With a simple, informal ceremony Archbishop Gilbert blessed the new offices of the Metropolitan Tribunal, located at 11 Stephens Road, Maraval, on September 24.

Fr Joseph Harris, Judicial Vicar welcomed the small group of guests gathered on the porch of the recently refurbished building, thanking those who had come from near (Fr Rochard from Assumption) and far (staff members from the South and Central offices).

Among those present were Eric Marcellin, contractor responsible for refurbishing the premises, David and Margaret Winchester from San Fernando, Lola Sahadath and Cheryl Quash from Carapachaima, Harold and Elvina Wellington. José and Barbara Salazar and Bernadette Salandy, among others.

In his short address following his words of welcome, Fr Harris gave a brief history of the Tribunal pointing out the two main problems that have dogged the Tribunal’s work – lack of suitably trained personnel and appropriate premises.

The Metropolitan Tribunal offices at 11 Stephens Road, Maraval

With the opening of the new offices at least one problem was being solved. As for the shortage of personnel, the training of laypersons, begun by Fr Malcolm de Verteuil has continued.

The aim is that every vicariate will have a Tribunal office staffed with persons who understand the work of the Metropolitan Tribunal as “upholding the dignity of Christian marriage” and who have received the appropriate professional training for this specialised ministry. The Metropolitan Tribunal was looking forward to the return of Cheryl Mohammed who will soon be completing her studies.

Following the blessing of the offices Archbishop Gilbert in his brief address thanked all who are working in the Metropolitan Tribunal. He shared that he had a “soft spot” for Marriage Tribunal ministry having served as “Defender of the Bond” for a number of years in New York and Virginia.

He described the work of the Metropolitan Tribunal as “tremendously important”, especially in today’s world where marriage seems to be “falling apart”. He thanked Fr Harris and those who work in this ministry for giving people hope, saying that it was not enough to be “smart” in applying Canon law but to be “sensitive to the pain of the people” who deserve “accessibility to reasonable swiftness” in the determination of matters brought before the Tribunal.

Msgr Peschier brought the short “formal” part of the evening’s programme to an end by delivering the vote of thanks especially to all who had been instrumental in bringing this Catholic “Hall of Justice” to completion.