Missionary’ Msgr Spence remembered for down-to-earth nature

The mood at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception was sombre yet celebratory as the church gathered August 28 to offer prayers for the repose of Msgr Kenneth Spence. Msgr Spence, 73 years, died August 21 after collapsing while celebrating Mass at St Theresa’s RC Church, Woodbrook (See page 13). Archbishop Emeritus Robert Rivas OP was the main celebrant and Vicar General Fr Martin Sirju and other clergy concelebrated.

Msgr Spence was remembered for his sense of humour, and down-to-earth nature. The music of Slinger Francisco, the ‘Mighty Sparrow’, blared through the Cathedral’s audio system before and at the end of the liturgy. It was played in tribute because Msgr Spence shared the same birth date as the veteran calypsonian—July 9.

After the reception of the body by Archbishop Rivas, tributes were paid. Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon, who is on pilgrimage overseas, sent a message which was read by Fr Sirju (see page 12).

Former principal of St Benedict’s College, La Romaine, Anne Gomes-Phillips, Msgr Spence’s cousin, remembered Spence as proud to be the college chaplain; he “lived the link” between parish and school.

The church’s parish hall was made available for school concerts, graduations, and other events. “He had such a gentle and relevant way of reaching out to our students especially at our Masses,” Gomes-Phillips said, adding that he spoke about Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings to engage with students.

He was present every football season “in good times and in bad times” and involved in the life of the College. Gomes-Phillips said of her cousin, “priestly ministry and his priestliness—Kenny lived the Eucharist to the bone: ‘no eyes have I, no ears to hear, you must be my body and show my Father’s care’. Thank you, Kenny, for being a big Jesus amongst us”.

Cellphone audio recordings with emotive tributes from Msgr Spence’s niece, Giselle Spence McKell Jeffers, and nephew, Christopher Spence, were shared. Their sibling Jason Spence, who was present, recalled his uncle’s humour and shared anecdotes he heard from parishioners who knew his uncle in Tobago. Spence said, “In our latter time I would call him ‘Uncs’; he would call me nephew…”  He said his uncle had gone to meet his parents and two brothers.

Fr Sirju was the homilist and spoke of his friend ‘Kenny’ as someone who was holy, kind, and embodied mercy. Fr Sirju said the holiness he displayed was forged through four practices: fidelity to the Divine Office, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Rosary, and Confession.

Holiness can be judged in different ways but Msgr Spence’s “was something very practical, very earthy and very organic,” he said.

Fr Sirju had a close relationship with Msgr Spence and went to him for Confession. He disclosed that he was the recipient of spiritual messages from Msgr Spence and this was one of the ways he showed love and kindness. “Kenny” strived to live and to shepherd “after God’s own heart”. As a Confessor many souls went to him.

Fr Sirju considered Msgr Spence a Missionary of Mercy, though he was not officially designated this. “Kenny, my dear friends, was an embodiment to God’s mercy and he helped many people along the way with that mercy, with that tenderness in Confession.”

Fr Sirju was pleased to have been able to give absolution to him in his final moments at the hospital. He was a blessing to many and affirmed many who were a blessing to him.

Fr Sirju said there is mourning and grief, but he found solace in 1 Corinthians 2:19.  After reading this passage, he said, “I do not wish that you rest in peace but you enjoy light, joy, laughter, celebration around God’s banquet celebration”. He raised a glass and concluded, “To him I say, cheers!…is water, eh”.

The final commendation was conducted by Archbishop Rivas and Fr Sirju. A large turnout of clergy formed an honour guard as the coffin was taken to the church entrance.

Many filed past the coffin for a final look as one of Sparrow’s popular songs played. A collection was taken up to support rebuilding of the Mary Care Centre.