A gentle breeze blew as sunlight bathed the parish of Tunapuna in north-eastern Trinidad. It would be a Republic Day that the parishioners would not soon forget.

This was the day chosen by our parish priest, Fr Reginald Hezekiah to invite Archbishop Edward Gilbert to rededicate our church and bless the renovated Girls’ RC School, Presbytery Parish Hall and newly built Parish Centre. Oh yes, the building boom did not pass us by. Thank God for our visionary and project mastermind, Fr Reggie.

Eager footsteps entered the newly extended, refurbished and air-conditioned church. By 9.00 a.m. voices of praise joyfully bounced off the ceiling. The choir and orchestra were resplendent in red.

 The glow of recess lights seemed to wink approval. And the faces of “’puna people”, young, old, middle aged, babes –in-arms were alight. Feet moved in rhythm. Hands danced.

Magnificent bouquets in gold and white, accentuated with twirls of golden-sprayed cocoyea and streams of thin golden ribbons bedecked the altar and sanctuary.

Three thick candles of different heights stood on silver bases on either side of the altar. Rows of white votive candles stood on a white metal stand at the front.

Red votive lights decorated the ruddy brown pillars.  New stone carvings of the passion and death of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ looked down imposingly at the congregation, having been placed in sequence over each window.

Archbishop blesses the choir

Fr Hezekiah receiving gifts

St Charles de Borromeo Roman Catholic Church

Incidentally, if you looked forward there was the altar of sacrifice, and the altar of repose. And if you turned back there was the road to resurrection.

This is our temple. Jesus is here. “We the redeemed shall be strong in purpose and unity.”

By 9.45 an announcement was made that cars were blocking the entrance so that the vehicle transporting the Archbishop could not get in. The wait was not long.

Our altar servers, male and female led the procession. Faces solemn, they seemed to embrace thoughts of the awesome legacy that would be for them and their children’s children.

Brother priests, Frs Wilfred John, Steve Duncan, Roger Paponette, and Deacon Robert Christo accompanied Fr Reggie.

Then the chief celebrant, Archbishop Edward Gilbert entered. Two senior altar servers, Michael and Maurice brought up the rear.

The atmosphere was electric. Worship was awesome. The Archbishop in his typical teaching style explained the meaning of the rituals each step of the way. He drew our focus to the altar.

Placing the vessel containing the incense in the centre of the altar, he reminded the congregation that just as the incense travels upward, so the prayers of the priest and the faithful through the sacrifice of the Mass travel upward to God. The altar of sacrifice is a place for respect.

It was time for the homily. Of the many points raised, the most impacting were that the parishioners of Tunapuna are to “choose to pray if they want to live or choose not to pray if they want to die;” secondly “this beautiful building must not be allowed to be turned into a museum. It must be fully used by God’s people”. The applause was thunderous. Allelluia!

A member of the Parish Youth Group presented Archbishop Edward Gilbert with a token of our appreciation.  Our Fr Reggie was not left out. He received an early gift to mark the forty-seventh anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.  

Brian Seepaulsing, who had unstintingly shared his expertise in “building restoration”, was introduced to the congregation. He was richly applauded. He did not charge us “one red cent.”  Gratitude is also extended to construction engineer, Ronald Harribance for his services.

The other buildings were blessed and Archbishop Gilbert also viewed and blessed the Mini Expo. Everyone partook of refreshments and left with joy in their steps and sunshine in their hearts. Then the rains came.

The St Charles de Borromeo Roman Catholic Church, Girls’ RC School, Parish Hall and Parish Centre stand blessed and beautiful to facilitate our parishioners and to enhance the Tunapuna landscape.