DEAR EDITOR: The walk to venerate the Crucifix on “which hung the Saviour of the world” was a solemn walk down the aisle of the church. All the parishioners kissed the same cross, the cross, which replaced the Blessed Sacrament on Good Friday.

As I sat, knelt and prayed I looked at all my brothers and sisters walking toward the crucifix I knew being Catholic is my life, my certain desire for salvation. There is no fear or doubts about the continuity of the Church because Jesus Christ is the rock on which the Church is built.

The presence of the Saviour of the world was very, very real. The people slowly processed down the aisle in faith and trust. The choir evoked the spirituality of what we believe in – a God, whom we trust, adore and worship and a life to come with Him eternally.

It is my belief that the long line was a reminder of:

1. 40 days of prayer, fasting and almsgiving
2. the three hours that the Saviour of the world hung on the cross
3. the broken, trusting heart of Mary  at the foot of the cross, her walk to Calvary

I sincerely believe that as we processed to venerate the Cross we were reflecting on what Christ means to us, what it means to be Catholic, why we attend Holy Mass, why we are called to ministry.

On Gloria Saturday night, we understood that Jesus sent Mary Magdalene (and us) to announce to others that Jesus is risen not to just hold on to him but to proclaim Him through our involvement in the various ministries. To tell others about Him.
Lauren Howell, St Finbar’s

DEAR EDITOR: This year Catholic Engaged Encounter celebrates 25 years in Trinidad and activities are being planned from June 7 to 10.

We are asking all couples who experienced that first weekend at Holy Cross College, Arima and the other weekends held in 1982 at Emmaus Centre to contact us to be part of these celebrations.

Other couples who have experienced a Catholic Engaged Encounter please feel free also to contact:
José & Barbara Salazar
Phone: 637-5939
Email:salazar@carib-link.net
Lester & Aura Victor, co-ordinators, Catholic Engaged Encounter

DEAR EDITOR: May I say grateful thanks to Dawn Commissiong for her insightful commentaries on Wisdom Literature and the Book of Job in the latest issue of Exploring the Word (April 1) prepared by the Bible Institute.

I would like to add that the dialogue between Job and his friends reminds me of a rigorous examination of the self. I think, therefore, if our confessions are sincere and contrite, we will have a deep experience of seeing God. So thank God for Catholic priests and the  Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Brian Noreiga, D’Abadie

DEAR EDITOR: This is a poem my eight year-old niece wrote to present to the family on Easter Sunday. I thought it was so well done that I had to send it to show that our children are still involved and interested in the Church, and that they feel strongly about the celebrations and stories that keep us focussed on what is really special and important in our lives.
Lisa M Henzell via email

Jesus had enemies in Jeruselem. They didn’t like what he said about God. They wished he would stop healing people. They were angry because people paid more attention to Him than them. Jesus' enemies thought of a way to get Him in trouble. They told lies about Him and had Him arrested. Even though Jesus had done nothing wrong. The rulers of Jerusalem said He must die.

By Demi De Silva
Age: 8, Std 3, St Monica's Preparatory School

A gentle wind blew cross the land
reaching out to take a hand
for on the wind the angels came
Calling out Jesus' name

Left behind, the crowd's tears
loving memories of the years
Of joy and love, a life well spent
And now to God, Jesus is sent

On Angels wings, a heavenly flight
The journey home, towards the light
To those who weep, a life is gone,
But in God's Love, 'tis but the dawn

Three days after he died he was risen

Our entire family gather together to celebrate Easter,
a time of joy and excitement.
What a lovely celebration Easter is to me,
When Jesus rose from the dead three days after, like He said.

So much Joy that He brought to me
It's amazing can't you see
Some people think just about the eggs
Others think about the Joy to know that Jesus is risen.

He is risen Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

God you do not know how sad we are to know your son has died but now He is with you safe,
The safest place I know

So now let us join our hands in prayer and say the Our Father