On the night of Fr Steve Duncan's ordination, Saturday, December 18, he was welcomed into the village of Delaford , where he was born and bred, with what he called a “real country-style” reception.

“Because of the small space of the yard where I grew up,” he said in his address to the large congregation at his first Mass, “the event had to be held at the yard our friend and neighbour who gladly accepted us.”

It was at this reception that another friend and neighbour introduced, in real country language and expression, the idea of a motorcade, which took place the following day, Sunday, December 19. One could sense that it came off well, hearing the numerous tones of horns passing by.

The motorcade went from Delaford to the Roxborough Police Youth Club Headquarters, where Fr Duncan was a member, in his early youth. It continued into the compound of the Roxborough Composite School , where the vehicles made their U-turn and returned to Delaford.

Then began the countdown to the grand finale – the celebration of the liturgy of the Holy Eucharist with Fr Steve Duncan as celebrant for the first time. At exactly 4 p.m. the Mass began with a procession from the Sacred Heart presbytery to the church.

The altar servers leading the procession were from Delaford and Tortuga . The two from Tortuga had also served at Fr Steve's ordination the previous day. Lay Minister of Delaford RC, Brother Benedict Job, was next in line, followed by seven of Fr Duncan's fellow clergy members from Trinidad , Tobago , St Lucia and Antigua .

The priests were Fr Trevor Nathasingh, who preached the homily, Fr Matthew D'Hereaux, who was fortunate enough to wear one of three lovely chausibles provided by Fr Nathasingh. Fr Dwight Black, first Tobagonian Roman Catholic priest, also as fortunate.

Archbishop Edward Gilbert lays hands on Fr Duncan at his ordination on December 18.

Also present were Frs Michel Francis of St Lucia and George Williams of Antigua and, of course, Fr David Khan of Trinidad . Reverend Curtis Moise OP of Barbados carried out his duty as deacon during the celebration. Following the deacon was the man of the moment, Fr Steve Duncan.

Akfi John did a solo dance of the Tobago jig just before the entrance song sung by the Delaford RC choir. The majority of members in the Delaford choir were in the same youth group with Fr Duncan.

Before starting the Penitential rite, Fr Duncan, just as Archbishop Gilbert had done at the ordination ceremony the day before, welcomed the congregation to a historical event. After the readings and responsorial psalm, melodiously done by Kamlyn Melville and Burton Orr, it was time for the proclamation of the Gospel by Deacon Curtis Moise.

It was then time to sit and listen to the word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of Fr Nathasingh. Though it may have seemed that Fr Nathasingh was directing the message to Fr Duncan, there were words that should have touched each person present.

Fr Nathasingh, in his homily, endorsed what Archbishop Gilbert had said at his homily at the ordination, with regards Fr Duncan's prayer life, both personal and public, his ministry and the people or flock he is called to shepherd.

Following the intercessory prayers and preparation of the gifts, once again Mrs John performed a liturgical dance.

After Communion, Fr Steve was presented with so many gifts that he said, “Is a good ting ah bring mih car!” He thanked his family, friends, parishioners of both Delaford and Tortuga for the prayers, guidance, encouragement and support that he received and will continue to receive in his ministry as a priest.

Fr Steve Duncan is the second Tobago-born Catholic priest after the ordination of Fr Dwight Black OP on June 20, 2004 , at Cavary Hill, Arima. He is also the second priest from Delaford, after the ordination of Anglican priest Fr Roy Hercules. On behalf of the parish and village of Delaford , I wish Fr Steve Duncan God's blessing in the new “political party and manifesto”, he has embarked upon. “ You are a priest in the order of Melchizedek now and forever .”