His perseverance and faith, his witness and dedication, his work to bring forth the “New Jerusalem”.

Retired Auxiliary Bishop John Mendes, who passed away June 24 at the age of 79, will be remembered for all of these and more. “He died, as he lived,” remarked Archbishop Edward Gilbert, delivering the June 30 homily at the funeral Mass of one of the first local diocesan priests ordained in this archdiocese.

Archbishop Gilbert described the Mass as “a celebration of joy” saying “John” was now enjoying “a quality of life better than what is here” and so we are inferior to him.

Hundreds packed the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for the funeral liturgy which began at 10.00 a.m. In the congregation were former Anglican Bishop Clive Abdullah and former First Lady Zalayhar Hassanali. There was a large turnout of priests to concelebrate the Mass, with Bishops Francis Alleyne of Georgetown, Guyana, and Sydney Charles of Grenada (Emeritus) flanking Archbishop Gilbert.

Bishop Mendes' family carry the gifts at the Mass.

Bishop Mendes' family - surviving brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, their children and other relatives - occupied the front pews and were involved throughout the Mass, from the readings and bidding prayers, to the presentation of gifts and the singing. His niece Charlene Roberts paid tribute to her “Uncle Father” as she delivered the eulogy.

The archbishop said the vision of a “New Jerusalem” was the centre of Bishop Mendes' life. “He worked for it. He prayed for it in this world.” He noted that the bishop's life was not only filled with success but “failure and rejection” but he faced up to the challenges.

The archbishop said throughout his bouts of illness “he persevered in prayer and in witness. He knew he had every right to stop and rest - but didn't. It was the conviction of his faith.” He added that Bishop Mendes was “always there, present in faith” and even when he was seriously ill, never once complained.”

He lived the principles of Christian life, the Archbishop said, and showed us that “we cannot love this world more than you love God.”

Archbishop Gilbert concluded his homily saying, “He will be remembered as a good man, a zealous priest, a dedicated bishop. May the Holy Spirit give the archdiocese vocations like John Mendes.”

Bishop Mendes' sister, Theresa Mendes, sang a powerful and stirring rendition of Jerusalem for the meditation; it was one of her brother's favourite hymns. She was later joined by her siblings in the sacristy and they sang I Have a Dream as a final farewell.

Escorted by six priests, college scouts carried the casket to the crypt for interment. As Archbishop Gilbert did the Prayer of Burial before for the congregation, Tunapuna parish priest Fr Reginald Hezekiah, performed the final rites in the crypt, sprinkling holy water and making the sign of the cross on the casket with ashes.

The crypt was then sealed – the final gesture marking the end of a life lived in fidelity and love. - RS