Catholic Commission for Social Justice
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI
“…we are one people with a common destiny in our rich variety of culture, race and tradition” (Nelson Mandela)
Do we really understand what it means to take up our cross and follow Jesus? In today’s gospel, Matt 16:21–27, Jesus said to His disciples: “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
A TIME FOR HEALING
In recent times, we have witnessed a display of race hostilities that enveloped Trinidad and Tobago during the election period and is continuing. It is certain that these incidences of racist conduct have deep underpinnings in our diverse society. If not managed properly, racial tensions could deteriorate and have far-reaching, damaging impact on our pluralistic society.
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI
Over the past few weeks, before and after our General Election on August 10, it has been sad to note on social media, in particular, racist vitriol being spewed by so many people—mainly from the two major ethnic communities that reside in our beloved country.
By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & Director, CREDI
Recently I visited Mt St Benedict. Since my childhood I have always found it spiritually uplifting to pray in that sacred space. The abbey church and its surroundings fill one with peace/serenity.
When I attended Holy Faith Convent, Couva, I was a member of the Girl Guides. I recall walking with other Girl Guides up St John’s Road to this church, praying the rosary as we walked. Today many persons, Catholics and persons of other faiths, continue to walk up to the church, almost like a pilgrimage.
The Catholic Commission for Social Justice (CCSJ) calls on all citizens to denounce racism, which is a vile worm that eats at the very soul of our beings and our nation. Racism is a sin and should be eliminated in all its forms e.g. individual, institutional, direct, and indirect.