Marian Devotions 2007 began at the Laventille Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima last Sunday, May 13, with the theme, Our Holy Family and Obedience.

Students of Providence Girls' and members of Couples for Christ at last Sunday's devotions

A very large number of the faithful, including many mothers, made the climb to the hilltop shrine for the first of this year’s Marian devotions.

The Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Five Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary were recited, led by the Couples for Christ Unit (a faction of the Family Life Commission) of the Laventille/Morvant pastoral area.

Archbishop Gilbert officiated at the Benediction. Holy Mass followed with Fr Michael Moses as chief celebrant. Fr Moses’ homily, spiced with some relevant humorous examples, was well received.

He reminded the congregation of the importance of listening and obedience to God in order to have fruitful, Christian lives. He also stressed that holy marriages where husbands and wives loved each other formed the basis of a stable family life where children could grow up the correct way.

Students of Providence Girls’ Catholic Secondary School did a superb job leading the prayers, the readings and singing. A special tribute in song was paid to all mothers when M is for the Million… was sung.

A moment of silence was observed for regulars Knight Baldwin Clovis, Jack Williams and June Moraine who died since 2006.

Pat Fletcher and Henry Garib will continue to co-ordinate this year’s Fatima devotions. The June devotions will be held on Sunday 10, the Family Life Commission and St Pius Boys’ RC will lead the prayers and singing. A procession will start at the Piccadilly Greens at 1.00 p.m.