Bethesda community visits sacred site to celebrate Jubilee days

“This is my first Jubilee Pilgrimage and probably my only one.” That was the sentiment echoed throughout the day by several members of our Bethesda families who visited the sacred site at the Church of the Assumption, Maraval, on Thursday, April 24.

For many of our families whose decisions range from therapy or pay rent, buy food or medication, the idea of going on a pilgrimage seemed frivolous, but with the encouragement knowing that Pope Francis dedicated a special date for our community of families with persons with disabilities (PwDs) to attend one, we made the journey as Pilgrims of Hope. April 28-29 was the Jubilee of People with Disabilities.

Our day started with Holy Mass celebrated by Vicar General Fr Martin Sirju, who spoke on the legacy of our dearly departed Pope Francis whose action brought about genuine inclusion not just for PwDs but also migrants around the world, members of the LGBTQIA community and the elderly.

Fr Sirju concluded that “The Holy Spirit bonded us together so that we can be present before the altar of God, so that we, as Church, may be complete having everyone represented”.

After Mass, we were able to walk around, pray, spend time with each other, share in the breaking of bread together and take photos. A simple day, but complex in the love exhibited and felt by all.

Surprisingly, we had more adults with disabilities and elderly persons than children but hopefully it is because they understood the value of the experience and wanted to take advantage of this opportunity.

Our Bethesda community of families with PwDs would like to thank Fr Leslie Tang Kai, the administrative staff and all the volunteers at the parish of the Assumption church; Fr Martin Sirju; The T&T Wheelchair Accessible Transit and Tours; members of PAVI (Persons Associated with Visual Impairment); the Touch of Christ Deaf community; our generous benefactors, the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission; Fotocraft, and our Bethesda volunteers and families who made the journey.

–Saira La Foucade / Founder Director,

Bethesda – For Persons with Disabilities

Email: bethesda4pwds@gmail.com

Facebook: BethesdaTT/