DEAR EDITOR: Like the rest of the faithful of the Catholic Church in our beloved Republic, we rejoice over the recent elevation of our parish priest Fr Jason Gordon to the post of Vicar for Administration, headquartered at Archbishop’s House.

We, more than most, are well aware of Fr Gordon’s commitment, foresight and dedication. We bear witness to his deep and abiding love for his parish and wider community and his genuine concern for others, particularly those on the fringes of society.

His was a mission to serve the needy and to foster in young adults a sense of purpose that would manifest itself in productive lives. He undertook the impossible and the improbable walking in faith and toiling with love.

As he fearlessly and tirelessly laboured, so too did his adoring parishioners who supported him in his every undertaking.

We know that his new assignment is indicative of his competence and efficiency and we are justifiably proud. That does not negate the fact that we are heartbroken, to say the least.

We envisioned a new Gonzales but not one without Fr Jason. We will miss him sorely. Our prayers are with him and, as he would expect of us, we pledge our love and support to his successor, Fr Clyde Harvey.
Lourdes Birmingham, St Martin de Porres, Gonzales

DEAR EDITOR: The rosary is a very powerful force, which has been neglected or overlooked by many of us because of too much bombardment of illiterate ideologies, which seem attractive at the time and has obviously confused the local masses for so many years.

At a very young age, I can remember riding up to Mount Saint Benedict with my father, Carlton (deceased) and meeting the many priests, even His Grace Count Finbar Ryan. When we were allowed to roam about a bit, I caught my father bending over the short wall of one of the buildings with a chaplet in hand and praying.

That touched me, and I was dreaming of becoming a priest. But as I grew older my mind switched to having a family and doing similar things pertaining to the spiritual life. I heard comments such as: “What can Mary do for you in the rosary?” “It is only beads!” “Catholics are hypocrites and like too much idols!” Well, I have grown to realise that the neglect of the rosary has caused Satan to take control and drive many on a path of destruction.

Though many of us are not perfect, we are merely humans breathing, eating, drinking, partying and sweating for our daily bread. However, we ought to make merry with the rosary.

Every Catholic must have a chaplet and through the intercession of our Mother we will keep the faith that our Father in heaven will be waiting for us as we do our part here on earth as it is in heaven.
Gregory Neptune, Port of Spain