By Vernon Khelawan

Here we are on the threshold of another year and we are tempted to follow the tradition of wishing everyone we meet – relatives, friends and colleagues – a prosperous New Year. For 2013, I would like to suggest we go outside the box and think about offering wishes for a year of spiritual prosperity, making God a more important person in our lives. The avenues are there, since we are still pursuing the objectives of the second Pastoral Priority – Revitalising Catholic Culture and Identity – and to that has been added the observance of the Year of Faith, which was launched by Pope Benedict XVI two months ago. In 2012, Catholics in the Archdiocese were given myriad opportunities for prayer and spiritual growth. There was the March For Jesus; the concert series “Make a Joyful Noise”, the brainchild of Archbishop Joseph Harris; a special Mass to celebrate the country’s 50th anniversary of Independence; and, most recently, the all-night national vigil at the Queen’s Park Savannah. All these activities brought out the best in Catholic Culture and Identity as manifested by the support given them in various ways. These events showed the country that Roman Catholics are ready to identify with public prayer and worship. As we step into 2013 and continue the Year of Faith, Catholics throughout the Archdiocese should make at least this resolution: to be a better Catholic and proclaim the Good News of the Lord. This does not mean that armed with a vase of flowers, a microphone and a Bible, you stand by a street corner preaching! The Church needs for the faith to be better understood and deepened, so parishes and ministries must resolve to push for a better Catholic life in 2013. There is also need to minister to your friends and neighbours and encourage them to embrace a better spiritual life and not be afraid to do so publicly. Let us gather the forces and begin the struggle for spiritual emancipation, using prayer as the weapon of choice. I pray God rains down his choicest blessings as you resolve by your contributions to make our country better over the next 12 months.