Archbishop’s Appeal to supporters: “You have made a difference”

The Archbishop’s Appeal is deeply appreciative of the kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity, from the donors who have willingly responded to our call to Support our Seminarians. We thank you!

Your donations have journeyed far, accompanying nine of our previous seminarians who are now ordained priests. Your donations are assisting our nine current seminarians to fulfil their mission, answering God’s call to holy priesthood.

Worldwide, there is a critical shortage of priests, and in our Archdiocese of Port of Spain, many communities remain without a dedicated parish priest. We need priests! These young men who are studying at the Seminary, require our financial support and prayers to stay the course and to flourish.

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church §1375, “It is by the conversion of the bread and wine into Christ’s body and blood that Christ becomes present in this sacrament. The Church Fathers strongly affirmed the faith of the Church in the efficacy of the Word of Christ and of the action of the Holy Spirit to bring about this conversion.”

During Holy Mass, only an ordained priest, could consecrate bread and wine to mysteriously become the Precious Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. This is the divine power of a priest, who stands at the altar, between Heaven and Earth with the elevated Eucharist.

Your generosity allows our seminary to function as the vitally important institution preparing seminarians for their greatest role, serving God and His people.

A typical day of the seminarian begins with prayer and Holy Mass, communal breakfast in the refectory, various household chores, and then off to class which commences at eight o’clock.

After the lunch break, the seminarians resume classes until early afternoon. After classes, the rabbits and chicken are fed, and the cages are cleaned, or some engage in physical exercise or relaxation.

On Fridays and Saturdays, the seminarians are afforded longer periods of recreation, and they actively play sports—football, volleyball, table tennis and participate in hiking.

Periodically, the seminarians are engaged in community outreach as well as projects in different parishes, and ministries of the Church.

Seminarian life is quite demanding, and the seminarians readily admit that it involves daily resolve, fidelity to Jesus Christ and a firm commitment to the Catholic Church. They recognise that daily, God’s grace is essential.

As men in formation for priesthood, they must have deep conviction in their hearts and be confident in spirit that this is truly their sacred vocation. Your prayers and your treasure, help our seminarians on their wondrous journey to priesthood.

In the last couple of years, the seminarians have been working towards becoming more self-sustaining, rearing chickens for eggs, rabbits for meat, and growing fruit and food.

On the land surrounding the seminary, they have planted several fruit trees – banana, papaya, mango, citrus, passion fruit, guava, tomato, and pineapple. In addition, they have planted eggplant, okra, cassava, and an herb garden.

The produce harvested feeds the seminary household, with any extra produce donated to the poor.

They have installed a modest hydroponic system with multi-row planters for lettuce, and chives, which are continually planted and harvested. Composting is an essential part of the garden project. Your donations have been seeded for growth, for nourishment of mind, body, and soul.

To assist with transport, which could be challenging from the Mount, two vehicles were purchased for use by the seminary. Having their own functional transport is more convenient, time effective, with some sense of safety. Recently, the seminary had to address a serious issue of bat infestation in the building’s roof, and therefore bat-proofing of the area was undertaken, at significant expense. Your donations have helped improve the quality of life for the seminarians.

Throughout the year, the Archbishop’s Appeal raises awareness of funding required for our seminarians. Many would recall the Appeal’s fundraising initiative ‘Support Our Seminarians S.O.S.’, which is geared to raising funds for the formation programme of our seminarians.

The cost of taking a seminarian through one year of formation is TT$75,000, an investment of immeasurable returns, with multi-generational impact.

There is an ongoing need for funding required by our seminarians, to support their call from God. The Archbishop’s Appeal continues to highlight this most worthy cause.

The importance of our priests cannot be quantified, as their role in our lives is life-giving, and inspirational; souls are saved, faith is nurtured, and the Catholic family is made whole.

We continue to rally the public’s support for our seminarians who require our charity especially during their formative years. Your donations help offset the expenses for the seminarians’ education, living expenses, transport costs, utilities, building maintenance and other operating expenses.

We remain eternally grateful for the donors who give generously of their treasure to the Seminary of St John Vianney and the Uganda Martyrs.