“ The joy of the Lord is my stronghold ”. It was with the joy of the Lord that the Catholic Community of Caparo, in the parish of Carapichaima, gathered to witness the dedication of their Chapel.

The Chapel, born from the mind of Fr Amirthasami Lawrence, SJ, and brought to reality by Fr Athanasius Fardy, OP, was finally dedicated on Sunday, February 12, more than 14 years after the first Holy Mass was celebrated there on August 25, 1991. The chapel, which is under the patronage of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, had been recently repainted and the roof repaired.

Fr Kenneth Assing, Episcopal Vicar for the Central Vicariate, was delegated by Archbishop Edward Gilbert to perform the solemn and impressive ceremony. Archbishop Gilbert could not be with us, as unfortunately he had to go abroad for the funeral of his mother. Fr Assing was assisted by Msgr Kenny Spence, parish priest of Couva, and Carapichaima parish priest Fr Derek Anton.

The entrance song In God's House created the atmosphere for the start of the ceremony. The homily, delivered by Fr Assing, was reflective and thought-provoking. He made an analogy of the church as “the temple” and the body as “temple” which is dedicated to God in baptism and confirmation, since in the dedication of the church, as well as in the sacraments, water and chrism oil are the main elements used. We were now experiencing new life and a new relationship with God.

Fr Assing recited the psalm and invited us to rejoice; even though there was a joy, it was a quiet joy. This joy showed itself in the way we related to each other.

Celebration of Mass in the newly dedicated chapel

The anointing of the church signified a new relationship with the building that must extend to our lives.

As Catholics we don't live and celebrate lives for ourselves but for others.

We were urged to pay special attention to the prayers that would be said.

The entire altar and the crosses on the walls of the church were anointed with chrism and this somehow reflected our own anointing in the sacraments. As the smoke from the incense in the coalpot placed in the centre of the altar filled the sanctuary, the sweet scent filled the church. It was indeed an emotionally-charged moment.

That great joy brought tears to the eyes of some of the parishioners. It was a moment of intense closeness to our Creator - the beginning of our Eucharistic experience. 

By the time the newly-anointed altar was dressed and the church was lit, including the crosses under the candles on the wall, everyone was prepared for full communion with Christ and each other in the Eucharistic celebration. This was signified by the entire congregation joining the choir in the joyful singing of the hymns. 

Kesoondae Ramsaroop, in her vote of thanks, traced the brief history of the chapel. Notable mention was made of parishioners who generously contributed of their time, talent and treasure. These included Alvin Sampson, who was one of the first contributors, and John Dick, who supplied his backhoe as well as the sand for the foundation. 

The building steering committee comprised R Seenath, A Johnson, E Fraser, S Hackshaw (the main contractor), and I Miguel. Hayden Franco, now deceased, was the architect.

Mention was made of L Augustine (deceased) who helped lay the foundation, Peter Abraham (deceased) who painted the church, and J David. Mrs Look Tow and family had provided lunches for the workers.

While the building of the chapel was an expression of the generosity of the parishioners, the assistance of the late Doodoo Seepaul, our Hindu brother who was always willing to give assistance, is also indicative of the unity of the village.

Grateful thanks was also expressed to Beaver Construction Ltd, the parishioners of StTheresa's parish in Woodbrook and other parishes around Trinidad where fund-raising barbecues were held, and to Anne Fardy, of the USA, sister of Fr Fardy.

Sincere gratitude was also extended to all the Reverend Fathers who served in our parish as well as to Fathers Assing, Spence and our own Fr Anton for a very fruitful and spirit-filled morning.

And in the spirit of family and agape all parishioners were treated to refreshments and our Parish Community Council treated the officiating priests and the Dedication Organising Committee to a sumptuous lunch, which was prepared by the Look Tows.

All in all, it was a day that would remain forever etched in our memories. And so the joy of the Lord will continue to be our stronghold.