Archbishop opens Garden of Peace

A day after returning from Rome where he was conferred with the pallium (vestment) from Pope Benedict XVI, Archbishop Joseph Harris has called on parishioners to pray and work hard to build the Church. Harris was speaking at the 40th anniversary of the St Benedict’s RC parish at La Romaine on Tuesday night.

Harris, who has been encouraging young people to return to the fold of the Church, also blessed the opening of the Garden of Peace—a facility which will keep ashes of the dead. Describing parishioners as disciples of Christ, Harris said it was imperative for citizens to “be manifestations of the gospel.” “We must remember the time when we were younger—of the Church that was triumphant, militant with suffrage,” Harris said.

He added that parishioners were still struggling and needed grace to be faithful to the principles of Christ. “We must remember that we are labourers of Christ. All of us have been called to be workers of the harvest and all of us are called to preach the gospel,” Harris said.

He added that it was important to work and pray. “Even while we enjoy ourselves, our lives must still proclaim the gospel,” Harris added. The Archbishop returned home on Sunday after attending a Mass at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

More info

The Garden was constructed in response to parishioners and the desire of parish priest Fr David Khan to provide a place for the peaceful interment and disbursement of ashes. This facility is available on the grounds of the St Benedict’s Roman Catholic church so that memories of dead parishioners will always be present and they would remain part of the Catholic church.

The facility is primarily for deceased members of the St Benedict’s parish and their immediate family and has been extended to include members of the Southern Vicariate. The Garden will be governed by a committee with the parish priest as chair of the committee. There are 234 single niches available and these will be leased for 30 years.