The Holy Trinity Parish paid special tribute to Fr Neil Rodriguez CSSp, on Tuesday, November 22, as he ended his tenure as parish priest of the Arouca parish.

The parish comprises the worshipping communities of La Divina Pastora, La Pastora; La Veronica, Lopinot; Our Lady Queen of Peace, Surrey Village; Our Lady of Lourdes, Tacarigua, and Holy Trinity, Arouca.

Fr Neil Rodriguez

Fr Neil was the chief celebrant at holy Mass, at which his confrères Fr Herbert Charles , local Provincial of the Spiritans, Fr Peter de la Bastide, vicar of the Eastern Vicariate, Fr Patrick Bascio, Fr Ashton Pierre, Fr Gregory Mc Lawrence and Fr Benedict Iheagwara concelebrated.

Before the final blessing, Jean Boyce, chairperson for the evening, gave the congregation an historical view of Fr Neil's priestly life, under the title: “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd”.

Norma St Rose also gave a snippet of Fr Neil's tenure as pastor, manager and friend during his 33 months as parish priest.

Various groups in the parish made presentations of gifts, and there were tributes in song and verse. Carol Ann Hosten made the presentation on behalf of the parish.

Fr Neil was gracious and humble in his acceptance. He thanked everyone and promised to keep the parish in his prayers.

After the final hymns, parishioners stayed on to express their personal good wishes to Fr Neil over light refreshments served under tents in the church parking lot.

Fr Neil, gift to Arouca Parish >>