The Roman Catholic Church in Trinidad and Tobago continues to do its part in celebrating the golden jubilee of our nation's Independence. First, it was the series of community concerts-Make a Joyful Noise-which were held at venues all over the Archdiocese, including Tobago. It was the brainchild of Archbishop Joseph Harris, who said the concerts were part of the church's celebrations to mark such an important national milestone. Following this success, the Zion RC Community is making another kind of noise-a quiet one-steeped in prayer and devotion which will span 50 days from July 6 to August 24, focusing on the salvation and healing of our citizens and social structures. In conjunction with the Evangelisation Commission, the Zion RC Community is asking that parishes unite with them in prayer to commemorate the nation's 50th anniversary of Independence.
Archbishop Joseph Harris has given his approval for the programme themed "...Only this, to act justly, to love tenderly (mercy) and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8) And according to the organisers, in keeping with the theme, during each of the seven weeks special attention will be paid to a different need of the country to encourage unity of vision. While Zion has put out guidelines for the United Intercession for 50 days, and has quoted from Matthew's gospel -".... If two of you agree on earth about anything on which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father" (Mt 18:19)-the community has said that individuals and groups were free to choose other forms of prayer as guided by the Holy Spirit.
Some of Zion's suggestions are:
• United prayer in families, groups and parishes for our nation;
• Focus: Salvation and healing of our citizens and social structures;
• Prayer: Daily Mercy Chaplet, Marian Rosary and weekday masses in vicariates; and
• Fasting and other acts of caring service for those in need.
The 50 days began on July 6 with holy masses being celebrated in the North and the South. In the North holy mass was said at the St Ann's RC, while in the South it was celebrated at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Both masses began simultaneously at 6 pm. In this year of the Second Pastoral Priority-Revitalising Catholic Culture and Identity-The Roman Catholic Church is visibly active in ensuring that the priority is being promoted at every opportunity, whether it is by means of public processions on the nation's roads or special services in our churches or even gatherings in the Queen's Park Savannah. Somehow it would seem that Roman Catholics in this society have silently vowed to ensure their Catholic faith would not be hidden "under a bushel", but rather by these public expressions of their culture would demonstrate to the country the church's role in creating a more just and peaceful society. It must also be observed that the people of God are not averse to wearing the badges of their religious culture and identity on their T-shirts and polos, if only to show that the Roman Catholic Church in Trinidad and Tobago is not asleep or even dozing...it is truly alive.
Catholic Media Services Ltd (Camsel), is the official communications arm of the Archdiocese of Port-of-Spain. Its offices are located at 31 Independence Square. Telephone 623-7620.