“Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name give glory because of your faithfulness and love.” Psalm 115:1

On the evening of Monday, February 19, the St Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Coconut Grove, Nassau, Bahamas was packed to overflowing for the celebration of the Silver Jubilee of priestly ordination of Monsignor Simeon Roberts, affectionately known around The Bahamas and in the Caribbean as “Father Sim”.

In attendance were the Archbishop of Nassau, His Grace,  Most Reverend Patrick C Pinder. The concelebrants included the priests and deacons of the Archdiocese of Nassau and a visiting priest and special guest Fr George Clements of Chicago who preached the homily. He, as did Archbishop Pinder, sang the praises of this gifted yet shy priest, “Father Sim”.

Msgr Simeon Roberts

Msgr Simeon Roberts is a graduate of the Regional Seminary of St John Vianney and the Uganda Martyrs in Tunapuna, Trinidad. “Father Sim” was born in Bailey Town, Bimini in The Bahamas and was ordained to the priesthood on February 19, 1982 by the former Archbishop of Nassau, now Archbishop of Kingston Jamaica, His Grace, Most Reverend Lawrence A Burke SJ.

He has served in many parishes in the archdiocese beginning at St Cecilia’s (1982), then moving to the Parish of St Joseph (1982 – 1986), then to the St Francis Xavier Cathedral (1986 – 1987), then to St Thomas More Parish 1987 – 1997), re-assigned to St Francis Xavier Cathedral as Rector (1997 – 2004) and returning to St Cecilia’s (2005 – present) where he serves as pastor.

In 2004 “Father Sim” took a one-year sabbatical which he spent in Guadeloupe, French West Indies and in Chicago, USA.

“Father Sim” is instrumental in the formation and the consistent annual retreats called Koinonia (for Adults) and Tec (for Teenagers). The retreats have seen a growing number of attendees over the years and many are encouraged to continue the virtues received during those retreat weekends, thanks to the fortitude and love of “Father Sim”.

He is also instrumental in the formation of the Men’s Group of the St Francis Xavier Cathedral. These are but a few of the lives that he has touched through community.

A man of humility and perseverance, “Father Sim” has been a beacon of light in the Archdiocese of Nassau and wherever he travels. God willing, he will continue to serve the Lord and to go into the vineyard and bring souls unto Christ.

“You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8.