Month: December 2017

columns2017

Remain in Christ, turn tests into testimonies

Post author By Web administrator
Post date December 31, 2017

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI

Today, the last day of 2017, we have an opportunity to review the past year and to plan for 2018.

It was on December 28, 2016 that my father, Balgobin Ramdeen, passed away in hospital in London. My siblings and I were angry as we felt that he died because of hospital negligence. I quarreled with God. His funeral was held on January 5, 2017 and I had to deliver the Eulogy.

God calmed me as I reflected on what a privilege it was that God had placed my siblings and me in Pa’s care. I was not going to let my anger steal the joy of having had such a wonderful father to teach and guide me. My dear mother, Ruby Ramdeen (nee Manning), had died in 1995. Together, Ma and Pa raised us well.

Tags migrant, refugee, World Day of Peace

columns2017

Saying ‘Yes’ to the Lord’s call

Post author By Web administrator
Post date December 24, 2017

The Christmas tree is seen as Pope Francis leads the Angelus from the window of his studio overlooking St Peter's Square at the Vatican December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) — The Christmas tree is seen as Pope Francis leads the Angelus from the window of his studio overlooking St Peter’s Square at the Vatican December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ, & Director, CREDI

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation (Lk 1:26–38). Tomorrow we will celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus. Angel Gabriel’s initial greeting to Mary left her “deeply disturbed”. She did not understand what he meant when he said: “Rejoice, highly favoured! The Lord is with you“. He continued: “Mary, do not be afraid, you have won God’s favour…. Listen! you are to conceive and bear a son and you must name him Jesus….and his reign will have no end.” He later tells her that her old cousin, Elizabeth, whom people called “barren”, was six months pregnant.

Mary’s faith was strong. She believed the angel’s words that “nothing is impossible to God”. God has a plan for all of us. Are we as open to His plan as Mary was? Her humble, unreserved “Yes”; her fiat to His plan is reflected in her words to the angel: “I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let what you have said be done to me.” She submits/surrenders herself to His will totally and without further ado because of her belief. How strong is our faith?

Tags Christmas

columns2017

Giving thanks for Archbishop Joseph Harris

Post author By Web administrator
Post date December 17, 2017

Today we gather at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception to give thanks to God for the vocation/fidelity to ministry of Archbishop Joseph Harris, the 10th Archbishop of our Archdiocese. In compliance with Canon 401(1) of the Code of Canon Law, His Grace submitted his resignation to Pope Francis in March 2017 when he reached the age of 75. He was 75 on March 19. Pope Francis accepted his resignation and on October 19, His Grace announced at a Press Conference that the Holy Father has appointed Archbishop-elect, Jason Gordon, as our next Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain. He will be installed on December 27.

St Paul urges us to live in a manner worthy of our vocation (Ephesians 4:1–3). On December 26, 2011 Archbishop Harris was entrusted with the care of the ‘flock’ in our Archdiocese. Like a good Shepherd, he recognised that his duty extended to all those who dwell in our beloved twin-island and beyond, and to all God’s creation. Catholics do not live in isolation but in community. We are called to build right relationships with others and with our environment.

Press Release

Be peacebuilders

Post author By Web administrator
Post date December 11, 2017

The Catholic Commission for Social Justice (CCSJ) urges citizens to be Peacebuilders in our land/world this Christmas. During this season of Advent, as we await the birth of the Christ-child, the Prince of Peace, let us remember that we must not be armchair Christians waiting passively.

This is a time of active hope; hope that the living Christ, who lives in and among us, will strengthen us to save our beloved country and our world which are scarred by violence and discord; hope that God will fill our hearts with His mercy, love, compassion and forgiveness so that we will live as honest/upright citizens.

Tags Advent, Christmas

columns2017

Promoting human rights

Post author By Web administrator
Post date December 10, 2017

Saturday, December 9 is International Anti-Corruption Day, and on Sunday, December 10, the world will observe Human Rights Day. This year marks the 69^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The foundation of all Catholic social justice principles is the inherent dignity of the human person—made in God’s image and likeness and the right to life from conception to natural death—the prerequisite of all other rights.

This inherent dignity is referred to in the first sentence of the preamble of the UDHR which states: “Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world…” Our own T&T Constitution lists our fundamental rights and freedoms.

Tags human rights