Some 136 neophytes – new members of the Church of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain, packed the Cathedral to celebrate the annual Neophyte Mass last Sunday, May 20. They came to the Cathedral Church from as far as Manzanilla in the east and Princes Town in the South and as near as Diego Martin.

Neophytes prepare to enter the Cathedral

With great joy and excitement they filed into the church with their respective parish banners proudly displayed before them.

The Archbishop, assisted by Cathedral Administrator Msgr Cuthbert Alexander, was the chief celebrant. He welcomed the neophytes and commended their desire to be Catholics.

He was very pleased with the large turnout, although there were some absent.

In his homily, he told the neophytes, who had completed the sacraments of initiation at this year’s Easter Vigil, that the journey was now beginning, and that they must continue to lead true Christian lives by following the example of Jesus Christ. He also challenged them to spread the word to their non-Christian brothers and sisters.

The choir and musicians helped to make the Mass most memorable for all present. Lunch and refreshments were served afterwards in the Catholic Centre car park followed by some entertainment from members of various parishes.