From Lent to Divine Mercy Sunday in Rio Claro

This was a Lent like none we have had before, but we were grateful to be able to attend Masses, unlike last year, when as a nation we celebrated Holy Week and Easter virtually.

And what a Lent we had! St Therese RC, Rio Claro, participated in a three-day Lenten retreat from March 9 –11, conducted by Fr Jeffrey Supersad of the neighbouring St Peter and St Paul RC Church of Mayaro.

The reflections shared by Fr Jeffrey on the theme Be Reconciled with One Other were truly enlightening. The final night of the retreat saw parishioners burning the names of persons they wished to be reconciled with in a coal pot, symbolically freeing themselves from the sin of unforgiveness.

Fr John’s second anniversary

On the morning of Thursday, March 25, the parish celebrated the second anniversary of priestly ordination of our very own, Fr Lindsay John. Last year’s planned celebrations for his first anniversary had to be cancelled, due to lockdown.

Not so this year! After the regular morning Mass, he was presented with a special anniversary cake and a token from parishioners. Next, he was treated to a surprise breakfast. This breakfast was also attended by his brother priest, Fr Kenwyn Sylvester. Over the years, we have seen Fr John grow and mature from a shy deacon to a priest who is emboldened by the Spirit, shepherding our flock, regardless of the difficulties presented.

Rio Claro welcomes new members

The Easter Vigil saw our parish welcome six new members through the Rite of Christian Initiation. Additionally, 12 candidates received their First Holy Communion. These are the signs that our church is growing and thriving in Rio Claro. Indeed, St Therese RC rejoiced this Easter!

Celebrations in our parish

On Divine Mercy Sunday (April 11), after listening to a stirring homily about Jesus’ abundant love and mercy, we were able to share in the joy of love, marked by a longstanding couple from our parish, Yolande and Michael Rampersad. This pair celebrated 59 years of marriage on April 8 and received a special blessing from Fr John.

In addition, Virginia Pierre celebrated her 93rd birthday by attending Mass on Mercy Sunday. ‘Ms Virgie’ as she is fondly called, speaks Spanish fluently as she lived in Venezuela for decades. In spite of being visually impaired, she hopes to offer her services in our Migrant Ministry.

Lastly, the chapel in Ecclesville (a church community of Rio Claro parish), named after the Divine Mercy, hosted a beautiful feast day Mass, officiated by Fr John. Members from the entire parish of Rio Claro were welcomed to participate in this wonderful celebration.