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Showing posts from October, 2014

Matthew Ragbir: A Rare Privilege

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          Serving in Rome Trinidadian Matthew Ragbir of Living Water Community, who is studying in Rome and preparing for the priesthood, was among those chosen to serve at the opening Mass of the Extraordinary Synod on the Family, celebrated at St Peter’s Basilica. In photo, Ragbir greets Pope Francis before the Mass Trinidadian Matthew Ragbir had the privilege of carrying the processional crucifix and serving alongside seminarians from Eastern and Western Churches at last Sunday’s opening Mass of the Extraordinary Synod on the Family in Rome. And, he had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis. “Meeting the Holy Father, or baciamano as it is commonly called here in Rome, was an amazing personal experience. It was like meeting a father who in those few moments devotes all his attention to you, looks you in the eyes, and smiles. It was an experience of deep joy.” Ragbir, 31, is a Brother of the Living Water Community and is studying in Rome. He recently received the ministr

Patron Saint of Novies and Formators: Louis Bertrand

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    Saint Louis Bertrand, O.P. was a Spanish Dominican who preached in South America during th… Saint Louis Bertrand, O.P. was a Spanish Dominican who preached in South America during the 16th century, and is known as the "apostle of the Americas". He is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church Born: 01 Jan 1526 · Valencia, Spain Died: 09 Oct 1581 Timeline 1539: At an early age he conceived the idea of becoming a Dominican Friar, and despite the efforts of his father to dissuade him, was clothed with the Dominican habit in the Convent of St. Dominic, Valencia on 26 A… 1547: In 1547 he was ordained to the priesthood by the Archbishop of Valencia, Saint Thomas of Villanova. 1557: When the plague broke out in Valencia in 1557 he devoted himself to the sick and dying; the dead he prepared for burial and interred with his own hands. 1562: Receiving permission he sailed for America in 1562, and landed at Cartagena, where he immediat

Happy Feast Day to Our Franiscan Brothers

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Sharing the joy of Collin’s first vows

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           By Alphie Skerrette, Couples for Christ (CFC) Holy Trinity Parish, Arouca came alive on Saturday September 6, when Collin Victor Jackson made his first vows as a member of the Holy Ghost Fathers (Spiritans). One could sense it was a special and sacred occasion, as the joy shared was palpable and communal. Collin (second from left) at the altar for the signing of his commitment documents. Collin receives a congratulatory gift from CFC national director, Dr Neil Peters. Collin, originally from Sangre Grande, was a member of the Singles for Christ (SFC) ministry of the CFC family of ministries. He has been resident in Arouca for the past few years as he studies for the priesthood as a member of the Holy Ghost Fathers. I could clearly see the pride and sense of accomplishment in the faces of those gathered for the ceremony, while simultaneously I felt the welling up of emotions when I saw Collin stand and in his usual confident voice, commit himself to a life of p

Former Prioress at Rosary monastery dies

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      Sr Mary Gabriel Quesnel OP at her diamond jubilee celebration. Photo: Desmond Durham Former Prioress of the Rosary Monastery, St Ann’s, Sr Mary Gabriel Quesnel OP has died. She was 84 years old. Her sudden passing after 4 a.m. last Wednesday was a shock for the nuns of the monastery since she had not been ailing. Current Prioress, Sr Ann Bradshaw OP said Sr Mary entered the monastery at the age of 17 years. “Her contribution was immense. She was prioress for a number of years. She was one person who gave her all to the community. She loved her sisters,” said Sr Ann. In October 2008, Sr Mary celebrated her diamond jubilee as a religious. Her funeral Mass will be held at the monastery's chapel on Monday from 10 a.m