I write this piece with a deep sense of pride and admiration for a man who has served his calling with deep devotion and fidelity for 60 years. This sparkling accomplishment is made more important since Bishop Emeritus Sydney Charles was one of the first locally trained priests from the seminary at Mount St Benedict, and also because he is my late mother's brother. I thank God for you, and you'll always be in my prayers, Uncle Sydney."It is not often that people fulfilled 60 years of commitment to what they had undertaken." That was Archbishop Joseph Harris paying tribute to Bishop Emeritus Sydney Anicetus Charles in his homily during a special Holy Mass to celebrate the occasion at the St Joseph RC Church, St Joseph, last Sunday.Archbishop Harris described Bishop Charles as a "holy man," a description Archbishop Harris attributed to his (Harris') father, who was at one time headmaster of the St Joseph Boys' RC School, Bishop Charles' alma mater. Archbishop Harris also attended that school.
The head of the Roman Catholic Church in T&T told the large congregation of family, friends and worshippers that "holiness does not come easy," and only happened through the acceptance of the cross. He said, "Bishop Charles' life has shown us the mark of the cross in many ways."The revolution in Grenada, which occurred while Bishop Charles was serving there, "was a tremendous cross." But Bishop Charles faced it with deep conviction, speaking "truth to power." It was not an easy time for the bishop. But his sense of humour always prevailed and he later said, "At one time Grenada had two bishops and they both brought Grenadians to their knees..."Archbishop Harris said last Sunday's celebration was to give thanks to God for "60 years of fidelity in spite of the cross. He said each one of us as Catholics must ask ourselves, "Am I following the footsteps of this man, who, in spite of everything has been faithful?"
He said some would say "yes"–but Archbishop Harris said he had a "sneaking suspicion" that for many, when the cross came, they bent a little. He added, "Even if this happened, Bishop Charles, who strived to be faithful, was an example to people of faith who "let God's word shape and form their lives, so that God's word makes them into other Christs. And because they are like Christ, they become the human face of Christ among us. Like Christ, they help us to live the love and mercy."
Writing in the commemorative booklet, Sister Phyllis Wharfe stated, "He (Bishop Charles) never saw his assignments as positions of power or prestige. Indeed, this humble servant of God is devoid of all social climbing. Service is the hallmark of his life, a service of sacrifice and suffering for which he was prepared to give his life when threatened."Bishop Charles was one of the first four "indigenous clergy" (Archbishop Finbar Ryan) and the only one alive. He was ordained at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on March 7, 1954. He served several parishes in Trinidad, including San Juan, Chaguanas, Carapichaima, Arima and the Cathedral as vicar general and administrator. He was named bishop of St Georges-in-Grenada on November 18 1974, and ordained bishop on January 26 1975, where he served until his retirement.Through the British honours system, Bishop Charles was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) by Queen Elizabeth II, an accolade he received with great humility.
Vernon Khelawan is media relations officer of Catholic Media Services Limited (Camsel), the official communications arm of the Archdiocese of Port-of-Spain. Its offices are located at 31 Independence Square. Telephone: 623-7620.