New book highlights Church’s work in building Belmopan

BELIZE

Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral in Belmopan launched a comprehensive book of its 50-year history in Belmopan, and the growth of Belmopan as the newest Capital in the Americas following the devastation left behind in the former British colony by powerful Hurricane Hattie in October 1961.

The co-authors, Norris and Sandra Hall describe the building of this new city as “Perhaps one of the most momentous decisions ever made through the long history of Belize.”

The book, titled Living Faith in The Heartland- 50 Years from Mission to Co-Cathedral looks at the dynamic work of the Church, in partnership with the State and the pioneering and unique community of Belmopan as the Church’s mission in the heartland of Belize evolved, over the 50 years, to become Co-Cathedral of the Diocese of Belize.

According to a report by the co-authors in The Christian Herald, the book also addresses the Church’s compassionate support for refugees fleeing the civil wars in Central America during the 70s and the work of the Belmopan Mission, working along with the Government of Belize and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in resettling and assimilating the thousands of the Central American immigrants into the Belizean society.

The book was written, at the request of the Belmopan Parish Council, by a couple who have had vast experiences in journalism and in government. Norris Hall has had a long professional career as a journalist and served as Chief Information Officer in the Government. His wife, Sandra, served for many years as a Permanent Secretary and then as Chief Executive Officer in several government ministries.

The Rector of the Belmopan Co-Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Fr Jordan Gongora commented, “This book goes beyond my wildest expectation…. It is like a well woven quilt.” He added, “The book is a story of good Christian faith that forms the credo of the Roman Catholic Church.”

The book was released the morning of September 12 at the Co-Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Belmopan after Holy Mass that was officiated by Bishop Lawrence Nicasio.