175 years and going strong…because we belong’

By Kaelanne Jordan

mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org

Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon has a vision of a synodal Church—a community walking together, discerning the voice of the Shepherd, and embodying the love of Christ.

This was the heart of his message at the May 10 closing Mass of the 2025 Eucharistic Congress. The celebration also marked the 175th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain. Drawing from the Gospel reading (Jn 10:27–30), Archbishop Gordon reflected on the identity of the Christian disciple: one who listens to the voice of Jesus, is known by Him, and follows His will.

“The sheep that belongs to me listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me,” he declared, inviting the congregation to say it aloud together.

Describing the verse as “a treasure,” Archbishop Gordon explained that it reveals essential truths about Christian life and the Church’s mission in the modern world.

“It speaks to so many different levels of discipleship and invites us to understand what is essential in being a Christian in our world today. It starts by saying that we belong,” the Archbishop said.

As the Archdiocese marked this historic milestone, he reminded the faithful that the celebration was about continued purpose. “175 years and we’re still going strong… What we celebrate is that we are the sheep that belong to the Good Shepherd.”

The Archbishop emphasised that true discipleship begins with listening—an act that demands silence, reflection, and a personal relationship with Christ.

“Because when we listen to His voice, He directs our heart. He directs our life and then our life is different. Because then our life radiates the joy of the Good Shepherd.”

The Archbishop called for a deeper embrace of Eucharistic living, rooted in both reception and adoration.

“Eat, drink and adore… we take the very fruits and graces of the Eucharistic celebration into the next part of our adoration and worship, and it informs our life as a disciple,” he said.

He then moved to the second key truth in the Gospel passage: being known by Jesus.

“Do you know Jesus?… Are you in a relationship with Him that comes from your heart and want to do what He wants,” the Archbishop questioned.

He explained to know Jesus is to love Him and to want to give one’s life completely to Him. He described this “knowing” as the most intimate form of relationship, rooted in love and self-giving.

The third step, the Archbishop said, is to follow Jesus—not just in name or tradition, but through real-life obedience. “It always ends by doing His will. Always ends where the rubber and the road meet….”

Reflecting on society’s brokenness, he expressed a bold vision for transformation through faithful discipleship.

“If every Catholic lived the will of God as God speaks to them… crime could not be what it is in our nation right now. Unemployment couldn’t be what it is. Our migrants couldn’t be left behind the way they have been…racism could never happen…” Archbishop Gordon said.

He then challenged the Church to move from “the infancy of discipleship” to “mature discipleship”, under the guidance of the Good Shepherd.

“If we do His will…our lives will be different, our families will be different, our communities will be different and this nation will change,” Archbishop Gordon said.

He clarified that eternal life is not merely a reward after death, but a way of living now—in intimate relationship with God. “It is living from the perspective of the Resurrection here and now… Eternal life is to be intimate now, here and now, with the Father and intimate with Jesus Christ whom He has sent.”

He called on every Catholic to reclaim their identity in Christ: “Rise up and claim your identity as God’s son. Rise up and claim your identity as God’s daughter.”

Quoting the words of Jesus—“the Father and I are one”—Archbishop Gordon reminded the faithful of the profound truth of Christ’s divinity and the closeness God desires with each of His children.

“God is huge… He has created everything, and He’s died for you and for me. To show us not only that this God is big but to show us this God is love.”