The last remains of Fr Johnny Woods lay in state at St Martin de Porres Church, Gonzales from 4:00 p.m. last Sunday, August 7. The service in celebration of the life of this beloved parish priest ended with Solemn Vespers at 5:00 p.m. Many residents of Gonzales, as well as others who knew and loved Fr Woods attended. The following tribute was written by Gonzales parish priest Fr Jason Gordon

Fr Johnny Woods is still a household word in Gonzales - 33 years after he left the St Martin de Porres Parish.

On the streets, in the homes, at cultural events and village functions, I have heard fond stories of Fr Woods recounted by many. The stories are both humorous and moving.

They speak of a man who touched the lives of the whole village community. His impact is seen by many as the high point of the Parish of St Martin de Porres and the golden days of the village of Gonzales .

In the early days of our assignment at St Martin , Fr Roger and I realised that the community's positive experience and thus, vision of a successful parish was in the era of Fr Woods. The positive and nostalgic memories of this period were in stark contrast to the difficulties that the parish and the village faced in 2003.

To understand this legacy better, we worked with the community to organise a “ Down Memory Lane ” evening. People came from all over Trinidad . There was great excitement and euphoria among the many parishioners and residents, present and past, who met to recount the glory days of Gonzales and the St Martin 's Church.

Pentecostal ministers, the leader of the Orisha Faith International, high-ranking government officials and private sector individuals all paid tribute to the legendary Fr Woods. Pastor Peter Regis paid tribute to Fr Woods and the role that he played in his formation and life.

Sam Phills, the leader of the Orisha Faith International spoke of Fr Woods and the work he did in the village of Gonzales . The fond memories of time spent together. The whole event was a glowing tribute to Fr Woods; to his vision, his compassion and his dedication to ministry and the community of Gonzales.

Fr Johnny Woods

In his humility, Fr Woods could not be persuaded to attend. On several occasions, we tried to bring him back to the parish to honour him. He would not come. One parishioner speaking of Fr Woods sums this up eloquently:

“… He continually swam against the tide by his outreach especially in his seemingly distaste for officialdom whether Church or state. In his ordinariness especially among his community, he displayed no qualms about drinking a Carib beer publicly - a real Trini to the bone.”

Fr Woods had a vision of ministry that went beyond the four walls of the church. His life touched the entire village - enhancing the lives of all who lived there. His tenure was the troubled years of 1961-1973

The hills were ablaze with strife and conflict. Black Power was the cry. He walked the streets, met the people and worked to alleviate poverty and bring development to the community.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the parish in 2001 the parish had this to say: “The almost legendary contribution of Fr John Woods, and the imprint of St Martin's humility, simplicity and friendliness saw the parish witnessing a tremendous physical and spiritual growth.

"He was responsible for the enclosure of the church grounds, building the presbytery, the St Martin Girls' High School, the St Martin Trade School (now Alyward House) and the Moruga vacation home. He initiated the first Parish Council and was instrumental in mobilising the human resources of the parish by networking and collaborating with the various parish groups, with a view to achieving maximum spiritual growth and lay participation.”

In all of the recent troubles and activities in Gonzales, the response of the elders has become predictable. Just after assuming office, at the steel band judging in Gonzales in February 2003, many people at the event said to me, “the last priest who came out with us was Fr Woods.”

When I went to the home of ASP Jackson, a senior police in the area, he said to me, “Fr Woods used to have people involved like this.” At the home of Timmo, the 200th murder victim for 2005, an elderly Muslin man recounted Fr Woods telling him and a friend: “I cannot support both of you and the Church”.

He laughed with fond recollection as he continued, saying, “He never stopped giving us, he never shamed us and that saved us in a very difficult time.”

Ministry and priesthood in Gonzales are judged by the very high standard set by Fr Johnny Woods. The people of the village who are not regular churchgoers also have expectations of the Church.

They expect that the Church would reach out to the village, be the engine of development, be compassionate and caring. They expect that the Church would be part of the solution for the many problems that the village is facing.

Such high expectations are the benchmarks set by Fr Woods over thirty years ago. They are etched in the minds and hearts of the elders of the parish and the entire village. It is the legacy of a truly gifted priest who remains in the hearts and minds of the people.

Johnny Woods - the people of Gonzales and the parish of St. Martin de Porres owe a debt of gratitude to you. You continue to be a light shining in the darkness that encircles, opening a path to hope, compassion and community service.

The community will find a way to honour the memory of Fr Woods so generations to come will remember this gifted Dominican Father who like St Martin de Porres gave tirelessly to those in need.

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