Since hurricane Ivan destroyed the Cathedral in St George’s all major diocesan events are being celebrated in other parishes, notably St Andrew the Apostle church in Grenville and Blessed Sacrament church in Grand Anse.

Last Sunday, the lot fell on the St Martin de Porres church in Crochu to host the celebration of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.

The church, once considered the second largest after the Cathedral in terms of capacity, was packed to capacity and overflowing to tents and open spaces.

Procession makes its way to the church

Congregation in St Martin de Porres Church in Crochu

The congregation included their Excellencies Sir Daniel and Lady Williams, MPs Gregory Bowen, Tillman Thomas and Mrs Thomas, Michael Lett and Sen Ann Antoine.

When Christopher Columbus first sighted Grenada, he called it Conception Island and hence Grenada, both as a Nation-State and as a diocese, is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception.

The grand occasion started with a procession of the faithful from the Grand Bacolete junction, about a mile away, accompanied by the praying of the Rosary and singing of hymns to Our Lady. On entering the church the statue, which was also carried in the procession, was ceremoniously “crowned”.

Bishop Darius began the homily with an explanation of the Doctrine of the Immaculate Conception and the proclamation by Pope Pius IX. He said that the title “Full of Grace” was given to Mary for a particular purpose. “We must live a life of holiness,” said the Bishop as he used many scriptural texts to exhort the congregation that they are all called to holiness.

His Lordship reminded the faithful, “We live in a troubled world so living a life of holiness will help us regain the world”. He highlighted some of the social ills and he urged his listeners that they should not confirm to, or be caught up with the ills of society but should help to transform society.

“To lean on the Lord’s side means to defend everything that the Lord proclaims,” said the Bishop, “even if it means standing alone”. He called on parents to train their children such that they would be as obedient as Mary was when she said, “I am the Handmaid of the Lord; let what you have said be done to me”.

His Lordship urged that, “we must not be suspicious of God”. God provides all our needs if we are faithful and even when we may be unfaithful. He exhorted the congregation to take a stance for God as that is how things will be turned around.

Just before the final blessing the congregation joined in the prayer for the rededication of the diocese and the nation to the Immaculate Conception.

Finally, gratitude was expressed to all for their input in a very wonderful celebration. The weather, which is usually unpredictable with more rain at this time of year, was fully cooperative for the entire day. It was indeed a special and blessed day for the parish of St Martin de Porres in Crochu. 
(Catholic Focus)