“Life to the full” was the theme of last week’s Pan Crusade for Peace, the annual Lenten series organised by Rosary/Gonzales parish, held at the pan yards of popular Port of Spain steelbands.

Last Monday’s opening talk was delivered by parish priest Fr Clyde Harvey at the Duke Street base of 2007 National Panorama champions, Neal & Massy Trinidad All Stars. Beresford Hunte, All Stars manager, read a psalm.

Fr Harvey preached on showing compassion and having spiritual strength, referring to current social issues and events in the context of the theme.

He challenged all to recommit themselves to working hard, using their creativity, and remaining dedicated to making the country a better place. He used a tenor pan, one of the musical instruments of the GRACE Music Ministry, as a symbolic representation of the creativity, commitment and work needed to develop the nation. GRACE led the singing.

Among the prayers offered during the evening was one by Fr Harvey for all those connected to All Stars, particularly its leadership, that they might be given the wisdom to ensure the prize money for winning Panorama is used to benefit the band and its members.

Other preachers during the week-long series were Anglican priest Archdeacon Steve West, Frs Carlyle Guiseppi, CSSp and Dwight Merrick, and Charmaine Parris.

The pan yards of bpTT Renegades and Witco Desperadoes were the other venues for this year’s Pan Crusade, which appears to be growing in popularity each year.