To be on a pilgrimage is always a happy affair, so when the maxi taxis left the Cathedral for a pilgrimage to the Church of Our Lady of Mt Carmel, New Grant on Sunday, August 6, Feast of the Transfiguration, it was a joyous occasion. The old wooden church had gone making way for a concrete structure.

Before Mass, Bro Kenny Garib, faithful prayer warrior led us into a prayerful session together with singing. Fr Vincent Compton officiated at the Mass.

In his homily we were told to adhere to the words of the Biblical readings for the day. The second reading states, “this is my Son, the Beloved, he enjoys my favour.” In the Gospel, a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.” Well, if Jesus finds favour with the Father we should listen to his teachings.

The choir was accompanied by drumming and guitar playing. One could have seen their joy as they smiled and danced in a proper manner. This was especially so when they sang during the sign of peace.

It was a lively piece, which went like this: “Say, I love you today in a very special way. In the living water we celebrate. Bread and wine we offer for you today, so let’s stand together and join with one another and say, Peace I give you today in a very special way.”

To those of us who heard it for the first time, it was an innovative way to accompany the sign of peace.

Before the final blessing, Sr Genevieve Baptiste thanked the pilgrims for coming. She also announced that the following Sunday there would be a Eucharistic Service. This is evidence that layministers, both male and female, play an important role. Could it be the work of the Paraclete to fill the void due to the shortage of priests?

As Fr Compton left the altar, the choir appropriately sang the hymn, To Be Alive and Feeling Free.

Yes, it was truly a Catholic family affair at New Grant. The delicious lunches were sold out showing that the parishioners in that area can cook. But some stalls, although they were patronised, were not as fortunate. Pilgrimage to harvests by different parishes definitely helps in united the archdiocese.