Carnival has no boundaries. This was evidenced at the launch of Fr Michel de Verteuil's book, Lectio Divina with the Sunday Gospels - Year A on Monday, January 24 at Fatima College Hall. In the spirit of this celebratory season and in keeping with the focus of the book, the Pierrot Grenade made his appearance much to the delight of his captive audience.

The Pierrot Grenade, Felix Edinborough, teaches the audience about the value of true storytelling

Under the planned pretext of being omitted from the programme, the Pierrot proceeded to teach his audience about the value of true storytelling by weaving a story about his horse Phil as he spelt the word "philosopher" - a word that is an apt title for Fr Michel - as only the Pierrot can. His presence there, of course was very much in keeping with the theme of the evening as we were rediscovering the value of the storytelling tradition even in the bible.

Lectio Divina , translated as sacred reading is an ancient method of biblical reflection. Fr Michel during his time as rector and lecturer at the Regional Seminary during the 1970s and 80s rediscovered this method and has spent his life not only discovering its value but exposing the method to many communities in Trinidad, Canada, Ireland to name a few.

Fr Michel's latest book focuses on the Sunday Gospels of the lectionary and for Year A - the Gospel of St Matthew. There are also reflections on the seasonal Sundays of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter. For each Sunday there is the full text of the Gospel followed by a teaching on various aspects of the passage. The insightful as well as informative comments by the author enable the readers to enter into the story of the gospel and see themselves as part of it, thus making the bible story their story.

One of the highlights of the evening was Valerie Bethel's exposé of the tenets of Lectio Divina . Using the vernacular to get her message across, Val was able to hold her audience captive - some were shaking their heads in agreement while others were laughing at the way she put across her message. Seeing that at the heart of lectio divina is the ability to recall our memories and to see how they shape us, Val's contribution fitted in well with what was being showcased at the launch.

The feature address by Patricia Elie (IN PHOTO) also gave testimony to the impact Fr Michel and the Lectio Divina method has had on many people. Pat focused not only on the book itself but also gave testimony as to the use of the method in her work.

She revealed that she used the method not only in her RCIA programmes but also with her NGO groups, with much success.

Before the evening's proceedings got underway, the audience was treated to sweet pan music played by Alexis Hope. Though only in his late teens, Alexis is in great demand for the carnival season so it was an honour to have him with us.

Gary Tagallie, who worked with Fr Michel at the Pastoral Centre, as well as being a member of one of his lectio groups was emcee for the evening. After the National Anthem played by Alexis, Gary invited Fr Martin Sirju to the microphone for the opening prayer, followed by Fr Gregory Augustine.

Fr Gregory Augustine, one of Fr Michel's confrères in the Spiritan community, was instrumental in providing not only the Fatima Hall, but also in giving an overview of some of Fr Michel's phenomenal achievements over the years.

Fr Michel de Verteuil

However, the evening belonged to Fr Michel. In true Fr Michel style he was able to expound on the impact of lectio divina on people of different cultures as well as its effects on modern societies.

He concluded that we all find a home in the lectio method. He believes that doing lectio divina is a wonderful way of doing theology and is of significant value especially to the poorer members of the community.

He was especially grateful for the collaboration of Elena Lombardi-French in Dublin and Fr Brendan Clifford OP in Limerick for making the production of this book possible after his serious illness in the latter half of 2004. Jacqui and Eldon from Eldon's Catering - Penny Pinchers Ltd, old friends of Fr Michel, provided the delicious refreshments that followed. They did themselves proud with the kind of offerings they had.

It was truly an enjoyable evening and a fitting tribute to the man who has touched the lives of so many people through his wisdom, intellect and deep humility. His unwavering belief that all our lives are rooted in the bible and that it is a wonderful and essential book gives us hope in a world that is fast becoming one filled with despair and hopelessness. Thank you Fr Michel for renewing our faith in life.

Fr Michel's book is available at the Dominican Bookstore and bookstores nationwide. On February 13, at the Après Carnival Brunch hosted by Sanch Electronix a the University of the West Indies, the book will be on sale in the illustrious company of Gordon Rohlehr's Scuffling of Islands and Leroy Clarke's Eyeing De Word . Fr Michel's book is a must have.