Robert Christo took another step towards his chosen vocation last Saturday, May 19, when he was ordained deacon during a liturgy made memorable for its music.

Singers and musicians from People of Praise, Jubilee (St Ann’s), Cunupia, Gasparillo, St James (St Mary’s), Point Fortin, and Mawasi Experience, with Gregory Wong Fo Sue on keyboard, all under the direction of Winston Garcia, combined to make the liturgy a truly joyous local celebration.

To murmurs of approval, chief celebrant Archbishop Edward Gilbert summed it up well before giving the final blessing: “This splendid liturgy is a reflection of the diversity of culture in this archdiocese. It is a sign the Church is alive and well”.

The Mass, celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, began with the sound of tassa and Mawasi’s African drumming. At the front of the procession with the drummers, dressed in flowing white, Debra Bartholomew-McEwen of St Mary’s Church, Mucurapo, danced barefoot toward the altar. Seminarians entered via the centre aisle and wings waving banners of blue, green and silver.

Deacon Robert’s family and friends, including mother Mona and brother David, who did the first reading, sat in the front pews.

Sr Felicity Fannoh, O Carm sang as she carried the Book of Gospels, covered in African print to the podium. Deacon Lionel Roberts of Santa Rosa parish proclaimed the Gospel.
The rite of ordination followed with the Calling, and Presentation of the Candidate by Seminary rector Msgr Michael de Verteuil.

In his homily, the archbishop commented on the archdiocesan permanent diaconate programme, key points of the readings, which were chosen by deacon-designate, the joy of accepting Christ and friendship.

He said while the three-year permanent diaconate programme would be the end of the line for the 24 men involved, Robert had another step to take – his diaconate was transitional.

On the first reading, he said the key words were love, work, prayer, kindness, endurance of stress, rejection, persecution. These values apply to all of us, especially those in ministry, he said, adding however that each one of us cannot share those values “unless they already live in your heart”.

He encouraged Robert to fulfill an important responsibility as a deacon: to pray the Divine Office daily. “Make it a priority in your life,” adding that it will not be easy but “you must do it for the Church and world”.

Archbishop greets Rev Robrt Christo's family

The second reading is about ministry and sharing one’s talents and gifts with others, said the Archbishop.

He explained everyone has gifts that should be shared, and no one person has all the gifts. That’s why community is important, the archbishop stressed.
He said the Gospel spoke of friendship and warned Robert to continue developing friendships as these “bring forth life”.

The ordination rite continued after the homily with the Commitment to Celibacy, Examination of the Candidate, and the Promise of Obedience. Atherly Nicholas and the St Mary’s Senior Music Ministry led the singing of the Litany of the Saints.

After the laying on of hands by the Archbishop, Deacon Christo was vested with his stole and vestments by his mother Mona, and close friends Ray Setna and Jameela Karatee Hall. After being presented with the Book of Gospels, he was embraced by the Archbishop and presented to the congregation to wide applause.

Extending congratulations to Rev Christo were Cathedral administrator Msgr Cuthbert Alexander and Vicar for Administration Fr Jason Gordon; both sat next to the archbishop during the early part of the Mass and the ordination rite.

Local music came to the fore again as an adaptation of David Rudder’s High Mas , led by Gasparillo choir members, was used for the Our Father.

East Indian rhythms accompanied the communion hymn, As Bread That Was Broken, while Shirley “Beulah” King of Cunupia parish, sang in Hindi Yishu ne kaha Jiwan Ki roti (Jesus The Bread of Life).

For the meditation, Charmion Lee Wing of Jubilee Music Ministry did a powerful rendition of the popular gospel song My Redeemer by Nicole Mullen.

Msgr de Verteuil took the opportunity to invite young men in the congregation to continue praying and discerning their, and for continued prayers for priestly vocations. All were invited for refreshments at the nearby Catholic Centre car park.

Deacon Robert Christo is expected to make the final step in December, when he will be ordained priest. - RS