University students celebrate first Mass of semester with Archbishop

By Renee Smith

Catholic students and staff at The University of the West Indies (UWI) gathered at the Management Lecture Theatre (MLT) for a celebration of Holy Mass on Thursday, September 19 to open the new academic semester.

It has been a tradition over the years for The Catholic Students’ Movement (CSM) at UWI to organise campus Masses which unite students in prayer and help them reflect on their shared values as a Catholic community.

Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon was the main celebrant with Frs Mikhail Woodruffe O Carm and Jonathan Steele O Carm concelebrating.

Archbishop Gordon delivered a thought-provoking homily, calling on students to research, teach and understand the truth of their faith. “The onus is on you to really understand what the Church is teaching. Google, research, read and understand what the Church is actually teaching, then find a way to understand that in its most life-giving way. You [all] have to be the ones to do the work to find the truth of the message of Jesus,” he told those gathered.

The highlight of the Mass was the commissioning of the new CSM executive. Ten students were commissioned by the Archbishop to lead the Catholic student body. He reminded them that their ‘yes’ to leadership meant God wants something from them.

“Leadership in the community is recognising that Christ died for our sins and you are nothing more than a worthless sinner that Christ has redeemed but you are willing to go beyond the measure to give back to Christ whatever He needs for the sake of His Body, the Church.”

He asked the group to be conscious of their new leadership and lead with “love, service, integrity and generosity.” A special blessing was prayed over them at the end of Mass.

CSM continues to have Masses on Tuesdays at 12.10 p.m. at Mt Hope and Thursdays at 12.10 p.m. at MLT. Planning of future events for students is underway, including volunteer initiatives and spiritual activities aimed at deepening their faith and building a stronger Catholic community on campus.

New CSM Executive

Caitlyn Lacaille – President

Hosea Thomas – Vice President

Shinese Persad – Secretary

Natalia Valentine – Assistant Secretary

Malcolm Beddoe – Treasurer

Alexandria Ramjit – Assistant Treasurer

Desiree Sammy – Public Relations Officer

Mario Remy – Social Media Manager

Claudia Khan – Event Coordinator

Kadie Chong – Medical Science Representative