More than 300 confirmed in village communities

GUYANA

Parishioners gathered for the blessing and inauguration of the newly constructed St Joseph’s presbytery in Kurukabaru, North Pakaraimas mountains, Sunday, February 5.

Holy Mass was presided over by Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB of Georgetown in St Joseph’s Church with Frs Peter McIsaac SJ, the Regional Superior for the Guyana and Jamaica Jesuits; Ronald Fernandes SJ, the Vicar General; and Elias Surin SJ, the Parish Priest, concelebrating.

The church was packed to capacity, said a Catholic Standard report. It stated that just after the Holy Eucharist, Bishop Alleyne blessed the new presbytery, and Fr McIsaac inaugurated it by pulling the ribbon.

Fr Surin expressed his gratitude to all the benefactors, well-wishers and parishioners for their generous contributions which resulted in the successful completion of “the beautiful building for the greater mission,” the article said.

Fr Surin mentioned Frs McIsaac and Fernandes who provided the necessary funds to complete the building. He also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to many others, including the contractor for his building expertise.

At the beginning of February, the Sacrament of Confirmation was conferred on 338 young and energetic faithful in eight different village communities of the North Pakaraimas by Bishop Alleyne. Fr Surin made the necessary arrangements and accompanied the Bishop to all eight communities. There are 13 village churches in the North Pakaraimas, which are divided into three clusters.

According to a report by Fr Surin, the journey in the Pakaraima Mountains by ATV (all-terrain vehicle) from one village to the next for 12 days was full of excitement and adventure.

The celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation commenced Saturday, February 4 and ended Sunday 12 in the village churches of: St Anthony of Padua, Kato (24); St Joseph’s, Kurukabaru (144); St Michael’s, Maikwak (13); St Teresa, Kopinang (25); St Francis Xavier, Waipa (27); St Paul’s, Kamana (27); Holy Cross, Kanapang (34); and Sacred Heart, Itabac (44).

On the eve of each Confirmation, Bishop Alleyne met with all the Confirmation candidates for an hour or two in their respective villages. Their parents and godparents were also present for these sessions.