Category: columns2011

columns2011

The true light that enlightens all

Post author By Web administrator
Post date December 22, 2011

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ

Rejoice! The Word, “the light that darkness could not overpower…the true light that enlightens” all is here among us. Stand in awe and gratitude that Jesus, our Saviour “was made flesh” and dwelt among us. And He is still here among us.

See Him in the faces of the seven or more billion people who live on this blessed earth; see Him in the flora and fauna. Indeed, His presence is everywhere. Find some time to reflect on the profound message in today’s Gospel, the Prologue to St John’s Gospel (John 1: 1-18) from which the above quotations are taken.

Tags Christmas

columns2011

The line to see Jesus

Post author By Web administrator
Post date December 18, 2011

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ

I returned to T&T last weekend feeling a bit sad that so many of those whom I met while I was away, wished me “Happy Holidays” when we parted. However, my heart was lifted when, on my return, I opened an e-mail from Maureen Arneaud and accessed a YouTube link to the song: Where is the line to see Jesus written by Steve Haupt and sung by his daughter, Becky Kelley.

The inspiration for the song is worth noting. When Haupt’s grandson, Spencer Reijgers, was four years old, he was taken to a mall in the USA to see Santa. While standing in line, he tugged at his mother’s sweater and asked: “Where is the line to see Jesus?” When the song was released last December, it was an instant hit.

columns2011

Christ and corruption totally incompatible

Post author By Web administrator
Post date December 8, 2011

by Mike James, member of the CCSJ

“At this time, there are too many scandals and injustices, too much corruption and greed, too many errors and lies, too much violence which leads to misery and to death.”

“Every people wishes to understand the political and economic choices which are made in its name. They perceive manipulation and their revenge is sometimes violent.”

“Do not deprive your peoples of hope! Do not cut them off from their future by mutilating their present!”

Tags corruption

columns2011

A season for giving things, and more

Post author By Web administrator
Post date December 1, 2011

by Mike James, member of the CCSJ

Catholics as well as other citizens of all different religious persuasions are outstanding for their generosity in giving and sharing with the less privileged and less fortunate during this period of Advent and preparation for Christmas.

Thousands of hampers are being prepared for the needy in parishes, groups and service organisations during the season. A major traffic jam took place one weekend in front of a popular TV station caused by persons trying to drop off toys to be donated to children who do not have the normal Santa Claus to look forward to.

Tags Christmas

columns2011

Eliminating violence against women

Post author By Web administrator
Post date November 25, 2011

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ

“Violence against women is perhaps the most shameful human rights violation, and it is perhaps the most pervasive. It knows no boundaries of geography, culture or wealth. As long as it continues we cannot claim to be making real progress towards equality, development and peace” (Kofi Annan).

The mission of the Catholic Church in Trinidad and Tobago is to build a civilisation of love. Enshrined in T&T’s Constitution are certain fundamental human rights that were inserted there for a purpose; so that we would seek to live by the principles outlined therein. The challenge we face, as do many countries today, is translating such principles into practice.

Tags violence, women