A true servant of the people

By Archbishop Emeritus Robert Rivas OP of Castries

Archbishop Anthony Pantin CSSp, was a man of prayer and virtue. He lived an exemplary life as a Bishop with a big heart and joyful disposition. He had a way of putting others first and was a down-to-earth and humble Shepherd. Through his charity and compassion for others, he lived out his Episcopal Motto: Omnia Omnibus; All things to all people.

I admired Archbishop Pantin because I considered him a holy man. I was ordained to the priesthood by him and worked in the Archdiocese of Port of Spain for 18 years while he was Archbishop.

Prior to working in the Archdiocese, I had heard of the new face of the Church in Trinidad and Tobago under his leadership. He was proactive about justice issues and defending the rights of workers and the voiceless.

During my time in the Archdiocese, working in different ministries, I noticed his zeal for souls, his desire to live a simple life and his willingness to confront difficult situations with wisdom and integrity.

His holiness shone in his kindness and care for others. To his flock he was a true father, brother and friend. He endeared himself to his people and was very approachable and loved.

He was one of the Co-consecrators at my ordination as Bishop. It was during this period of my life that I got to know him much better and learnt to appreciate him even more.

He had a great sense of humour and it was easy to be with him. If one could tell jokes in Heaven, he would definitely make God laugh unceasingly!

He was one of the senior bishops in our Bishop’s Conference when I became a bishop and I looked up to him for guidance and inspiration. He had a good listening ear and was always very encouraging.

One of his favourite expressions was, “It is all God’s work” and those who knew him well came to identify him with those words of Scripture which expressed his servant attitude in all that he did. He did not draw attention to himself but allowed Christ to shine through him.

Archbishop Pantin was a man of mercy and compassion with a great love for the poor.  Vagrants, people in crisis and in need sought his company and he made time for them.  They became his friends, and he became their father.

During a time of turmoil and social change in the country, he left his comfortable and safe dwelling to go and live in one of the places of unrest. In this way, he became a sign of reconciliation, a mediator and a peace-builder.

The entire nation listened to him and respected him. In all that he was and achieved, he never lost the common touch. He was a holy man taken from among the people and called to serve his people. He became a true servant of the people.

In him, faith and justice met and this enriched his leadership and opened his eyes and ears to the needs of others, especially the most vulnerable, excluded and voiceless.  What a great witness and example he was to me as a young priest in the way he loved and cared for the poor, those who were hurting and the voiceless.

His availability and willingness to empty himself in the service of others also made an impact on me as a young priest, and his credibility and integrity made others trust him.

His love and devotion for Our Blessed Mother, Mary, influenced his spirituality and preaching. I am sure she was near him when he breathed his last breath assuring him that all would be well.

Archbishop Pantin lived his faith in an exemplary way and continues to influence and inspire many after his death 25 years ago. The Church and people of Trinidad and Tobago will always remember him and all that he stood for among his people.

As the first local priest to be appointed Archbishop of Port of Spain, he has clearly left his mark on our local Church. He gave his life for the Church he loved and led, and his virtue continues to shine.

Our local Church needs models of holiness, faithfulness and Spirit-filled men and women from among us to encourage us to live our faith with joy, commitment and as true Pilgrims of Hope.

Anthony Pantin, a holy and virtuous Archbishop, has already proven himself to be a great example for all who want to live the Gospel more radically by following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

If I were to say that I believe that Archbishop Anthony Pantin is a Saint, does it mean that I am canonising him prematurely? I recall how the crowd, gathered in St Peter’s Square when Pope St John Paul II died, acclaimed him a saint by exclaiming: “Santo subito!” “He is already a Saint!” “Don’t delay in canonising him!”

For the past two and a half years since my retirement and return to Trinidad, I have joined different communities praying for the beatification of Archbishop Anthony Pantin. I say with the people of Trinidad and Tobago: “Santo subito!” He qualifies to be a Saint!

Prayer for the Beatification of Servant of God Archbishop Anthony Pantin

O God who by the grace of your Holy Spirit

Tempered the soul of your servant Gordon

Anthony Pantin with fortitude and humility

and raised him to be priest and Archbishop

of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain so that he

may be bearer of your life-giving word to

the people of Trinidad and Tobago, and the

Caribbean region, grant to your church the

Grace of his beatification for your greater glory

and for the special benefit and growth of your people.

Amen.

Prayer for the Intercession of Servant of God Archbishop Anthony Pantin

O God who by the grace of your Holy Spirit

tempered the soul of your servant Gordon

Anthony Pantin with fortitude and humility

and raised him to be priest and Archbishop

of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain so that he

may be the bearer of your life-giving Word to

the people of Trinidad and Tobago, and the

Caribbean region, grant us grace to be strong

in faith, humbly confident in your aid and

tireless in doing good. I humbly pray, through

the intercession of this beloved servant of yours,

Gordon Anthony Pantin, the special grace which

I seek (make your request) from your sovereign

goodness in the name of Jesus Christ Our Lord.

Amen.