By Vernon Khelawan

It is no secret that Roman Catholics in Trinidad and Tobago are saddened by the early departure from our shores of Archbishop Edward Gilbert, and more so because illness denied him the opportunity to install his successor, Archbishop Joseph Everard Harris, on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.

Archbishop Gilbert, in his 10 years as shepherd of his Trinbagonian flock, has initiated several changes which have impacted significantly on Church structure, formation and liturgy and which in many instances have had positive and meaningful effects on the Archdiocese.

And as the Archdiocese goes into top gear in pursuance of meeting the goals of the second Pastoral Priority – Revitalising Catholic Culture and Identity – it must be remembered that Archbishop Gilbert played a significant role in presiding over the Synod process which led to the creation of the three Pastoral priorities, the first of which ended recently with positive results.

Under his pastoral care, the Church in Trinidad and Tobago has made great strides and while the accomplishments were not without their full share of challenges, Archbishop Gilbert is credited with the groundbreaking work he has done in getting this initiative put on the front burner.

Many of the parishes formally presented their pastoral plans at last Thursday’s Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, in similar fashion as was done for the first priority in 2010. There is hope that parishioners would commit to the serious task of the realisation of their well-laid plans, which by extension would redound to the benefit of our country.

It would be interesting to explore some of the novel and creative ideas which the various parishes plan to adopt and execute as they push forward to ensure a satisfying and fulfilling campaign. If we were to revisit some of the plans implemented during the run of the first priority – The New Evangelisation – the conclusion could be drawn that the interest and passion for Priority #2 would not be any less, as more and more people engage in ensuring the success of this second pastoral priority.

This column wishes Archbishop Gilbert a speedy recovery following his surgery and God’s richest blessings as he embraces his retirement in the satisfaction that he has been a Good Shepherd.