The communities of San Fernando , Les Efforts, Pleasantville and Vistabella had their Eucharistic Celebration on Sunday, April 24, at Presentation College , San Fernando.

This served to launch their theme for the Year of the Eucharist Pray, Study, Live Eucharist. The chief celebrant was Bishop Anthony Dickson, Bishop Emeritus of Barbados and he was supported by parish priests Fr Clyde Harvey and Fr Matthew d'Hereaux.

Tents were set up in a circle and parishioners sat according to the areas they lived in. All present warmly welcomed Bishop Dickson to their community. The genre of spiritual dance was used to present the Word of God to Bishop Dickson.

Representatives from the various communities formed the choir that rendered hymns throughout the Mass. Fr Matthew read the gospel and then distributed the readings and gospel to the altar servers to give to all parishioners.

Fr d'Hereaux and Bishop Dickson accept the gifts at the Mass. Photo courtesy Carlene Hayes-Simmons

Bishop Dickson delivered in his homily the message of inclusion of everyone in our Catholic community, including persons living with the AIDS. Then, the parishioners were given time to discuss the readings and gospel in the various tents. The priests walked to the tents to listen to the views of the parishioners.

Flags with the names of the different areas of San Fernando were placed in a wooden house to represent one united Catholic community.

All present gathered in a circle for the Lord's Prayer and Sign of Peace, this was a heart-rending experience: to see all the San Fernando parishes united as one. After communion, parishioners were given the option to sign commitment cards to “pray, study, live Eucharist ” in the various areas of San Fernando.

Most of the persons made the commitment to follow the theme of this celebration and Bishop Dickson lead them in the commitment prayer.