By 
Kaelanne Jordan

mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org

Tertiary students preparing to embark on academic journeys near and far were the focus of this year’s Tertiary Students’ Outreach Holy Mass and Student Expo, hosted by the Office of Youth Ministry on Sunday, August 10, at St Charles Borromeo RC Church, Tunapuna.

The event began with a special Mass celebrated by Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon, who offered a stirring homily that combined personal challenge, spiritual reflection, and communal encouragement. A special blessing was extended to all students preparing to begin or return to tertiary studies, both locally and abroad.

Archbishop Gordon framed the act of going away to study as a modern rite of passage—one marked not only by academic ambition but spiritual significance.

“Moving from one stage of life to another is a very important part of tradition. And going away to study is an important part of that rite of passage,” Archbishop Gordon said.

“Because going away to study means leaving all the familiar behind and going out to a new place with new customs, new traditions, new expectations, newness in all kinds of ways, that you are not familiar with. And I imagine by now there’s both a sense of excitement and also a sense of fear and trepidation. And if not for you, certainly for your parents,” he said.

In his homily, Archbishop Gordon urged students to consider not just what they are doing, but why—encouraging them to ground their academic journeys in faith rather than desire.

“When it is done by faith, faith is what is inflamed and that leads us to very, very different places,” he said. “If you have the opportunity to go away and study, much is given to you. And therefore, much is expected of you.”

The Archbishop spoke candidly about faith, personal accountability, and the challenges that arise when young adults are no longer under the watchful eyes of parents.

“You receive your faith from your family… and this is a beautiful moment to pause and ask yourself again, about the gift of faith,” he told students.

“You could go up there and play all fours and have parties, do all kinds of things and waste people’s time, money and energy… or you could go up there and be the best you can do with what has been given to you.”

He also issued a call to introspection, encouraging students to engage with their faith honestly and courageously.

“If this has been a disengagement, has it been because of the faith, that you have questions of faith that have not yet been answered adequately, or is it because you’ve made choices in your life that you know don’t add up to the faith you’re supposed to live?” Archbishop Gordon questioned.

Citing examples from history, including Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Jesus Christ, the Archbishop urged students to live not for self-gratification, but in service to others.

“Anybody we remember who has lived past their life, we remember them for one or two reasons, either by the great contribution that they have made, or we remember them for the utter stupidity they lived,” he said. “What kind of person do you want to be—a person who leaves a legacy, or a person who burns hot and with big fire and has a grand ole time and finds themselves in a life that is dull, in a life that is dry inside?”

He concluded with a challenge that resonated deeply: “This opportunity that I’ve been given, who will it serve? Will it serve my desires? Will it serve my egos? Will it serve the people of Trinidad and Tobago? Will it serve the world community? Will it serve God?”

Following the Mass, students participated in panel discussions that tackled real-world issues and spiritual growth. Moderated by the Episcopal Delegate for Youth, Taresa Best Downes, the panel covered three major themes: My Grown-Up: Parenting Through Young Adulthood; Finding Faith: Testimonies; and Vocation vs Career.

In addition to the discussions, the Expo featured a range of career and faith-based resources aimed at equipping students with both practical and spiritual tools to succeed.