The Missionaries of Charity officially opened the doors of their new home at #1 Church Street, Laventille, on Tuesday, September 5.

Before the blessing ceremony, Archbishop Edward Gilbert presided at Mass in thanksgiving for the life of the Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. The date marked the ninth anniversary of the passing of Mother Teresa.

“Why do you do what you do?” the Archbishop asked the gathering, during his homily. “If it is not because of love, your life will be empty.”

He spoke about the love Mother Teresa expressed by her devotion to the poorest of the poor and which the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity continue to exemplify through their work and service.

Among those participating in the prayers and singing at last Tuesday’s official opening of the new home of the Missionaries of Charity were First lady – Dr Jean Ramjohn-Richards (centre), Minov Montano (left) of the group Hispanic Women in Trinidad and Sr Lucinda, who gave the welcome address. Irtha Daniel photo.

Archbishop Gilbert was moved to warn the Sisters, however, that there were many willing to take advantage of their love, their open-heartedness.

He said: “You must be wise as a serpent, but docile as a dove.”

Beatriz Ramoutarsingh gave the vote of thanks after the blessing.

She spoke in appreciation of the Archbishop and the priests who concelebrated and showed their support for the Sisters.

Among the concelebrants were Fathers Michael Makhan, Joseph Henry O Carm, Dwight Merrick, Shijo Zacharias, Abbot John Pereira and Msgr Esau Joseph.

Mrs Ramoutarsingh also thanked First Lady Dr Jean Ramjohn-Richards, for being present, and the group “Hispanic Women of Trinidad” for their help and support. She also paid tribute to Eddie Lue Chin who as contractor was instrumental in the building of the new home.

The Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity made presentations to Archbishop Gilbert, Monsignor Joseph, Christina Bascha, president of the “Hispanic Women in Trinidad” and Mr Lue Chin.

In the closing speech Lue Chin thanked his co-workers and stated that the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity were proof that good things do happen in Laventille.

At the end of the ceremonies, everyone sat down to a lovely lunch prepared by the Missionaries of Charity.