Weather conditions did not stop Catholics of the Suburban Vicariate from professing their faith, as the vicariate celebrated the Year of the Eucharist as one body.

Faithful from the vicariate's ten parishes gathered last Sunday afternoon at Our Lady of Fatima church, Curepe for the celebration – Holy Mass, followed by a procession and Benediction.

The Suburban Vicariate comprises the parishes of Barataria, San Juan , Santa Cruz , Bourg Mulatresse, Mt Lambert, St Joseph , Maracas Valley , Curepe, St John's Village ( St Augustine ) and Tunapuna.

Priests of the Suburban Vicariate celebrate Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Curepe, last Sunday. Raymond Syms photo

Twelve priests concelebrated the Mass, among them Msgr Urban Peschier, Regional Seminary rector Msgr Michael de Verteuil, and Frs Hezekiah, Hilaire and Brenon. Chief celebrant was host parish priest Msgr Esau Joseph.

Last weekend's Sunday Gospel, Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, was dramatised by youths of the parish.

Fr Francis Carpinelli, a lecturer at the Regional Seminary, described the Eucharist as “the most profound form of worship, of sacrament, and of sacrifice” as he preached the homily. The Canadian priest reminded all that the family is like a small Church, and said as parents sacrifice for their children, God sacrificed his son for us through the Eucharist.

The 3 p.m. Mass began under sunny skies but an hour and a half later, the skies were grey. As the procession began, the slight drizzle that had begun gave way to a steady shower. Still, the procession went on, with priests of the vicariate carrying the monstrance with the Blessed Sacrament through the streets of Curepe under police escort.

Procession at the Year of the Eucharist celebration. Tricia Diaz photo

Parishioners followed, praying the rosary and holding up banners and placards bearing messages about the Eucharist. A music truck with members of the joint vicariate choir brought up the rear. The route took the procession along such streets as Mc Inroy, Bellsmythe, Rapsey, Evans and finally Bushe, back to the church.

By the time the procession began entering the church compound, participants were bathed in sunlight once again. Msgr Joseph thanked all for their participation as Benediction concluded the event.

October 2004 to October 2005 has been declared The Year of the Eucharist in the Church. This archdiocese has planned an April 19-21 Eucharistic Symposium for clergy and religious, to be held at Benet Hall, Mount St Benedict. - RS