Nelson Street Girls’ and Boys’ RC, with the support of manager Msgr Christian Pereira, came together July 4 for an end of term thanksgiving Mass and early Emancipation Day celebration at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Port of Spain.

In his homily, Msgr Pereira said that he was reminded of two exciting stories in the Bible, the story of Abraham and his son Israel and Sarah’s son Isaac, as well as Jesus’ encounter with a demon-possessed man. Jesus remained calm in what we would deem a stressful and frightening situation.

Msgr Pereira highlighted the fact that we should be calm like Jesus when we encounter challenging situations. He allowed the boys and girls to affirm “Jesus is the one who has power over the devil” and reminded all present that when they are having fun over the vacation and something goes wrong to call on the name of Jesus. He wished them a wonderful vacation so that they can return to school focused.

Pupils perform a dance

The choir was led by Nelson Street Girls’ RC teacher Bernadette Ramharack and music by Peter Telfer of Mawasi Experience. Pupils of both schools played music for the occasion. The boys and girls joined hands for the ‘Our Father’ and greeted one another for the Sign of Peace.

Lisa Hinds-Lynch, acting principal of Nelson Street Girls’ RC, reminded the pupils to pray morning and evening during the vacation. The girls and boys promised with a resounding ‘yes’. Frances Gervais-Heath, acting principal of Nelson Street Boys’ RC, presented Msgr Pereira with a token of appreciation for the support that he has given to both schools during the school year.

The proceedings closed with vibrant cultural performances by both schools. Samples of accra, coocoo and callaloo were served to all present. – Jewel Hills