The Sisters of the Holy Faith (HF) have been praised by Archbishop Gilbert for living out their “unique charism” with the people they minister to, helping all to grow in their spiritual life.

The local Holy Faith community were joined by their families, friends, Holy Faith Associates, and past and present principals, staff and students of schools they founded, for a 60th Jubilee celebration Mass on December 15.

Venue was St Theresa’s church, Woodbrook. The atmosphere of joy and celebration at the Mass was enhanced by the vibrant music ministry led by Sr Mary Anthony with Ray Holman and Johan Chuckaree on the steelpan.

Archbishop Edward Gilbert was the main celebrant with Frs Hezekiah, Gordon, Julien, Harvey, John Pereira, OSB and Girod, CSSp, concelebrating. Fr Girod proclaimed the Gospel. Sr Pacelli Netto did the first reading.

Sr Mary Anthony leads the choir

The Holy Faith Sisters led by Srs Janice Tam and Maureen Campbell process into St Theresa’s church at the start of the Mass. In picture: Srs Pacelli, Marie, Roberta, Emerentia.

Students of Holy Faith Convent, Penal perform a meditation dance.

In welcoming all to the occasion, HF Regional Superior Sr Janice Tam said the first sisters arrived December 12, 1947 (see milestones) and created history as they were the first mission outside of Ireland, where the congregation was founded.

She said then Archbishop of Port of Spain, Finbar Ryan, welcomed the sisters and his successors and local clergy have since continued to give support to their work, especially among the youth.

She recognised the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny for opening their convent to the first community and “introducing them to the customs and culture of the Caribbean and the education system”.

Sr Janice also paid tribute to the principals and teachers who have taught in the schools they founded, and asked all to remember with gratitude those sisters who ministered here and have passed away.

“Through God it began and with God it continues to grow today… As we celebrate 60 years, we stand full of hope and look forward to the next 60 years in love and service to and with the people of la Trinity”.

Visiting Sr Maureen Campbell, representing the general leadership team in Ireland, brought greeting on behalf of the other Holy Faith communities in Ireland, Australia, the United States and New Zealand.

She described the first community as “eight pioneering women, eight valiant women”, noting that for many it was their first time leaving their country.

She linked them with the 12 valiant women who comprise the local community today, who are involved in such ministries as prison and catechesis, who seek justice for the economically poor.

“Today, we are grateful for their dedication and commitment in working for justice”.

Sr Maureen also noted the vibrancy of the associate programme which boasts 50 associates.

In his homily, Archbishop Gilbert said the founders in 1857 were prophetic as their charism statement included the need to not only work for the people but with the people they intended to serve. This, he expressed, is significant and way ahead of its time.

He said their associate programme gave the congregation not only visibility but gave the laity involved “a shoulder to shoulder experience of ministry”.

“You educate not only through information but give an experience of what the information you give is about. You allow them to participate and by doing that, they learn and understand.”

Focussing on the Mass reading, he urged the HF community never to turn inward nor forget their charism. “The readings talk about zeal for the Lord… I would pray that your zeal as a community continues to grow and deepen.”

A meditation dance in tribute to the Sisters of the Holy Faith was performed by students of Holy Faith Convent, Penal.

Sr Theresa Vialva thanked all who had gathered to celebrate with the Sisters invited everyone to share in refreshments after Mass.

SOME SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES

• 1947 – Sisters arrive December 12 and stay with St Joseph of Cluny Sisters in Woodbrook
• 1951 – Sisters arrive in Couva to begin secondary school for girls.
• 1954 – Sisters arrive in Siparia to begin St Brigid’s Primary School.
• 1966 – Beginning of Holy Faith Convent Secondary School, Penal.
• 1978 – Beginning of novitiate.
• 1983 – Beginning of Holy Faith ministry in Matelot.
• 1989 – Beginning of Holy Faith Associates and Prayer Partners on October 11.
• 1992 – Blessing and official opening of Credo Retreat House on October 24.
• 1993 – Beginning of Credo Foundation for Justice (CFJ).
• 1997 – Opening of Credo Centre for socially-displaced children on June 17.
• 2000 – The micro-credit programme, Helping Ourselves Prosper Economically, (HOPE) begins.
• 2002 – Aylward House, a CFJ-run home for young men, opens.
• 2004 – Sophia House, a CFJ-run home for young girls at risk, opens.