Family life concerns discussed at provincial clergy meeting

By Fr Stephan Alexander, participant

Mayaro! This wonderful seaside locale in southeastern Trinidad played host to members of clergy of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) Province of Port of Spain from January 29 to February 2.

Priests, deacons, religious and laity from the dioceses of Paramaribo, Georgetown and Port of Spain joined together to rejoice and share in the presence of God and each other as we received from the goodness of the AEC Commission on the Laity and Family Life (domestic Church).

This goodness was the invitation for those present at the workshop to enter moments of reflection, prayer and togetherness centered on the theme from Isaiah 62:6 – “I place watchmen upon your towers, O Jerusalem”.

Representing the AEC Commission were Bishops Robert Llanos and John Persaud, Fr Matthew Ragbir and Tricia Syms who led presentations and guided dialogue concerning issues such as sexual integration and celibacy, gender theory and ideology, spousal relationship and the Sacrament of Marriage, pornography, sexual identity, and same-sex orientation, among others.

Great skill was shown by each presenter who demonstrated to attendees the benefit of assimilation and integration of knowledge into their lives. It never seemed that our presenters were simply delivering information they had read but that they were freely sharing with us the evidence of God’s continuous outpouring of love within their lives.

Their expert manner of presenting easily created an atmosphere of trust and openness that led many of the partakers to reflect deeply and share intimately how these issues have affected us personally and in our ministry to God’s people.

The material and the people were received without suspicion. Most participated freely and were not excessively guarded. It was a wonderful experience of clergy being welcoming of each other and encouraging to those of us who were willing to share ourselves with the group.

These moments were emotional and lifegiving. They often spilled over from the sessions into discussions over meals and in our free time. The great environment, wonderful food, excellent company, and a shared desire for personal and communal growth all contributed to an overall sense of healing and rejuvenation. Personal highlights included gathering for Mass and praying the Liturgy of the Hours in choirs, since this always reminds me of great times at seminary. The ability to lime and spend time as brother priests is always enriching.