Before sunrise on Wednesday, July 25, the Couples For Christ (CFC) posse of Trinidad and Tobago, was awake and ready to attend the annual Caribbean Conference.

The conference was being hosted by CFC St Vincent and our group was scheduled to arrive there via three flights. The youths and their chaperones were leaving on the first flight at approximately 6:15a.m.; followed by the handmaids, servants, singles and couples on the next two flights. A few stragglers would arrive later. Flight time was estimated to be 45 minutes to one hour.

As we waited in the departure lounge of the Piarco airport, reports were already coming in from the youths about the weather and, yes, to our delight, our cell phones – both networks, were operating in SVG, and you know we like to talk.

A few of the technologically minded handmaids made comments about free roaming being offered by TSTT. To the rest of us, we were just thrilled that we would have the use of our cellular devices (we didn’t want to dwell upon the cellular bill at that point in time, why spoil the fun, we would deal with that when we returned home).

After an uneventful flight we whizzed through customs at the tiny ET Joshua airport in St Vincent, cell phones in one hand and luggage in the other, and were greeted by our hosts as soon as we exited the arrival doors.

A large school bus, a van (to transport our luggage) and a private car whizzed us to our destinations throughout the island. On the school bus, a YFC youth – Declan aka “Nose”, to his friends - gave us a running commentary about the towns through which we passed, on our way to our accommodations.

The YFC conference was scheduled to begin on that very day, so the youths had no reprieve, as the rest of us did. The handmaids conference was scheduled to begin on Friday, so they had two days to relax and explore the island, shop and visit the beaches and the Grenadines - you know we didn’t go for the conference alone!! We are true, true Trinis!!

The conference

In the lush and verdant valley of Mesopotamia, “Mespo” - to the locals, the five-day youth conference was in progress and the one-day Handmaids conference had been a resounding success when the general conference was officially opened at 6:00 p.m. on Friday.

Giving praises at St Joseph Secondary School in St Vincent

Archbishop Rivas (left) presides at closing Mass

Buses crammed with Trinidadians, St Lucians, Antiguans, Barbadians and Vincentians and other CFC Caribbean islanders arrived at the St Joseph Secondary School, minds and hearts open to this year’s theme of Hope in the Lord (Lamentations 3:24).

We were joined by the youth for the opening Mass celebrated by Bishop Emeritus Galt and concelebrated by Fr Pio and our CFC Spiritual Director Fr Neil Rodriguez CSSp. Even as we thanked the Lord for our safe arrival and prayed for a fruitful conference, the devil was busily wreaking havoc in the youths’ camp.

Unbeknownst to us all, thieves were ravaging through the young people’s possessions and stealing their belongings, during their absence. We were informed of this the next day, but the Lord’s people can’t be kept down, and our joy was not to be stolen. The youths claimed the victory through the problem, handed it over to God and continued to praise Him throughout the rest of their stay.

On Saturday morning the conference continued with the parade of flags from the Caribbean islands that had been touched by the Couples for Christ movement.

Talks centred on the topic “Hope in the Lord” were given by various members from the Caribbean, and the day ended with Mass and entertainment provided by each island. Skits, musical selections, historical accounts and dances dominated the entertainment segment of the evening. Each selection was unique, entertaining and informative.

The conference came to a close on Sunday with a final talk by Brother Joe Duran, and a march to the nearby church of St John’s. Apostolic Administrator of Kingstown/Coadjutor Archbishop of Castries Robert Rivas presided.

All songs of praise during the Mass were led by the youthful voices of the choir with the exuberant participation of the congregation. After the Mass, we were all invited, by Archbishop Rivas to partake of a sumptuous Vincentian meal at the Pastoral Centre in their scenic location on the outskirts of Kingstown.

We returned to our temporary homes that night, spiritually replete and physically nourished. We are all looking forward to next year’s CFC conference, which will be hosted by CFC St Lucia.