The Catholic Students’ Movement (CSM) of the University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus hosted its annual Catholic Week, starting on Saturday, October 13 and ending with High Mass on Sunday, October 22 at the UWI Catholic Chaplaincy.

The theme of this year’s week was God is Speaking Your Language – Listen! (Acts 2:4). After weeks of planning, prayer, anticipation and conquering anxiety the week can be deemed a success. The following are impressions of the action-packed week of events:

Marian Devotions - Saturday, October 13

The Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, was seen as day a most fitting day to promote the topic of Vocations among Catholics of the campus and to promote Marian and more contemplative devotion within the group. The day saw a turnout of a small, but very interested group; there is now a list within CSM of young men and women interested in the religious life and/or the priesthood.

The day began with the Church’s Morning Prayer and the Holy Rosary. The Blessed Sacrament was exposed throughout the day, for adoration and throughout the sessions.

Students pray the Rosary

Enjoying the final hymn at the open-air Mass

Students exchange the sign of peace at the open-air Mass

Fr John Theodore was the first speaker. He convinced us as young Catholics to develop in ourselves, and promote to our peers, Marian devotions. He gave us biblical and historical evidence of Mary’s role in Christianity and shared his personal experiences of the power of prayer and Our Lady’s intercession in his years of ministry and personal life.

Our very own Sr Monique Moniquette OP took on a different role from her usual behind-the-scenes, hard-working nature, She delivered a presentation to us, but more particularly to the young women present, on the religious life and her own journey.

The main theme of her talk was that the journey to such a special vocation as hers is not easy, but is indeed rewarding. She concluded saying, “If I had to do it all over again, I’d live my life just the same.”

Fr Gregory Augustine then spoke most specifically to young men on the vocation to the priesthood and ably answered the many questions presented to him. He gave steps in discovering if one is being called to the priesthood and/or religious life.

The discussions with Fr. Augustine were heavily centred on the challenges and justification for celibacy and chastity in these vocations and the necessity for chastity at this point as young adults.

Kwesi Alleyne, former president and present pillar of the group, then delivered a synopsis of Our Lady’s apparitions in Fatima and their importance for us as Catholics today.

The major requests of Our Lady for prayer, sacrifice and fasting for the conversion of souls and reparation for sins and outrages was iterated by Kwesi, as he directed us “if these three humble, low-class shepherd children could have done so much for souls and the world, why can’t we?”

Crusade – Wednesday, October 17

The preacher of the Crusade was Fr Christian Chambers, a close friend and supporter of CSM, ably supported by GRACE Music Ministries, led by Atherly Nicholas.

Fr Christian related to the issues faced specifically by Catholic university students, as we try to balance and deal with personal, family and relationship issues, our spiritual life, studies and social activities.

As one participant commented, this event seemed targeted by the evil one, as problems for use of the room arose during and nearing the end of the Crusade, but with God’s grace all was accomplished.

Many commented that the high point of the event was as Fr Christian’s laying of hands and praying over each person at their seats, while GRACE created a reflective and spirit-filled environment.

BONFIRE- Friday, October 19

For many this was the “crowning night of Catholic week”. This event was well advertised throughout the campus, which resulted in a turnout of an unexpected 70+ university students Catholic and non-Catholic alike including friends of CSM, threatening a possible strain on even the seating and food! Many university students came expecting “a free barbecue dinner” which they indeed got, but they got so much more.

The night began with a creative way of reciting the Holy Rosary, led by Prayer Ministry co-ordinator, Denzil Williams, with each person saying a Hail Mary and a song being sung between each mystery.

First speaker for the night was Kirk Phillip, prayer leader at the Cluny Centre, who related from his own experiences the stresses of UWI life. He related the episodes of empty kitchen cupboards for those staying near campus, to the approval of many who had come because of just such a reason.

He also assured of God’s understanding and help in the face of difficulties, referring to past episodes of UWI students seeking a solution for their frustration by taking their own lives.

The “icing on the cake” of the night was provided by Mikkel Trestrail of the Companions of the Transfigured Christ (CTC) and GANG, who got the attention of the crowd by his comfortable and confident disposition in the face of his visual impairment, in one instance commenting: “Look at all yuh face, you all looking real hungry boy!” Mikkel guided those present to see those parts of their lives that they try to ignore and hide.

After his stirring presentation on self-analysis and moving on, he encouraged all to write on a piece of paper, with which they were provided, those parts of their lives that hurt them the most, to then offer these to God and to move on by burning these in the bonfire in the middle of the gathering.

It was inspiring and touching to see complete strangers supporting each other, as many cried and reflected as they prayerfully “burnt and broke their fetters” crying and reflecting on the hurts and struggles of their lives as they burnt them in the bonfire.

The night then ended with renditions by a poetry group and the long anticipated dinner, which by God’s grace was shared with all present with some leftover!

Thursday Midday Mass

This celebration of Holy Mass was at the same time and day as is the weekly custom of the Movement. The big difference was that it was held on the grounds outside the campus’ Learning Resource Centre.

Tents were in place, chairs and an altar, for the vibrant celebration of Holy Mass with Fr Dwight Black OP as chief celebrant. More than one hundred university students attended.

The inspiring singing and musical accompaniment at the celebration of Mass caught the attention of many passing students. Sr. Monique thanked us for being so proud to publicly express our faith.

Thank You