One event, which can be regarded as the epitome of true ecumenism, takes place every Easter at the Roman Catholic Church in Siparia, where Catholics and Hindus, as well as people of other religious persuasions, gather in the Roman Catholic Church to pay homage to La Divina Pastora – The Divine Shepherdess – patroness of the church.

This exercise has been going on for decades and should form the basis for new evangelisation efforts in keeping with the mandate of the Synod and since it also involves participation by many families, it ties in beautifully with this year’s theme Catholic Families Become What You Are.

When Pope John Paul II spoke about inculturation some 20 years ago, he was fully aware the Church was operating in many different cultural environments and as such many adaptations would have had to be made if evangelisation in our Church was to have the desired impact.

The same holds good for all the activities which have now become connected with Triduum celebrations. Re-enactment of Christ’s journey to Calvary is now simulated in dozens of parishes all over the archdiocese on Good Friday, growing from the original re-enactment pioneered by Fr Stephen Geoffroy when he was parish priest of St John the Baptist Church on St John Road, St Augustine some two decades ago.

The fact that so many young people are now deeply involved is this particular activity speaks volumes for the process of evangelisation and is another compelling reason why every effort should be made to capitalise on the opportunities provided by these activities.