Catholics answer “What has been the best part of 2020 for you?”

Antonio Timothy, St Charles Borromeo, Tunapuna: This year 2020 has been an interesting year for me. Despite the many challenges like mental fatigue due to online classes, and the uncertainty of contracting and distributing COVID-19 to my family, the year still has been a spirited-filled year. During the pandemic, I have grown more zealous for Christ.

Koreen Simon, St Anthony’s, Point Fortin: I have to thank Fr Cornelius Phillip who responded to our parish’s yearning for spiritual food. Participating in the Biblical Studies and Faith Formation class which was born in August 2020 was one of the best journeys for me in 2020. It definitely was an avenue for me to learn, grow in knowledge and delve deeper into my faith.

Annisha Solomon, Santa Rosa, Arima: 2020 started with a bang! Family time, followed by a birthday Mass and Stations of the Cross was all I could hope for. And to my delight, God delivered.

Rebecca Munro, Holy Trinity, Arouca: 2020 has allowed me to adapt quickly and develop my knowledge in technology. It taught me how valuable it is to take care of my health and body.

It allowed me an opportunity to attain new skills such as beginning my own small business in cake-making.

One quote that really got me through 2020 is taken from the Philippians 4:6–7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

David Hilare, St Philip & St James, Chaguanas: 2020 was an amazing year for me because throughout the year, before school started, I learned new things and also got the chance to pick up new hobbies, for example, cooking and drone flying. I also got a new puppy called Neptune. My family and I also got the chance to be part of the drive to help the less fortunate.

Blessin Mitchell, Our Lady of Mt Carmel, Carapichaima: I think the best thing about 2020 was the time it gave us: the time to deepen relationships with God, family, loved ones and even ourselves. I believe 2020 was a year of personal growth and development because it gave us a lot of time to really reflect on how we live our lives and change for the better.

Janin Vanamson, Our Lady of Mt Carmel, Carapichaima: The best thing about 2020 is firstly God gracing us with life when so many persons lost their life due to COVID-19. In addition, this pandemic has provided us with the time to self-reflect and build a deeper relationship with Christ. This year has taught me new ways to show love and caring to others. Overall, it was a year filled with educational experiences and spiritual development.

Stacy Charles, St John the Baptist, San Juan: The best thing about 2020 for me was my initiation into the Catholic Church. My journey began in 2018 when I made the decision to strengthen my faith and joined the RCIA programme. With the assistance of fellow parishioner Charles Oliverie and my sponsor, Gillian Benjamin, I was confirmed in the church. It was truly a joyous experience for me.