St Ann’s pilgrimage to Tobago’s sacred site

By Dr Phyllis Moreau

A pilgrimage is more than a journey to a sacred place—it is a journey of the heart. As pilgrims of St Ann’s Parish, we walked together in faith and hope, seeking the grace that ensures our names are written in Heaven.

There is something sacred about a pilgrimage—not just the journey to a physical place, but the inner journey it stirs within us. As pilgrims of St Ann’s RC Church, our third pilgrimage but our seventh holy site, St Joseph RC Church in Scarborough, Tobago, was precisely that: a journey of faith, renewal, and deep reflection during this Jubilee Year.

Some of us travelled by sea, others by air, but all of us went with hearts open and expectant. From the moment we arrived, we were embraced by the warmth and generosity for which Tobago is known.

The parishioners of St Joseph RC Church and Fr Matthias Mulumba Ssajjabbi welcomed us with a love that reminded us that wherever we gather in Christ’s name, we are home.

Yet of all the beautiful moments that day, the joyful singing, the heartfelt worship, the laughter and fellowship—it was the homily by Fr Matthias that left the most profound imprint on my soul. He spoke with authenticity and passion, a shepherd guiding his flock with words that were as real as they were profound.

His message was simple yet powerful: if we desire that our names be written in Heaven, then our lives must be rooted in three fundamental pillars: charity, humility, and loyalty.

These are not distant ideals or abstract virtues; they are the daily expressions of what it means to follow Christ. As I listened, I was carried back to my childhood and the words my mother often repeated: “Charity is the order of the day.” It was more than advice; it was a way of life.

Charity is not merely about giving things; it is about giving of ourselves—our time, our kindness, our love—to those who need it most.

Humility, too, is more than modesty. It is the quiet strength that comes from knowing that everything we have is a gift from God. It calls us to walk gently, to serve without seeking recognition, and to love without expectation.

And loyalty—steadfast and unwavering—binds us to Christ and to one another, especially when faithfulness is hard. It is the daily ‘yes’ we offer to God in both joy and trial.

The day in Tobago unfolded like a prayer—one woven from hymns and meals, from shared stories and quiet moments of gratitude. The hospitality extended to us was abundant, and the traditional Tobagonian meals, prepared with such care, nourished not only our bodies but also our sense of community and belonging.

Yet as the sun set on our pilgrimage, what we carried home was far more than memories. We had renewed purpose and strengthened faith.

We returned, reminded that our earthly journey is part of a greater pilgrimage, one that leads us toward God. And as pilgrims of hope, we are called to walk that journey with charity in our hands, humility in our hearts, and loyalty in our steps.

This Jubilee pilgrimage was not just a celebration; it was a profound experience. It was a sacred pause—a chance to look inward, to recommit to the path of discipleship, and to remember who we are called to be. As I reflect on that beautiful day, I do so with profound gratitude. For the journey. For the fellowship. For the grace that met us at every turn.

And above all, I give thanks for the reminder that guides us still: that if we live each day rooted in charity, humility, and loyalty, then we walk faithfully toward that most precious promise—that our names, too, will be written in Heaven.

Closing Reflection

May our journey as pilgrims of St Ann’s Parish lead us ever closer to You, Lord. Strengthen us to love generously, serve humbly, and remain faithful always—that our names may find their place in the book of life.