DEAR EDITOR: I came across this letter recently among some of my husband’s old letters.

It was sent by the president of Norton International Inc of Massachusetts, USA to a Mr FH Switzer of Neal & Massey Ltd some 46 years ago (December 1960).

I found the subject matter to be very pertinent to our present time, when our lovely country of Trinidad and Tobago is experiencing so many problems, especially those of crime. The Easter season is a good time to remind our faithful of what is important in our lives. I have changed some words to suit the season.

“We are again in the Easter season when all Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Christ and rededicate themselves again to the principles of the way of life taught by Christ.

I feel it is an appropriate time in our world history for all people, whatever their faith may be, to rededicate themselves to the principles of their faith, knowing that all faiths are founded on the undying principles of integrity, self-discipline and basic respect for our fellow men.

I feel that religion is a fundamental necessity in the life of every man, and I believe that respect for the religious principles of all faiths is needed to help amend the many and serious problems which still beset the world.

May I urge you by example and deed, to foster a movement to return to religion, whatever one’s faith may be, as a guide to our future way of life, May you have a happy Easter Season and may (1961) 2007 be full of hope, hard work and happiness for you.”
Kimlin Lee Young, Petit Valley

THE EDITOR: I am writing to express my disappointment with the very late ending time of the Mass on Saturday, April 7. 

I attend the St John the Baptist RC Church in San Juan and the Mass ended at about 11:45 p.m.  While the Mass was wonderful and the church was filled to capacity with parishioners coming to sing praises to their Saviour my concern about the welfare of parishioners who travel or walk home after the Mass remains unabated.

Most of the faithful members of the congregation are senior citizens and in these times it is unreasonable and indeed inconsiderate to expose them to the danger of very late night travel just because they are faithful members of the Church. I was very upset to see all these older ladies walking slowly home after such a late Mass.

Please, please Archbishop Gilbert I urge you to have a discussion about earlier and shorter Masses with your priests so we can keep the parishioners in church and faithful and not expose them to danger, just because they want to come to church.

Conversations with my friends in other parishes revealed the same very, very late Masses last night.
Cherrie Ann Joseph (via email)

THE EDITOR: I am concerned about CNC 3 and Newsday coverage on the annual pilgrimage to Siparia on Good Friday to pay homage to "La Divina Pastora" or "Soparee Mai" as the Hindus call it.

Newsday reported that Roman Catholics and Hindus alike worship the statute as "the divine mother". CNC's report also gave the impression that Roman Catholics and Hindus share the same beliefs when it comes to worshipping the statue.

It concerns me because, as a Catholic, I was taught that we must not and do not worship statues, nor do we worship Mary, the Mother of Jesus, as a goddess. When our Christian brothers and sisters see these things, how can we blame them for believing that we are idol worshippers? Are we? I am not! And I am Catholic.

So I am asking for those in authority to explain to me and others like me, the reason for this tradition and whether it has the backing of the Church.

This can be especially confusing to young people and it is our duty to correct misconceptions and educate people on the actual teachings of the Church according to Jesus. There is a spiritual battle going on. Let’s get in it!
C Fergusson, Curepe

DEAR EDITOR: I was wondering if any of your readers could help me out with my family history research.

My grandfather [Albert Williams] was born in Trinidad about 1896-98. He eventually left the island to come to Britain, although I am not sure when. He was definitely living in Glasgow, Scotland in 1923 and by 1932 in Manchester, England.

I know my grandfather was Catholic as we were raised Catholic, my grandmother was Church of England and converted to Catholicism prior to their marriage in 1932.

My grandfather apparently lived or had family connections around Long Circular Rd, and Mary St, Port of Spain. My mother recalls these addresses from correspondence prior to the war.

His father was called Duke Williams and mother Diane Pawane (or Panisone) believed to be of Chinese origin. Duke Williams is described on Albert’s marriage certificate as a “Railway Collector”.

My mother recalls that my grandfather did have sisters. What I am seeking is for some kind soul to search birth, marriage records.

I would love to know exactly where my grandfather was born, what church he was baptised, if his father was Catholic? In fact anything your kind readers could find out for me. Thanking you for your time.
Marjorie Barrett, Manchester, England