Dominican Vocation of Trinbago

          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 ...

    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...

           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 confide...

      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

        The Santa Rosa Government Primary School celebrated the tenth anniversary of the ordination of Fr Dwight Black OP on the evening of June 23. Fr Black, parish priest of Malabar, was ordained on June 20, 2004. The Santa Rosa Government Primary School has been blessed to have Fr Black celebrating Mass twice each term over the past four years, allowing us to boast that we have an effective Mass Committee although only one member is Catholic. Mrs Park-Wellington, head of the Mass Committee, coordinated the celebration. Michael Bolton’s “Go the Distance” was a fitting theme song as Fr Black has indeed gone the distance with the pupils of our school. Fr Dwight Black OP, Malabar parish priest, sits between Vicar for Tobago Fr Steve Duncan and Cheryl Clarke-Raphael, principal of Santa Rosa Government Primary School, at the celebration. He was escorted to the school hall by pupils carrying candles and waving gold coloured flags. Andell Bowen, a Standard 4...

          Trinidadian Ako Trevor Walker (right) became a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) on Aug 6, the feast of the Transfiguration, at St Gerard’s RC Church, St Joseph, Dominica. Also professing vows at the ceremony were two Dominicans, Calvin Auguiste CSsR (centre, final vows) and Garvey Blanc (first vows). The chief celebrant was Fr Kevin Moley CSsR, Provincial Superior of the Baltimore Province. He was assisted at the altar by Fr Mark Owen CSsR, Regional Superior and parish priest of St Theresa’s Barataria, Fr Vanty Auguiste CSsR, parish priest of St Gerard’s St Joseph and Fr Denis Sweeney CSsR, Director of students at the Theologate in Boston. Ako is a former secondary school teacher and lay minister in the Cedros community. He will begin studying for a Masters in Divinity at Boston College in September.