Vicar General Fr Martin Sirju, a priest for 33 years, shared his insights on the nation’s evolving religious and social landscape. On Altos, Fr Sirju addressed the challenges facing both the Catholic Church and broader society, offering a nuanced perspective on the interplay between religious identity, education, and community engagement.
Fr Sirju identified a significant shift in religious identity over the past 48 years, describing it as “one of the big casualties” affecting all religious traditions. He explained, “Because of the thinning of religious identity, we have a value crisis.” This crisis, he suggested, extends beyond Trinidad and Tobago, reflecting a global trend that Pope John Paul II once described as a “collective dark night of the soul.”
The priest noted a fundamental change in people’s consciousness: “We have moved away from our religious traditions, providing answers for us, nourishment, opinions, and it has now shifted to the person.”
This shift, while challenging traditional religious structures, also presents an opportunity for more intentional faith engagement. Fr Sirju observed, “Now you don’t do it because everybody else does it. Now you do it because I want to be there. I want to be in another place.”
Globalisation and national identity
The interview touched on the impact of globalisation on national identity. He attributed the “thinning of identity as Trinbagonians,” partly to the influence of global forces and technology.
He said there was the need to balance global and local influences, citing a recent interview with veteran calypsonian the Mighty Chalkdust (Hollis Liverpool), who stressed the importance of education in preserving local identity, history, and culture.
The priest posed a crucial question facing not just Trinidad and Tobago, but many nations in the digital age: “How do you balance the global and the local?” This balance, he suggested, is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain as global influences permeate every aspect of society, from media consumption to economic practices.
Church’s response to social challenges
Addressing the Church’s role in tackling social issues, Fr Sirju introduced the concept of “co-responsibility,” emphasising the need for broader community involvement beyond religious leaders.
He advocated for a more proactive approach, stating, “All religions need to do as much as they can, and even more than they are doing to get into communities, get into households, and to meet people where they are at.”
The priest highlighted ongoing efforts by the Church, including community work in challenging areas like Gonzales and Sea Lots. He mentioned specific initiatives, such as a vocational school in Sea Lots and his own work with a police youth group in St Paul Street.
Fr Sirju placed significant emphasis on the critical role of education in driving societal progress and stability. Drawing on the wisdom of Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, he quoted, “If you want a stable society, if you want an economic, prosperous society, you have to start with education.”
He called for a renewed and intensified focus on education, both within families and broader communities.
He highlighted the need for a holistic approach that addresses various learning challenges and developmental needs. “The whole business of education and also having the necessary ancillary staff to help with the sort of educational problems we have, whether it’s ADHD (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), autism, literacy problems and so on,” he noted.
Addressing trauma and violence
Living in the heart of the nation’s capital at the Cathedral presbytery, Fr Sirju has a firsthand perspective on the challenges facing urban communities in Trinidad and Tobago, particularly the issue of gun violence. Despite the prevalence of such violence, Fr Sirju expressed a remarkable personal lack of fear.
“I don’t feel traumatised. I don’t feel scared either,” Fr Sirju stated, adding, “Maybe if I were to be a victim personally of some kind of violent crime, I might think differently. But I don’t feel afraid.”
Fr Sirju openly acknowledged the frequency of gunfire in his neighbourhood: “I used to hear more frequently gunshots at night. Almost every other night I will hear gunshots anywhere from eleven to about two in the morning.”
His approach to navigating his community reflects a balance of caution and engagement. He shared, “…I walk the streets. When I go walking, sometimes I choose Nelson Street, Piccadilly, Duncan. So, I think some people know me.” However, he is not reckless, “If the police says it’s unsafe to go into this area, well, I don’t play foolish and go.”
Beyond his personal experiences, Fr Sirju saw the need for a comprehensive, collaborative approach to addressing crime and trauma in society. He cited recent articles by experts such as Darius Figuera and Dr Randy Seepersad, indicating a keen awareness of current research and discourse on crime prevention and community safety.
Fr Sirju also highlighted the often-overlooked psychological impact of persistent violence on communities. He referenced articles by a UK-based local psychiatrist who wrote about the collective trauma experienced by societies grappling with high crime rates.
“We are talking about the socioeconomic, the economic impact, or rather the impact of crime on the economy. But he says we have not been talking enough about the impact of a collective trauma on the society,” Fr Sirju explained.
He noted, “If the crime gets worse, then that kind of trauma… will increase and therefore you have to attend to that as well.”
Fr Sirju sees a role for both State and non-State actors in addressing these challenges. “At the same time, the role of religious organisations was integral: “And of course, religious organisations, including the Church, will also see how we can come to the assistance of those who grieve.”
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