In the midst of all that is going on in society, we need to be more thankful, says the preacher at this month's Laventille Devotions.

“Not even a ‘Thanks, dog'” was how Msgr Michael deVerteuil began the sermon. The humourous local saying to reflect ingratitude immediately caught everyone's attention.

His sermon was a reflection on the connection between gratitude to God, and the Eucharist.

“We need to become more grateful people,” stated Msgr deVerteuil. Adding that “there's no switch or button in parishes to make us more grateful”, he said for us to become a more grateful people, we must practice it. “We have to make it a habit: thanking God for everything….”

Msgr deVerteuil at Laventille Devotions

He questioned that for some, it is easy to feed our anger or jealousy, “…but what about feeding our gratitude?”  He said that by feeding our gratitude, we can celebrate the Eucharist with a “true and thankful heart.”

The rector of the Regional Seminary noted that while there are different types of prayer, “gratitude (to God) must be the centre of it all”.

He advised that gratitude must not only “become part of our personal prayer” but “an essential part of our communal prayer”.

The Living Water Community priest also spoke at length about the “centre and summit” of the Mass, the Eucharistic Prayer, and called on Catholics to be more attentive during Mass.

“We need to pay attention in the celebration of the Eucharist, and respond fully.” Pay attention to the readings, get involved in the singing, join in the acclamations, and participate throughout the celebration, he urged.

Msgr de Verteuil said that by participating we will recognise more and more that “everything is a gift” and so “make right our relationship with God and other people.”

Afternoon thunder showers did not deter regular attendants at the devotions: most came out with umbrellas. One particularly heavy shower fell during the Mass at which Tortuga parish priest Fr Steve Duncan presided.

The rain stopped before the recitation of the Luminous Mysteries by residents of St Dominic's Home, who led the afternoon devotions with their singing.

Msgr de Verteuil recited the Act of Consecration before Benediction, which was conducted by parish priest Fr Dwight Merrick in the absence of Archbishop Gilbert.

The Archbishop will return in time to preside at the penultimate Devotions for 2005 on September 11. Fr Gerard Farfan CSSp will celebrate the Mass - RS