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Our Lady of Lourdes statue at Tunapuna Girls’

“The Rosary is Heaven’s offer of extra Grace in the fight against evil and in the journey towards God.”  This was one of the key sentiments expressed by Fr Ian Taylor, school manager of St Charles (Tunapuna) Girls’ Roman Catholic School.

The occasion was the blessing and unveiling of the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes at the recently constructed grotto on the school’s compound.  Incidentally, this event coincided with the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes which was observed on February 11.

Despite the absence of the students, this significant milestone in the school’s history was observed by key stakeholders of the school including Vicariate Manager Aurea Honore, School Supervisor II Chris Metivier, retired member of the Catholic Education Board of Management, Mennen Walker Briggs, retired principal of the school Carol Ann Patrick–Doolam, Councillor Travis Williams, representatives of the Parent Support Group and other specially invited guests.

The simple proceedings began with a welcome address by the school’s principal Michelle Lum Young who was appreciative of the support received from the parish priest, staff, parents, and well-wishers who contributed towards the venture.

The afternoon’s programme continued with a short background on the history of the image of Our Lady of Lourdes, the gospel reading of the feast day, praying of the rosary with special intentions, followed by an address by Fr Taylor.

He highlighted the significance of the message of Our Lady who always reminds us to “turn away from lawlessness and turn back to God”.

He expounded that prayer establishes that real habit of turning back to God and that the Virgin Mary aids us in that journey especially for such a time as this when as a school and as a nation we need that extra grace to bring our lives in accordance with God’s will.

With the assistance of the principal, Fr Taylor then unveiled and blessed the statue to the accompaniment of beautiful Marian hymns.

Special acknowledgements and tokens were presented to Fr Taylor for his prayerful support from the onset of the project to its completion.

Appreciation was also shown to members of the parent body, Mr Buddy and Mrs Rousseau, for their commitment and unwavering support, as well as Mr King and Mr Conrad, the contractors for their workmanship and dedication in undertaking the project.

Despite the many pictures and short video clips shared with the student body via online class sessions, the students eagerly await their return to school. They anticipate the peaceful ambience in which they can sit and be welcomed by Our Blessed Mother who stands magnificently on the school’s courtyard to listen to and intercede on behalf of her children at St Charles (Tunapuna) Girls’ RC. —A teacher