Why? It is because many men:

(a) Have a need to be in control

(b) Experience a real fear of females

(c) Believe that "to do" is superior over "to be"

(d) Are afraid of appearing vulnerable

These qualities contrast starkly against Joseph's saying to God: "I need you."

The whole point is that to be successful and complete, men must face their inner selves, acknowledge and confess their failings, and then reclaim their roles. Follow Joseph's example. Father ended his homily with a heartfelt prayer that men would seriously take example from St Joseph .

At the end of the Mass, the congregation was treated to a lively, well-rendered selection of parang from the boys of Siparia Boys' RC and their teachers.

Our special thanks go out to Fr Ashton and the young men of St Mary's College.

Today's Devotion will be conducted by the parish priest of La Brea, assisted by students of Presentation College , San Fernando.