By Vernon Khelawan

Church processions are one way in which Catholics in our archdiocese demonstrate their faith. Processions – not only the set ones, Corpus Christi and Good Friday and those which mark patronal feasts of parishes – seem to be gaining traction this year in which we are promoting the Second Pastoral Priority – Revitalising Catholic Culture and Identity.

Today, hundreds will participate in the annual St Vincent de Paul Palm Sunday walk, starting from two points, SVP Secretariat on Duncan Street, Port of Spain, and the Cyril Ross Nursery on El Dorado Road, Tunapuna, converging in Mount Lambert where Mass will be celebrated at the Holy Family Church.

Two weeks ago the Tortuga parish took the procession format one step higher when they organised a motorcade – “Jesus Campaign 2” – from Gasparillo to Whiteland Junction to promote the parish’s nightly crusades in several towns in the area. In July there will be a “March for Jesus” for which planning is continuing.

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, a period during which Catholic tradition is everywhere in evidence. On this Sunday, priest and parishioner will relive the journey of Jesus to Jerusalem. The evening Mass of Holy Thursday will include the drama of Washing of the Feet when selected members of the congregation will come forward to have their feet washed by the celebrant, after the example of Jesus 2000 years ago.

Many parishes have initiated an early Good Friday morning procession, inclusive of the Stations and a re-enactment of Christ’s journey to Calvary, complete with soldiers, weeping women and Catholics playing the roles of Jesus Christ carrying his cross, His Mother Mary and others. In parishes where there are “Calvary Hills” these are prepared and used.

At the Easter Vigil, parishioners in several parishes will have the joy and privilege of seeing new members added to their number at the celebration of adult baptism.

As Catholics prepare for Good Friday and celebrate the most important season of Easter, the community will certainly experience the richness of Catholic Culture and Identity.