From the mountain to the Oval

By Rev Terrence Caesar

May has always had special significance for me: it is the month of our Blessed Mother Mary; it is the month of Mother’s Day; and it is also my birthday month.

I can now add to that list the celebration of the Eucharistic Congress 2025 by our Archdiocese.

As a proud member of ScoutsTT, I have been privileged to attend several camps: Cuborees (regional camps for Cub Scouts), Jamborees (international camps for Scouts), Moots (international gatherings of Venture Scouts) and various training courses.

They have always filled me with joy at the innate goodness of my fellowman and hope for the future—especially after interacting with so many youth, all working together and living the ideals of Scouting. But May 10 took this experience to a level and height I never could have imagined.

As a Catholic, I’m familiar with the Transfiguration experience of Peter, James, and John. It is the Gospel reading for the second Sunday of Lent, as well as for the Feast of the Transfiguration on August 6.

This Gospel usually fills me with awe and humility and always puts a little smile on my face when I hear Peter’s utterance: “Lord, it is wonderful for us to be here, if you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah” (Mt 17:4).

Peter, as we know from the Gospels, was always quick to speak his mind and shared his feelings freely. Some may call it exuberance; others may say impulsiveness or a headstrong nature. I prefer to see it as a reflection of his innocence, passion, and strong faith. I may have selected these descriptors because they also describe my own experience at the Congress.

The day’s programme was well planned, coordinated and implemented. The presentations by various speakers and the dance troupe that led our Blessed Mother around the Oval all contributed to the tone and significance of the day.

However, what stood out most to me was the people. Everyone I encountered—yes, everyone—was pleasant, helpful, willing, patient, joyful, respectful. And even if they were not smiling before, a smile would quickly appear.

Strangers waved with broad smiles, and those who knew me—or whom I recognised—greeted with hugs. Children gave high-fives and the teenagers gave a bounce.

I guess this is what happens when you have a gathering of people for a common purpose, and where they all understood that they were not the focus of the day. The Holy Spirit was powerfully present and since Jesus had been present from the night before in the Eucharist, it is easy to understand why.

There was a spirit of peace and joy throughout the day, and I found myself repeatedly saying, “Lord, it is wonderful for us to be here!”

Yes, the ‘big Jesus’ in the large monstrance was quite special, and the procession of the Blessed Sacrament around the Oval—with pauses in front of each stand—was such a surprisingly intimate moment even for those far from the monstrance. The call to action by Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire of Castries really brought home the message of service to all, as he skilfully guided us towards living the Eucharist in love every day of our lives.

Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon’s message, delivered in his usual down-to-earth, yet soul-searching style, had us reflect on whether we serve a “tiny God” or a “Big God.” He reminded us of the deep intimacy Jesus has with us and desires from us, inviting us to know Him as He knows us.

These were occasions that led me to deep spiritual introspection. But another “transfiguration moment” came for me just before Jesus was carried around the Oval.

After Fr Patrick Gonyeau spoke about the powerful and significant opportunity we were about to experience, the Divine Mercy Chaplet began. And at the very words—“O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a font of mercy for us….”—rain began to fall.

A drizzle at first, it increased slightly in intensity and stopped about two minutes later. The skies cleared beautifully just as the monstrance was being brought down from the altar. It was as if Jesus decided to wash, cleanse, heal and purify us. It was the only time it rained that entire day.

My final “transfiguration” experience occurred backstage. All deacons and seminarians were asked to gather behind the altar in case we were needed to assist with the distribution of Holy Communion. There we stood—20-plus men in service to God and His people, all dressed in white—for about 20 minutes. Everyone who passed us smiled, waved, bowed, or even came for a hug. We saw young and the not-so-young going, joyfully carrying out their roles with sweat on their faces: altar servers, ushers, media personnel, contractors, people serving in the tents and many others. What a blessing!

So, my sisters and brothers, I echo Archbishop Jason’s challenge: may our next 175 years as an Archdiocese be one where we live a life knowing God and allowing Him to fully know us.

I pray that the graces received by all those present at the Oval, those who viewed online and by our blessed twin-island republic named after the Most Holy Trinity, may continue and truly transform us into true missionary disciples for Christ.

I look forward to the day when everyone attending a Mass or Service in our Archdiocese will experience their own “transfiguration” moment and joyfully proclaim “Lord, it is wonderful for us to be here!”

— Rev Terrence Caesar is a deacon assigned to St Charles Borromeo, Tunapuna; an honorary Scout Commissioner; and the principal of Tunapuna Boys’ RC School