Our brother Cornelius Phillip has been with us in the St John the Baptist community, San Juan for the past eight years. He came to our shores in September 1997 to continue his studies towards becoming a priest of the FMI ( Fils de Marie Immaculée ) - Sons of Mary Immaculate Congregation.

Br Cornelius is from the island of Dominica (an island known for its 365 rivers – one for each day of the year, he sometimes boasts). He comes from a very large family of nine children, three girls and six boys.

He was the seventh child born to his family. From his earliest childhood, Br Cornelius expressed his desire to become a priest and with the support of his family and friends, he has been making his dream come true.

When Br Cornelius first got the news that he was to continue his studies in Trinidad and Tobago he was happy. He knew that he was coming to a new environment and would face new challenges and he looked forward to it. But his parents were not so sure that they wanted their baby so far from home.

Even though they were happy to have their son follow his dream, they were sad that he was so far away. But it proved to be everything he hoped it would be and much, much and more. Br Cornelius found a second family and lasting friendships. In other words, he found a second home here with us. He knows he will always have a home here with us.

The presbytery of St John the Baptist, San Juan was converted into a formation house for the FMI Community back in 1997, (this is when the community first came to our shores).

This made way for the arrival of our first two FMI priest, Frs Raymond Laurent and Christian Pineau and our first four brothers, Fr Vincent Esprit now superior in Dominica, Fr Herman Sharplis, Br Cornelius and Br Earl). Of these four young men who came to our shores in 1997, two have already become priests.

Bro Cornelius, left, receives his certificate of completion of theological studies from Abbot John Pereira at the Mass marking the end of the Seminary's academic year

Br Cornelius has been among us so long that he has become one of us. To many of us he became like a son, a big brother, a beloved friend and a mentor.

The eight years he spent with us in the parish of San Juan, he considers as well spent years. Br Cornelius said that he felt welcome from the very first day he came to the community of San Juan.

The warmth and friendliness he felt during his stay with us has helped him to mature into the person he is today, he said.

When you first get to know Br Cornelius the first thing you notice about him is his mischievous smile. Once you get to know him there is a warmth and friendliness that draws you to him. Br Cornelius is one person you could learn many things from. His love for God showed in everything he did.

He preached the word in season and out of season. When he preaches he always leaves a seed planted in your mind. His seriousness comes out, when he talks about God. But he not only talks the gospel, he also lives it. I believe that these are qualities that would help make him a wonderful priest.

During his stay with us Br Cornelius spent six years at the Regional Seminary studying theology. Four of those years were spent at UWI earning his Bachelor of Theology Degree.

He has now completed his studies and it is time n for him to leave our shores, what he considers as his second home, to go back home to Dominica, this time for good.

While Br Cornelius was part of our community he became a member of the Sunday Morning Traditional choir, he was also a peer counsellor, helped with street children and taught Religion and Moral instruction for five years at the Mount Hope Junior Secondary School.

When asked why he chose the FMI community instead of one of the others, he said that he admired the fathers love for service. He also said that he admired the way they serve the poor with such zeal.

Br Cornelius made his final vows on June 15, in Dominica . His diaconate ordination was due to take place on June 25. He will be ordained to the priesthood in January 2006.

“Br Corny”, though we are sad to see you go, we know that you have gone on to do something to make the entire San Juan community blessed, happy and proud to have known you.

We know that you will be serving God and your fellowmen just as Jesus asked us to do We also know that you will put your everything into your new ministry.

May God continue to bless you in everything you do and know also that you are always in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss you until we meet again. God bless and goodbye.