On Sunday, November 10, the series of devotions in honour of La Divina Pastora for 2006-07 began. This series of devotions is important for many reasons.

First of all, it marks the completion of 250 years of the Catholic presence in our town, and because of this the devotions will include some special features for this time only.

Secondly, our parish priest, Fr Stephen Doyle, is still away seeking medical attention, and we ask for the prayers of all persons associated with these devotions for his continued progress to good health.

We began on November 10, taking the image of our Queen, Our Lady, La Divina Pastora, in motorcade to various parts of her realm. This time, she was taken to the Quinam Beach, which was her point of entry hundreds of years ago; then through the small community of Mendez, and on through Quinam Road community, along which the earliest missionaries, accompanied by the Amerindians passed on their travels from Venezuela to our town.

The people relaxing at the Quinam Beach graciously received the motorcade. A short history of the parish was presented to the gathering, and the people were very receptive.

After short prayers of thanksgiving, the motorcade moved on through Mendez, and on to Quinam Road, where the community welcomed the image of La Divina Pastora by coming out of their homes as the motorcade passed.

At one point, a group of tiny children carrying baskets of flowers, threw petals at her. A bridge, beneath which the famous statue was found after its disappearance from the church a long time ago, was also decorated with bouquets of flowers for the occasion.

Motorcade carrying the image of La Divina Pastora

At the church, the regular devotions began a little after 3.00 p.m. The praying of the Rosary, the Readings at Mass, as well as the Prayers of the Faithful and choir duties were beautifully done by the pupils of St Brigid’s Girls’ RC School, who turned out accompanied by their principal and many staff members. They did a splendid job.

Mass was celebrated by Fr Henry, parish priest of South Oropouche, and a native of India. The Gospel of that Sunday was the story of the widow’s mite. In his homily, Father brought us face to face with the various forms of giving, as well as with true and false piety.

When we practice false piety, it is a show for others to notice; but with true piety, our worship is directed only at God. Then in giving, there are the “Grudging Givers”, the “Duty Givers” and the “Thanks-givers” - all self-explanatory.

The widow in the Gospel and Our Lady are “thanks-givers” who practise true piety, and we see this in their actions. Both women (and Mary became a widow) gave their all to God.

Mary gave up her plans for her own life to fulfil God’s plan. Wherever she went, she gave joy to people, beginning with Elizabeth whom she visited and helped, and in the process brought the Holy Spirit to her.

It was a most beautiful way to begin these very special celebrations. We at La Divina Pastora would like to thank all those who helped to make it so, including the people at the beach, the villagers at Mendez, and to those at Quinam Road for their very warm welcome and reception. Very special thanks to Fr Henry, and to the principal, staff and pupils of St Brigid’s Girls’ RC School.

Next devotions take place on Sunday, December 10, when the statue of La Divina Pastora will be taken in motorcade to Syne Village. Pilgrims are very welcome to participate in the motorcade, as in all of the devotions.