In this age of fantasy, where television and movies bombard us with images of witches and wizards and every conceivable form of magical thrill, where does one begin to find ways of bringing the Good News of Jesus home to the impressionable minds of our little ones? Well, trust Fr Michael Moses, parish priest of San Rafael to find such a way to do just that.

Fr Vincent shows off his magical skills. Photos: Sandra Ramharack

On the morning of December 29, the Talparo RC church was quickly filling up with a sense of quiet anticipation.

The Mass of the Holy Innocents had been postponed from December 28 to 29 since Fr Vincent, parish priest-cum magician, of St Michael's parish, Maracas Valley had been invited to treat us all to some of his magic.

The morning began with Fr Moses celebrating the Mass and reminding us all of the importance of “Innocents” Day – a day when we commemorate the lives of the infants who were slaughtered by King Herod after he was “tricked” by the Magi (the three Wise Men) who did not return, as he had requested, to inform him of the exact location of the new King, Baby Jesus. Out of fear of his crown being usurped by this new “king”, Herod ordered that all infants, from birth to two years old, be killed.

Following the Mass, adults and children gathered under the tent which had been set up outside. Fr Vincent delighted us all with his magic.

Everyone gasped as he swallowed a sword then pulled it slowly back out, having warned the children about the dangers of trying any of his magic tricks at home.

Again we watched as he chewed and swallowed an enormous amount of old newspapers and proceeded to regurgitate them, but transforming them, as he did so, into an endless ribbon of beautiful rainbow colours.

It reminded us of the psalm that says you can take the bitter valley and turn it into a place of springs. He ended his performance with a trick that demonstrated and reminded us of the need to let go of our separations of race, colour and religion.

He showed us three separate flags – symbolising the Hindu, Muslim and Christian faiths – which he magically turned into one T&T flag symbolising our brotherhood in Christ as one people.

Last, but by no means least, was the appearance of Santa Claus, who handed out gifts to all the children who perhaps had no chimneys at home and therefore had not been visited.

Father's blessings of all the toys ended what was truly a wonderful morning.

The entire programme was the brainchild of Fr Moses and the St Vincent de Paul Society (Talparo/San Rafael and Brazil Conferences). However all five parish communities participated.

We hope that if and when Fr Vincent has to return to India that he will leave someone behind fully equipped with his magical skills.