“Four hundred chairs? That’s too many. Return half of them.” These were Fr Gerard’s words to Brenda Castillo, administrative manager of the parish, when he saw the car park being prepared for the celebration of his final Mass as parish priest of St John the Baptist church on St John Road, St Augustine.

The Mass took place at 6.30p.m, Saturday, May 27. By the time of Fr Gerard’s entrance all 400 chairs were filled with warm bodies and more chairs had to be hurriedly brought in to accommodate some latecomers.
All sat waiting in anticipation for the grand celebration.

A little later on, as Mass progressed, the moon, as if to lend a special touch of heavenly influence, just burst out from behind the clouds, spraying its dazzling beams, which settled like a peaceful dove over the congregation.

To the strains of the opening hymn “Praise to the Lord”, the procession of the celebrants, Eucharistic ministers and altar servers made its way to the altar erected on a stage specially prepared for the occasion. Mr Walcott and Charlotte Julien did the readings and Fr Francis, a visiting Carmelite priest, proclaimed the Gospel.

In his homily Fr Gerard used the theme of the Ascension to remind us that God will not leave us as orphans. As usual, in his inimitable style of making reference to pop songs, movies or books, he mentioned the rock group “All American” who sang “Even when all hope is gone, move along, move along”.

He went on to say that people had no heroes in these times and he was not referring to “superman” or X-Men”, but quoted William Bennett, author of The Book of Virtues who said, “It is particularly important for young people to have heroes. This is a way to teach them by moral example, so that we can point to someone as an ideal.”

Fr Gerard's sister Justine, parents George and Marilyn Tang Choon, with neophyte Rosina Joseph in foreground.

Choir members: Clair Farrier, Kody Defour, Lucy Sanchez and Kazima Baksh

In his effort to strengthen our God-given power, he made reference to Mariah Carey’s song, “A hero lives in you, just look inside your heart and you will see.”He said the power of God that we have within us was not the power of “Wolverine or Phoenix, but the power and capacity to LOVE.

He quoted Mother Theresa, “There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.” He exhorted all present to become a people, who in the midst of darkness and uncertainty show love.

Finally, he called on the congregation to prepare for the coming of Pentecost and to pray for an outpouring of God’s spirit that we may always see the rich hope He has for us, and to always be a people of HOPE. 

He repeated his opening remarks emphasising that God will never leave us orphans. Our God is always with us.

The meditation song done by Keith Charles was My Tribute, but to the amusement of all, Keith did a bit of ad-libbing and made reference to Father having to leave his newly painted church.

In closing, Fr Gerard, put on his best face and gave thanks to all. He said he had met some of the warmest, most genuine, caring and generous people during his three years in the parish. He expressed his appreciation for all the support he had been given during that time.

As a token of his appreciation, he left with the parish his very first chasuble, which he said was put on him by his parents for his very first Mass. He also left a statue of St Theresa of Lisieux in memory of his stay with the parish.

Several presentations were then made. They included one by Rosina Joseph of the RCIA group, followed by Patricia Du Barry of the Bible class, Dianne Castillo, representing the choir and Margaret Lallo on behalf of the parish.

Through the kind generosity of the parishioners, Fr Gerard was presented with an airline ticket to Jamaica, where he was off to attend a conference, along with hotel accommodation for seven days.

In addition two poems, one written by Khadine Knights and the other by Joan Khelawan were read and presented to him.

Among those present were Mr and Mrs Tang Choon, Fr Gerard’s parents and his sister Justine, Carmelite sisters and brothers, and Frs Francis and Sunny, also of the Carmelite order.

The evening concluded with a sharing which was organised by the “Hospitality Committee” headed by Anastasia Jagdeo.