Why do I consider Archbishop Anthony Pantin to be a saint

By Msgr Christian Pereira

In the Scriptures, we are introduced to one of the major Evangelists (Apostles) of the present era, St Paul. This evangelist (Apostle) teaches us much by his writings, his sermons and by his attitude.

Paul was for many years known as Saul, a persecutor of the followers of The Way. Once transformed, he wrote many letters to the various communities of believers, whom he was once ardently committed to destroying.

These communities had many internal challenges, problems, and very immoral ways. It is instructive that he did not seek to write off the communities nor the individuals, but fearlessly commented on the negative realities, calling the believers to a nobler way of living as followers of Jesus.

He saw Jesus not only as the One sent by God to transform lives, but also as the One we are all called to become. His great teachings on the Body of Christ (and you are that Body) enables him to stand out in Christian thought and practice.

I ramble through these thoughts to identify the gift of referring to all the recipients of his letters as saints. Paul saw the reality of each person (regardless of their morals or attitudes), as persons not only created in the image and likeness of God, but as creatures who are called very good (Gen 1:31) by the creator. He called these persons, recipients of his letters, saints (ref Eph 1:4, before the world was made, he chose us in Christ to be holy and spotless…)

The ability to recognise the goodness in others, and to recognise all God’s People as saints is possible because of the sanctity in which we are engulfed. Our holiness is very dependent on our capacity to recognise and celebrate the holiness in others.

Like the Apostle/Evangelist Paul, Archbishop Anthony Pantin in his teachings, writings and attitude communicated that others are holy and good (Gen 1:31).

Archbishop Pantin has given clear testimony to his persevering love for his priests and for all God’s people within and beyond the Church. This is a testimony to his communion with his Lord and Saviour rooted in his personal and communal prayer (Divine Office, Mass, Bible readings regular devotions of Stations of the Cross, Rosary etc).

I recognise the sanctity of Archbishop Anthony Pantin because of his deep capacity of recognising the goodness of others. This recognition was not conditioned by what he knew about the person but by his own relationship with the source of all holiness.

Persons are holy not because they are better than others, but because others experience their own goodness in the presence of a holy person. Whether you are a street dweller or the dweller among the proverbial one per cent, (and every group between these extremes), Archbishop Pantin related and acknowledged you with the same respect and reverence. When you left his presence, you had no time to think about how great he was, but you left with a deeper appreciation of your own worth, and your value as someone created in the image and likeness of God.

I am convinced that because of his profound relationship with, and dependence on his Lord and Saviour, he was able to see goodness and holiness around him.

Like the apostle Paul, he had no illusions about the human reality. He knew sin; he knew corruption; he knew injustice. When necessary and appropriate, he spoke to these realities but always with empathy and compassion for the victims (and the perpetrators).

I humbly submit that Archbishop Gordon Anthony Pantin is without doubt one of the cloud of witnesses (Heb 12:1) who continue to enrich the lives of all people as we continue this pilgrimage to the Glory of God.

Anthony Pantin, pray for us!