My Easter Triduum experience at Penal

Seminarian Francis Xavier Savarimuthu was in the Penal Parish for the Easter Triduum and shares the experience.

I am a seminarian studying second year theology for the Diocese of Georgetown, Guyana at the Seminary of St John Vianney and the Uganda Martyrs at Mount St Benedict. I was asked to choose a place to do my Easter Triduum ministry.

I had actually chosen a place where I could just relax and enjoy this Easter Triduum after heavy stressful studies but God chose a place [Penal] for me to experience His greatness, love and mercy.

I got an impression of this community as I was travelling with Fr Robert Christo who is ministering there. I said to myself that this is a different community where I should be open to learn. I was a little anxious because I did not know Fr Christo personally and was unfamiliar with Penal, but I got a sense there was something different and God was at work.

When I arrived I observed that people were working hard, busy like bees. I gradually learnt about their dedication and total commitment and felt a vibrant movement within my heart.

I know from my past experiences that there will be a lot of conflict and confusion in communication at major events, but in this community I experienced a bond of unity. I can say that it is a family, not physically connected in one blood but spiritually connected in the blood of Jesus.

The commitment of the altar servers was astonishing; I was an altar server for more than five years and these were different.

Fr Christo preached about meal, sacrifice and real-presence on Holy Thursday. I experienced a lot physically and spiritually there. I was moved by their preparation and participation in the liturgical celebrations, their devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and the veneration of the wooden Cross.

The silence they maintained from Holy Thursday after Mass until the Easter resurrection made me realise that our Catholic faith and tradition are not just alive but very active indeed.

At the beginning of the Stations of the Cross I thought that it is just a re-enactment but later realised it was an enlightenment which invited me to connect my way of life along with Jesus on the way to Calvary.

The first shock for me was Judas’ howling/bawling on looking at Jesus’ blood-shedding face. This hit my heart because the many times I betrayed Jesus because He also called me His friend. I experienced the real pain when Jesus met His mother on His journey. The re-enactment was really powerful and painful. There was a real encounter with Jesus where I was able to understand His love and mercy for me.

The participation of different denominations of Christianity helped me to realise God’s greatness. I observed men as well as the children of other faiths crying. A pastor joined us and those who were on the mission of distributing flyers stopped for a while to meditate. I noticed a man and woman were laughing at the beginning of 7th Station but at the end of the same Station I could see their expression entirely transformed from laughter to lament.

I experienced a community with commitment, loving and sharing. Many said to me to ‘feel at home’; I can say that I was at home. A priest is called not only to preach and teach but to live the Gospel too. I witnessed and experienced it from Fr Christo, his conduct with everyone and them towards him.

I thank God with my whole heart because I now understand why God sent me there. I wish and pray for the community that their unity, commitment and faith in God will grow firm and stronger every day.

I pray that they be example to others to see and encounter the love and mercy of God in and through them. May the intercession of the Blessed Mother and St Dominic lead and guide them.