New priest told be rooted in the Eucharist

BARBADOS

A priest forever, a priest like Melchizedek.

This is how parish priest of Our Lady Queen of the Universe Msgr Vincent Blackett described Fr Kirt David Prospère on the occasion of his ordination to the Presbyterate, Saturday, June 1 at the St Patrick’s RC Church, Jemmott’s Lane, St Michael.

Fr Prospère, 43, served in ministry at Our Lady from the time he was a youth.

In his tribute, Msgr Blackett called Fr Prospère’s new chapter “very exciting” and most challenging. As his “older brother” on this pilgrimage, he encouraged ‘Fr Kirt’ to let his priesthood be rooted in the Eucharist.

Also giving brief remarks was main celebrant Apostolic Administrator, Diocese of Bridgetown, Archbishop Jason Gordon. The Archbishop said he had the privilege of journeying with then Deacon Kirt since 2011 when he was ordained Bishop of Bridgetown.

Deacon Kirt’s journey to the priesthood has been a testimony of his faith, determination, strength and love for the Lord, he said. The Archbishop then thanked God for the gift of Deacon Kirt and asked for all gathered to pray for seminarians Omaris Valmond and Kabuga Gikandi as they continue to prepare themselves for a life of service to God and His people, in the near future.

Kirt Prospère was born in St Michael, Barbados, November 19, 1975 to parents Heather Prospère and David Cumberbatch. He was raised by his grandmother Mary Prospère, a devout Catholic who encouraged him to pursue his calling whether married life or the priesthood. Weighing his future path, after a World Youth Day Pilgrimage in 2011, Kirt entered formation to the priesthood.

After two years of discernment, he resigned from his job and began his journey to the priesthood. He entered St Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, St Meinrad, Indiana, in August 2013, completing a Master of Arts (Catholic Philosophical Studies) in 2015.

He was ordained a transitional deacon for the Diocese of Bridgetown December 12, 2017. During his transitional diaconate, while continuing his studies, Kirt was stationed at Sts Mary and John RC Church in Evansville, Indiana, under the supervision of Fr Benny Chacko.

Kirt completed his studies last May and graduated with a Master of Divinity (MDiv).