St Anthony’s celebrates Christ the King in a grand way

St Anthony’s RC Church, Point Fortin hosted its commemoration of the Feast of Christ the King on November 25, which was highlighted by the celebration of First Holy Communion and the service of stalwarts of the parish.

The Mass began with a procession that not only included the First Holy Communion candidates but also children dressed as angels, soldiers and a king. They all marched triumphantly toward the altar with parish priest Fr Antony Baskar-Jayaseelan MSFS.

After months of preparation, which included a retreat at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and Mount St Benedict, 34 children received the Body and Blood of Jesus for the very first time.

In addition to the spiritual direction of Fr Baskar, the children were guided by catechists Debra Mohammed-Tuitt, Beverley Findley Hamilton, Erica Tracey Thomas, Avalon Hospedales Julien and Charisse Semper.

The day marked a wonderful milestone in the children’s lives, representing an increased knowledge of and love for God. More importantly, according to our Catholic belief, the sacrament is an outward sign of inward grace, which was witnessed by parents, godparents and the parish community.

The children, ranging from 7 to 13 years, participated in various elements of the Mass, such as the readings, Prayers of the Faithful and the Presentation of Gifts. The candidates later blessed the congregation with a special song entitled, ‘A Gift to You’.

The young people who will be attending World Youth Day 2019 Panama were introduced, and the parish also took the opportunity to recognise 16 elders, who have served the Lord through the faithful exercise of their gifts and have enriched the body of Christ through their hard work and dedication throughout the years.

The honourees were Judith Booker, Beulah Cornwall, Cyril Orphaneil Emanis, Kenneth Honore and his wife, Gwendoline James, Osborne Jones, Yvonne Mitchum, Gregory Pascall, Kathleen Pascall, Clifton Patterson, Stephanie Rennie, Evadney Thomas, Maria Straker, Crucita Sucre and Shirley Williams. It is hoped that this inaugural initiative will be held on an annual basis.

It was truly a memorable day for all those that were present! – A parishioner