The Catholic Church in Trinidad & Tobago is firmly on the move, says Archbishop Gilbert.

“Things are getting better - slowly but surely,” he said toward the end of his sermon at last Monday evening’s annual Chrism Mass, “More people are coming forward.”

Concelebrating the special liturgy were more than 30 priests, diocesan as well as from religious orders and congregations. Flanking the archbishop were Vicar General Msgr Christian Pereira and Cathedral administrator Msgr Cuthbert Alexander. The diocesan choir led the singing.

To a packed Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the archbishop highlighted areas of positive news in the archdiocese and urged “What we celebrate, bring home to the people in your parishes”. 

Archbishop Gilbert began thanking administrative staff and others in parishes, archdiocesan ministries and commissions for “your pastoral energy and skills” and “called to conversion” those not yet involved. He called on those who once were involved to return.

Srs Marina Serrette and Catherine Bernard, OP carry oils in the procession to the altar for the blessing rite.

Archbishop Gilbert and Vicar General Msgr Pereira bless the oil of chrism.

Msgr Kenneth Spence, parish priest of Scarborough, greets the archbishop after collecting oils for his parish.

He said the celebration was a sign of “the unity in the archdiocese” and was important as it presents an opportunity to reflect on the supreme rule of our faith: sacred tradition, sacred scripture and the magisterium of the Church are one.

“If even one of these is missing, confusion enters the community”. The archbishop said anointing with oil was right in the tradition of the Church as it changes our perception.

He spent some time focusing on the priesthood. “It’s no secret the church needs priests – young or middle aged, willing to surrender selves to the Lord and serve the people of God.”

He renewed his call for faithful to encourage young Catholic men, who believe they are being called, to seriously consider the priestly life. He urged priests to remain committed and credible, and explained that recent research has shown that 73% of priests had been invited to the vocation by a priest.

He said the renewal of their commitment was important “because if your motivation is divided, you begin to look for alternatives and then you’re gone”.

He invited members of the congregation to become more aggressive in encouraging priestly vocation, and said there was good news as 21 men have begun studies in the archdiocese’s permanent diaconate programme. “If we are open to the Spirit, to the support of the Church, people will step forward and say yes.”

The archbishop thanked members of the clergy seated in the sanctuary for “your service and ministry to the Church and its faithful” and invited the congregation to stand and applaud them.

Looking ahead to Synod 2008, Archbishop Gilbert urged the faithful to wide participation. “Collaborate with preparation for synod in your parishes, as synod is the way we place our future. God has placed the future of the archdiocese in our hands. Accept the mission to participate.”

After the homily, clergy stood and renewed their commitment while the congregation prayed for the archbishop and clergy.

The archbishop then blessed the oils of the sick, catechumen and chrism.

The bottled oils, blessed during the rite, were distributed to parish representatives before the final blessing. - RS