Traditionally, the preachers for the Laventille devotions have come from the Regional Seminary, Charismatic leaders and other prominent teachers and leaders of our local Church.

In yet another break with tradition, this year's first preacher will be Tricia Hudlin, a young lawyer of the Cathedral parish. Ms Hudlin will be no stranger to those who attended the 2003/2005 Archdiocesan Synod as she served as a moderator on both occasions.

Viewers of TCN – Channel 10 (Trinity Communications Network) may also be familiar with Ms Hudlin as she has written and directed dramatic productions for youth-oriented programmes on that station.

A member and present leader of the Cathedral Youth Group, Ms Hudlin has also served in the Cathedral music ministry and is a lead singer of the Cathedral's parang group.

Tricia Hudlin was the recipient of several awards from the Hugh Wooding Law School and presently works in the DPP's office.

Tricia hails from Laventille. We want to thank her for her willingness to speak at the first of our 2005 devotions and assure her of our prayerful support.

Welcome Youth for Christ

Laventille devotions 2004 introduced a youth segment from 1.00-3.00 p.m. preceding the celebration of Holy Mass. This year's youth segment will feature several groups of talented young Catholics sharing their gifts in song, dance and music to compliment the other aspects of the youth session.

For our May devotions therefore we would like to welcome the Couples for Christ family and in particular Jonathan and friends as they share with us their musical talents and gifts. Of course we would like to welcome all teenagers and young adults to join us for their own special segment of these devotions.

Beautification drive

Having assumed full responsibility in for hosting the Laventille devotions in 2004, the parishioners at the Laventille Shrine have risen admirably to the many challenges involved.

This year they have beefed up the PA system for the church and the devotions and are working feverishly to have new flower beds completed for our May 15 start to the devotions.

The committee hopes also to have the statue of Our Lady in its Shrine brought forward in the open so that pilgrims would not need to congest the shrine area as in the past.