Remembering the village Saints

By Fr Martin Sirju 

Sunday, October 20 was a most memorable day in the life of Cedros parish, and especially for the parishioners of my home church of St Patrick’s, Fullerton.

On that day I celebrated Mass in Fullerton and spoke about all Christians being missionaries by virtue of their Baptism and how that missionary status can be lived out in family life. It was great seeing a full church with some of my family members present.

The highlight of the morning was the blessing of the refurbished tombs of Fr Joseph Alexander John, his sister, Sr Marie Joseph as well as some other tombs and plots for which we have no inscriptions.

Fr John and his sister were born in Carriacou in the Grenadines. He studied for the priesthood in Quebec, Canada and then moved to the US to work. He subsequently left the US and came to my village where he resided until death.

Lying next to him is his dear sister who was a nun and who passed away in 1935 while he passed away in 1943. Their tombs are located on the southern side of the church, adjacent to the sacristy and brought back so many childhood memories. We remembered our village Saints.

In the photos we see Laura Chen, a Fullertonian, who spearheaded the project. We both discussed the refurbishment some months ago and she proceeded full speed ahead. Some of the donors were present for the occasion. Fr Alphonse Mandani, parish priest, could not join us as he was recovering from illness.

A pleasant surprise that morning was the Livett brothers (two) whose father is buried in the Fullerton cemetery and who paid a visit to their father’s grave not knowing of the special occasion. Their father donated the land for the church, school, and cemetery.

We were delighted to have them and the taller of the two brothers can be seen standing in the photo. Community leaders Joyce John, Tony Badri and Dexter Mitchell were also present as well as some children from the next door Lochmaben RC School and the principal, Ms Findley.

We were treated to a delicious meal of fried rice, pasta, pigeon peas, macaroni pie, chicken, shrimp, fish, salad, cake, Chinese prunes and pone for dessert. Not to mention assorted beverages.

With November approaching, the Month of the Dead, let us remember our dead without whom we have no history nor identity. Let us give thanks for the forerunners of our faith who helped shape us into who we are today.