On Friday, May 12, the people of the south came out to Palmiste Pasture in San Fernando for the beginning of Fatima Marian devotions for this year.

In the wonderful open-air cathedral under the trees, we sat on a carpet of pink poui blossoms and prayers were said, hymns were sung, and Holy Mass was celebrated – answering Our Blessed Mother’s call for us to “Pray, pray, pray”.

Those gathered were inspired by the story and singing of Paulette Fortuné who shared with us how she had come to compose Why do you cry, Mary, a song telling of Our Lady’s sorrows, particularly her grief at our thoughtless life-taking actions. The haunting words and music left us with lots to think about.

Everyone recited the Holy Rosary, and then Fr Christian Chambers, parish priest of Mayaro who travelled far to share the Word with us, celebrated the Eucharist. In his homily he challenged us to pray for our priests.

He stirringly invoked us to bring to mind the current situation with our priests and religious. There is need for a miracle he said, for the wine is running out and we need Our Lady’s help to intercede with her Son to provide good shepherds for His flock.

Fr Christian invited all present to “adopt a priest”. By our actions and our prayers we should encourage and support the good priests; pray for the mediocre that they may be strengthened to be faithful to their calling; and seek inspiration for those considering a vocation.

He urged parents to be proud and not afraid to give their sons to the Lord as His ministers. We should also cherish and pray for those priests now old and in failing health who have given many years of service to the Lord and to us.

In our country today we bemoan the lack of good leaders and what better leader can there be than a good and holy priest. So we are encouraged to seek out and help create these with the help of Our Blessed Mother.

Fr Christian’s challenge can be taken up in private and in public. Marian devotions to Our Lady of Fatima continue on Tuesday, June 13, at 5:30 p.m. in Palmiste Pasture, San Fernando. Why not come and join your intercessions to ours on that day. Our Lady awaits you!