“I am here to serve, not to be served.” “I have come with open arms to serve you, to embrace St Lucia and the Church as my spouse”. With these words spoken during the concelebrated Mass of Presentation at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, Castries, Coadjutor Archbishop Robert Rivas OP signified the style of leadership which would characterise his administration when he takes over from retiring Archbisho0p Kelvin Felix in February 2008.

The Mass and Presentation Ceremony was executed with much solemnity and devotion. Chief celebrant, Archbishop Felix was assisted by Archbishop Thomas Gullickson, Papal Nuncio and Archbishop Robert Rivas as concelebrants.

There were ten archbishops/ bishops attending from various dioceses of the Antilles Episcopal Conference including the President of the Conference, Archbishop Lawrence Burke SJ of the Archdiocese of Kingston.

Approximately 60 priests, some from overseas, others locally-based, also concelebrated. Immediate family members and close friends of Archbishop Rivas from the UK, USA, Canada and the Caribbean were in Castries to participate in the ceremonies.

Heading the list of local dignitaries in attendance was the Governor-General, Dame Calliopa Pearlette Louisy, the Acting Prime Minister Leonard Montoute and Mrs Montoute, the speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon Sarah Flood-Beaubrun and Mr Beaubrun, Ministers of Government and  members of the Diplomatic Corp.

Procession into the cathedral

Archbishop Robert Rivas

Archbishop Gullickson read the Apostolic Letter of Pope Benedict XVI appointing the new Coadjutor Archbishop and proceeded to congratulate Archbishop Felix for carrying off an administrative coup in having asked for and having been granted a guaranteed successor.

Archbishop Burke, speaking on behalf of the AEC, assured St Lucians of the skills and capabilities of their in-coming episcopal administrator, particularly, in the area of youth ministry, family life and ecumenism.

Archbishop Burke, himself about to retire, urged St. Lucians to welcome the new archbishop and to make him St. Lucian.

The liturgy, taken from the “Mass for the Appointment of a Bishop” was colourful, culturally-oriented and intensely participative.

The over 200 overseas guests included contingents from the Living Water and Emmanuel Communities.

In his homily, Archbishop Rivas paid tribute to his friend and mentor, Archbishop Felix, whom he described as a dedicated, brave and committed servant of the Church, much to the delight and appreciation of the large congregation.

The in-coming Archbishop projected as his theme- rediscovery, hope, renewal and a New Evangelisation, all within the context of continuing Caribbean integration.

He gave tangible proof of his willingness to learn and to serve by delivering parts of his homily in Kwéyòl, the mother tongue of his flock. He highlighted a number of sensitive areas in Caribbean life, including violence, the decline in family life and family values, abortion, poverty, dishonesty and corruption.

The Archbishop-elect pledged himself to be a Servant Shepherd and to strive to enable St Lucian Catholic to gain a sense of ownership and belonging within the local Church.

He promised to lead by example, to listen and to learn and to collaborate with the local Christian Council in confronting the social evils in the society.

As a visible token of acceptance of and appreciation for the new prelate, the Archdiocese of Castries presented the Coadjutor Archbishop with a brand new mitre and crozier and invested him with them at the close of the Mass.

It was indeed with happy hearts and joyful expectation that both clergy and lay people sung with much emotion Tell of My Love to the Islands as their recessional for the close of a most memorable and historic event.