Bring change to society – priest at final Laventille Devotions

Delivering the homily at the Mass at the final instalment of Laventille Devotions October 13, Fr Harold Imamshah urged Catholics to become the people who bring change to society.

Fr Imamshah addressed the systemic issues in public services, highlighting how elderly citizens are sometimes treated disrespectfully in government offices. He stressed that meaningful social change cannot come merely through political transitions but must emerge from personal transformation. He said, “People are suffering because of other people.”

Drawing from addiction recovery principles, Fr Imamshah outlined three essential steps for personal and social transformation: honesty, faith, and surrender. He explained to the congregation gathered near the Marian Shrine that these steps apply not only to individual healing but also to societal renewal, saying that true change begins with personal accountability and divine intervention rather than solely through governmental action.

In his homily, Fr Imamshah also commented on the death of Jayden Lalchan, the 15-year-old Form Three student of St Stephen’s College in Princes Town who took his life after being bullied in school.

He said he had pondered over Jayden’s life since the news of his death and had even questioned the young people in his parish of St Peter’s, Carenage about why they thought Jayden took his life.

While many view suicide as a grave sin, Fr Imamshah said he is confident that God understands what Jayden went through. He felt he had lost everything including his dignity.

He urged prayer for Jayden’s soul as well as for those who bully others saying hurt people hurt other people and never realise the evil of their ways. “Both bully and victim need the mercy of Jesus,” Fr Imamshah remarked.

While the issue of bullying in schools is on the front burner now because of Jayden’s death, Fr Imamshah said there are many in society suffering victimisation, not just children and young people.

He said while many talk about change at the government level, the real change must come from people of faith.

Fr Imamshah ended with a moment of prayer for students and teachers present at the Devotions, acknowledging the urgent need for safety in educational institutions. He called for special blessings upon them, praying for their protection and strength in facing daily challenges.

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