DEAR EDITOR: The death of Fr Peter Nicholson, former editor of the Catholic News like that of so many priests and religious is a big loss to our Church.

They have served with determination and faith in many areas, to bring well being to those in need. Specifically, I wish to pay tribute to the former editor. The eulogy given by Fr Knolly Knox at the Funeral Mass, though brief, captured the many roles of Fr Nicholson as a priest.

Even while performing many tasks, Fr Nicholson ensured that his priestly duties did not suffer for want of fulfilment.

Many good editors have served the Catholic News, indeed that you have reached the milestone of 114 years is a tribute to editors and staff, we could easily say sincere congratulations to you.

Perhaps it was due to his missionary training, Fr Nicholson was ready to tackle any duties assigned to him. Yes, he did this with much wit, but it must not be assumed that there was not a serious side that was full of prayerful kindness to him.

He was given the role to prepare the Catholic Forum on the air. He never missed a Sunday presentation. He was of the view that the lunch hour was one of the best times to give a Catholic broadcast.

While chaplain of St Dominic’s home, the children loved him. And if a problem was brought to him, he looked only for a solution. He viewed the building of Newtown Girls’ RC School, together with the principal Cynthia Pierre as a priority, and allowed meetings to be held inside St Patrick church. At the completion of the school, he convinced the late Archbishop Pantin that he should come and cut the ribbon to open the school.

If we know that the harvest is great, but the labourers are few, we must pray for our priests and Religious as they plough the vineyard and look forward to many new vocations.

Readers of your column no doubt will join me in wishes of condolence to the Nicholson family and to the Spiritan family. Do you think we can do more to promote vocations?
Edward Persad, Santa Cruz

DEAR EDITOR: Those of us who are familiar with the theological richness of the Message of Fatima would recall therein, in one of its truths “The Mystery of the Blessed Trinity” a vision of which was shown Sr Lucia, who was not permitted to reveal the “lights about this Mystery” (The rich content of the message of Fatima, pg. 52).

Trinidad, the only country in the world named after the Blessed Trinity, in its present state, needs to seriously devote itself to its patron – The Blessed Trinity.

Even if there is no official solemn novena, preceding the feast of the Solemnity of the Blessed Trinity, parishes, prayer groups, families (religious and lay), individuals should in a patriotic spirit, be encourage to make such a novena and perpetually if possible.

To facilitate those who would like to, a compilation of ecclesiastically approved Trinitarian prayers entitled: “Novena to the Most Blessed Trinity”, with Sr Lucia’s vision to the front, has been sent to many parts of Trinidad.

It is gratifying to learn that many people have been making copies and distributing them locally and internationally among their families and friends. What a wonderful form of evangelisation.

Everyone should meaningful, prayerfully repeat the following on behalf of the nation:
O Blessed Trinity, deliver us
O Blessed Trinity, save us
O Blessed Trinity, have mercy on us.
May the love of the Father enfold us; the wisdom of the Son enlighten us; the fire of the Spirit enflame us.
Paul Cherrie, Santa Cruz