Trinidad and Tobago citizens of Chinese ancestry have been urged to protect their cultural roots and so continue their contribution to the life of the nation.

Archbishop Edward J Gilbert made the comment at a concelebrated Mass “to honour our brothers and sisters of the Chinese community” who have brought their “gifts and heritage to the life of the local community”.

Last Sunday’s Mass was in recognition of the 200th anniversary of the arrival of Chinese immigrants to Trinidad, which was marked nationally by a Government-declared public holiday on Thursday, October 12, 2006.

Concelebrating the Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception were Cathedral Administrator Msgr Cuthbert Alexander, Msgr Urban Peschier and Frs Arthur Lai Fook CSSp and Emmanuel Pierre.

Some members of the congregation wore oriental-style clothing while others wore white polo shirts bearing the official Chinese Bicentennial Arrival logo.

Delivering the sermon, the Archbishop told the congregation that the Church believed that Christ was the “Lord of history, the Lord of the universe” and that “whatever happens in history, happens for a reason.”

Scotia Bank managing director Richard Young during the presentation of gifts at last Sunday’s Mass to celebrate the Bicentennial Arrival of the Chinese community to Trinidad & Tobago. Young is also the chairman of the board of Printing Services Ltd, printers of Catholic News. Raymond Syms photo

He explained that most people did not view history from a theological perspective; instead, their view of history was a personal one.

For this reason, he noted, people might generally think that the Chinese came to Trinidad to improve their quality of life and economic circumstances or for political reasons.

But it was “not an accident” that Chinese immigrants came to local shores in 1806, said the Archbishop. “It was God’s plan” and the implementation of God’s plan could sometimes take centuries, he added.

Archbishop Gilbert said he has gained an appreciation of the Chinese people from his own experiences, saying he has met many in New York and Rome and, among other things, they were intelligent, disciplined, productive and valued family life.

After defining the meaning of culture, the Archbishop said culture was important as it influenced our lives – from how we think and feel to how we act or react. He said the Church respected the various cultures and accepted inculturation all over the world.

He noted, however, that in some parts of the world “an identity crisis” has emerged among some peoples because of globalisation - people were struggling to form an identity, “to find meaning in their life and have a sense of belonging”. He said a global culture has developed and was absorbing local cultures.

For this reason, the Archbishop said, our citizens “all have the responsibility to work for unity”, as the national identity “is built on the people who make it up and is the coming together of the values of our many cultures”.

He urged people to protect their cultural roots, otherwise they would be swallowed by globalisation.

In particular, he told the local Chinese community that as they celebrated the bicentennial of their arrival, it was an “opportunity to reaffirm your ancient culture… to look at your history, culture and values and how you can share these with the wider community”.

The archbishop added: “Thank God for you, for your culture, for your place in our history, and for the positive impact you have made” in Church, State and society.

During the collection, presentation of gifts and the incensing, oriental instrumental music was played.

Dr David Picou, chairman of the Chinese Bicentennial Arrival Committee, expressed thanks to those who attended the Mass. Picou, who recently received the Chaconia Gold medal, presented the Archbishop with a token of appreciation for the work of the archdiocese in support of the Chinese community over the years. - RS

See Archbishop's Column

See Editorial