Chancery staff embark on spirit-filled Jubilee Pilgrimage

By Nisha Elizabeth Lee-Archibald

The Chancery’s Jubilee pilgrimage and Lenten retreat took place on Friday, March 28, beginning as early as 8 a.m., when the entire staff gathered at the Office of the Chancery.

Dressed in their vibrant Jubilee-branded polos, the team created a joyful sea of colour. While some were admittedly not morning people, it wasn’t long before the Holy Spirit moved among them, lifting spirits and preparing hearts for the journey ahead.

This was not intended to be an ordinary retreat. It was designed as a true pilgrimage experience, with the staff open to all the graces the Jubilee Year of Hope had to offer and determined to spread the spirit of hope and joy to others along the way.

Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon opened the day in prayer, offering a blessing upon the pilgrims and sending them forth with intention. The staff then divided into two groups, one bound for the Church of the Assumption, Maraval, and the other for the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Port of Spain.

At both sites, the presence of the Blessed Sacrament welcomed the pilgrims. Staff spent time in silent reflection, group prayer, and tours of the sacred spaces. These quiet moments of encounter were profound, but they marked only the first step on this journey.

Filled with renewed energy and the joy of the Spirit, the groups were then sent out to spread hope in a simple but courageous act of public witness, singing in a coffee shop.

The first group, departing from Maraval, arrived at Rituals Coffee Shop on Maraval Road. With voices raised in praise, they sang “This is the Day the Lord Has Made”, greeting surprised patrons with smiles and song.

Christian Mc Clean from the Finance Department reflected on the experience, noting how much better the group sounded at the coffee shop compared to their “croaky” attempts on the bus. “It had to be the Holy Spirit,” he joked.

The second group, having visited the Cathedral, made their way to Starbucks on the Eastern Main Road, St Augustine, walking in singing “We’ve Got That Joy”. Despite the shop being busy, patrons began singing along, and several even recorded the moment. What started as a nerve-wracking task turned into an unforgettable encounter of shared joy.

By 11.30 a.m., both groups reunited at Our Lady of Fatima RC Church, Curepe to share testimonies and reflect on their experiences. “The spirit and energy became infectious,” said Joanne Miller, Chancellor. “I found myself praising God with my hands in the air!”

Several members of staff admitted to feeling hesitant about singing in public but expressed that the experience was deeply rewarding. It was a small act of evangelisation that left a big impression on their hearts.

The church was soon filled with bright faces and hopeful hearts as the group gathered to celebrate Holy Mass, celebrated by Fr Jesse Maingot OP. In his homily, Fr Jesse spoke about the role of pilgrims in today’s world, gently reminding everyone that hope is not simply optimism, but something grounded in trust in God. “Hope is rooted in prayer,” he shared, “and the best prayer is the Eucharist.” He offered testimonies and reflections that pointed to the deep connection between personal prayer and a life anchored in hope.

Following Mass, the staff enjoyed a communal lunch in the parish hall, where the atmosphere remained light and joyful. The day then turned inward once more as Ian Benjamin led the group in a session of centering prayer. To their own surprise, the team was able to sit still and simply rest in the presence of God for a full 20 minutes, a quiet but powerful way to end the retreat.

As the day drew to a close, Archbishop Gordon blessed the pilgrims once more, encouraging them to hold on to one thing that stood out for them during the day, an image, a moment, a word, and to draw deeper into Christ’s presence through it.