Hymns echoed through the streets of Siparia yesterday, as thousands gathered to observe the Feast Day of La Divina Pastora, one of Trinidad and Tobago’s oldest religious traditions.
Held on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, the celebrations featured a High Mass followed by a procession through the town with the statue of La Divina Pastora, also known as the Divine Shepherdess.
People from all walks of life, including Roman Catholics, Hindus and Orisha believers, arrived from across the country to pay homage.
Delivering the homily at the church, Archbishop Emeritus Robert Rivas called on citizens to honour their mothers.
He said, “Our mothers deserve the best from us, we sometimes don’t recognise how precious and special mothers are until we lose them, and then our eyes are filled with tears.”
He urged children to always seek their mother’s blessing.
“Mothers bless your children every day. A mother who blesses her children is like Mary, a mother of hope. A real mother never forgets her children, and real children never forget their mother,” he said.
He said grandmothers should also be surrounded by their grandchildren, happy to know that she is a beloved mom and grandmom.
“Don’t miss the opportunity to say thank you to your mother,” he added.
Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles also addressed the significance of the event, calling on mothers to take their roles seriously.
“This is an event that crosses racial barriers.
Reflecting on the theme of motherhood, Beckles said “all mothers should take their responsibilities seriously.”
“Remember that you’re given a great responsibility. Always remember that it’s a blessing to be a mother, whether biological or not, just to look after children and to look after people in general,” she added.
Following the Mass, the statue was carried through the streets before being taken back to the church.
