Defining synodality and a synodal Church
August 2, 2023
Thursday, August 3rd: A Sobering Gospel
August 3, 2023
By Kaelanne Jordan
In the serene and picturesque coastal village of Las Cuevas lies the heart of a vibrant Catholic community, and at its core, stands a remarkable woman named Nichell Richardson-Austin.
A devoted Lay minister at St Michael’s RC Church for the past nine years and the Principal of La Fillette RC Primary, she has spent a lifetime dedicated to education, faith, and service. Her journey from a young student to an influential leader is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her community.
Early beginnings and passion for Education
Born and raised in Blackford Street, Cantaro Village, Santa Cruz, Richardson-Austin spent her formative years embracing the warmth and love of her close-knit community.
At the age of 11, she moved to Las Cuevas where she began her academic journey, attending Mt Hope Junior Secondary, St James Secondary, and Corpus Christi College.
Her passion for teaching emerged early in her life, and immediately after finishing secondary school, she embarked on her career as an Assistant Teacher at a primary school. In 1988, Richardson-Austin, then 19, began her teaching journey at La Fillette RC, a pivotal moment that would set the course for her lifelong dedication to this community.
Recognising the importance of education and seeking personal growth, she furthered her qualifications at Teacher’s College from 1990 to 1992. Following her tenure at San Juan Girls’ RC, she returned to La Fillette RC in 1995, where she would leave an indelible mark on the lives of countless pupils.
“For me, the children, the people, there is a bit of a difference, I must say that…. we are the only Catholic school among the others…. It’s home. I started there, I feel comfortable with the parents, I feel comfortable with the community and being able to work in that community. I am happy there,” said Richardson-Austin.
In her early years as a teacher, her focus was solely on imparting knowledge and nurturing her pupils. However, her passion and dedication eventually led her to the role of Senior Teacher in 2007. The year 2009 marked a significant milestone as she was entrusted with the position of Principal at La Fillette RC. With humility and a deep sense of purpose, she embraced the responsibilities of shaping young minds and guiding the educational institution forward.
Challenges and Triumphs
The life of a principal brought forth new challenges and responsibilities. She spoke candidly about the shift from the classroom to the principal’s office.
As the leader of the school, she was now tasked with formulating structures, developing educational policies, and ensuring the school’s smooth functioning.
Despite the weight of these responsibilities, her genuine love for the children and her commitment to their holistic growth propelled her to overcome any obstacles that came her way.
Life in Las Cuevas is not without its share of challenges. Richardson-Austin recounted the difficulties faced during a particularly adverse weather condition, when La Fillette RC was among the schools unable to open for the new term due to eroded roadways and transportation issues.
The lack of connectivity on the north coast added to the struggles, making online education difficult during the pandemic lockdown period. However, she and her dedicated staff worked tirelessly to ensure that the students did not miss out on their education, preparing packages and tests to facilitate learning.
La Fillette RC serves as a beacon of hope for the students in the rural community. Richardson-Austin emphasised that being in a rural area should not hinder a child’s academic success.
With dedicated parents and teachers, the school has consistently maintained a commendable academic performance, with most students operating above the 50 per cent benchmark. She shared a touching success story of a student who overcame numerous obstacles, including parental issues during the lockdown, and still excelled, earning a place at St Francois Girls’ College.
Fond memories
Richardson-Austin’s role as a Lay minister further strengthens the bond between the school and the Church. At La Fillette RC, religious programmes, prayers, and traditions are woven into the daily routine, ensuring the holistic development of the students.
The vibrant Catholic community of Las Cuevas embraces everyone with love and warmth, creating a close-knit bond that transcends denominations and welcomes all. The St Michael’s RC chapel sees an average of about 40 persons at Mass. Richardson-Austin told The Catholic News the parish, though small in size, “does meet the needs of parishioners”.
She recalled the church in the 80s: a tapia building with yellowish-orangish mud. “A very small structure that could have housed 50 persons at the most, well seated together. It was beautiful because it was one of our antiques. It had wooden flooring, wooden altar. I remember at one point the floorboards getting soft, so you had to be very careful where you walked.”
She shared fond memories of the various parish priests over the years, some of whom she has had “lovely interactions with”.
“When I came here in the 80s, the priest here was Fr [Reginald] Ging and even though I was a child I can remember him very well because when I came to Mass, he would say, ‘Good afternoon Ms Rincon’. I lived not too far from Rincon Corner. He was very pleasant, very eager to listen.”
Richardson-Austin remembered Fr Dwight Merrick as very straightforward and religious. “He was about making sure you did what was needed to be done, to be that all round Christian youth. And then of course Fr Leslie Tang Kai, jovial, vibrant, energic, I call him my fatherly brother because he was someone I can sit and chat with. Fr Tang Kai was very much involved. He’s more a dynamic priest.”
And of current priest Fr Kenneth Assing, “A beautiful soul. We have someone who listens to everyone. All inclusive, it does not matter who you are, where you are at, he will treat you with love and respect.”
Nichell Richardson-Austin’s journey from a young student to a Lay minister and Principal is an inspiring testament to the power of faith and dedication to community.
