Archbishop Clarke laid to rest – remembered for his humility, deep faith

JAMAICA

A solemn Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, March 3 at The Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Kingston to honour the life and service of Archbishop Emeritus Edgerton Roland Clarke, described as a towering figure in the Jamaican and Caribbean Catholic Church.

Archbishop Clarke, who passed away February 13, just one day before his 96th birthday, was remembered for his profound humility, deep faith, and tireless service to the Church. He was the first Jamaican diocesan priest to be appointed bishop of a diocese in the English-speaking Caribbean and served the Church for over 65 years, 57 of which he spent as a bishop.

The Mass was officiated by Archbishop Kenneth Richards of Kingston with other prelates concelebrating: Archbishop Emeritus Donald Reece of Kingston, Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire of Castries, Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon of Port of Spain, Archbishop Patrick Pinder of Nassau, Bishop John Persaud of Mandeville and Bishop Neil Scantlebury of Bridgetown. Archbishop Emeritus Charles Dufour of Kingston and Bishop Emeritus Luigi Secco of Willemstad were also present, along with government officials.

In his tribute as President of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC), Archbishop Gordon recalled Archbishop Clarke’s humility and courage, stating, “A man of depth, a man of humility, a man of the poor, and a man who was courageous to do what was necessary.” He highlighted Archbishop Clarke’s leadership during his presidency of the AEC, noting his pivotal contributions during the 41st and 42nd annual plenary meetings (APM), as well as his dedication to addressing key issues such as human life, the role of the family, and social justice. Gordon quoted from a speech Archbishop Clarke gave in 1998, which, he believed, “remain vital for us today”:

‘My brothers, as we begin the task before us on the 42nd APM, let us pledge ourselves to be faithful to the authentic teaching of the Church… We are being called upon to rediscover the different vocations and ministries and their commitment to their interaction. The defense of human life from conception to its natural end, and the primary role of the families in society, the commandment to make society compatible with Christ’s teaching, the value of human work, are among the major responsibilities we are to address as we cooperate with the renewal of the Church.’

Archbishop Gordon highlighted a significant part of Archbishop Clarke’s legacy was his pastoral work and his emphasis on strengthening the faith of the community. As president of the AEC, he helped organise notable events such as the Jubilee Year celebrations leading to the year 2000, the Eucharistic Congress in Trinidad and Tobago, and the Catholic Assembly held in Kingston. His leadership extended far beyond the local level, as he helped guide the Church throughout the Caribbean, fostering unity and collaboration among bishops and clergy.

“He was a bishop of grace and simplicity,” said AEC General Secretary, Fr Donald Chambers, who delivered a poignant remembrance. “His lifestyle was so simple that for each move, he only had to pack his grips—one for his clothes and one for his books. He owned nothing else.”

As a priest, Archbishop Clarke was also known for his “foot ministry,” often visiting his parishioners’ homes and offering counsel and support. His humility was exemplified by the simple yet profound acts of kindness.

Fr Chambers, joined by Archbishop Clarke’s niece, Rachael Mair-Boxhill, spoke of his devotion to both his pastoral duties and his community-building efforts. They highlighted his legacy included the establishment of Jamaica’s minor seminary and the development of various community initiatives such as a self-help centre and a skills training centre.

Fr Gerard Reid, who preached the homily, reflected on Archbishop Clarke’s deep sense of family, which was central to his vocation. “If we had to choose one word to describe the witness of Edgerton Clarke, it would not surprise you that I would say that word: family.”

Fr Reid recounted how Archbishop Clarke’s childhood experience of a happy, supportive family shaped his decision to become a priest and how, throughout his life, he sought to foster a global understanding of the importance of family in all aspects of life.

Fr Reid recalled that Archbishop Clarke faced doubt and criticism for “not getting on” with other projects or priorities, instead, insisting on the fundamental importance of family in and to everything.

“While the doubts and criticisms caused pause and hurt, he was always unmoved. In the end, he could see what many others around him could not see: that the fundamental human need for family he had first sensed as a child in Highgate [Jamaica] and realised as a youth, was a global tragedy.  That this was not being satisfactorily addressed by enough of us human beings. The crisis seemed endless,” Fr Reid said.

Fr Reid illustrated that Archbishop Clarke was “reading the signs of the times” accurately and seeing everywhere the ongoing absence of the family foundation that life demands.

“He was constantly on the lookout for any indication of sensitivity to this fundamental need and a willingness to respond to it on the part of anyone he encountered. That being on constant alert made him know he had to be all things to all people,” Fr Reid said.

Archbishop Clarke was later buried in the nearby Bishops’ Memorial Garden next to the Cathedral.