Msgr Sirju’s ministry of presence, dialogue praised

By Kaelanne Jordan

mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org

The Archdiocese of Port of Spain formally introduced Fr Martin Sirju as a Monsignor during a Mass on Sunday, January 25, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The celebration coincided with the Sunday of the Word of God.

A Monsignor is an honorary ecclesiastical title conferred by the Pope on a diocesan priest in recognition of distinguished service. In this instance, Monsignor Sirju was also named Chaplain of His Holiness, a title of honour within the Roman Catholic Church. While the title does not carry additional sacramental authority, it acknowledges a priest’s contribution to the life and mission of the Church.

Giving remarks during the Mass, the new monsignor expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and reflected on his priesthood.

“It is said that we are not grateful because we are happy, but we are happy because we are grateful. The habit of gratitude causes joy and happiness to flourish in our lives. So, I really feel very happy after almost 35 years of priesthood,” he said.

Msgr Sirju thanked Pope Leo for the honour, as well as Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon and Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Santiago De Wit Guzmán for their support. He also acknowledged his family, including his late sister Paula, and extended family members, as well as the communities where he has served, noting the continuing relationships he has maintained with parishioners.

In his homily, Archbishop Gordon linked the Sunday’s Gospel (Mt 4:12–23) and the elevation of Msgr Sirju, highlighting repentance as central to discipleship.

“Jesus could have started in many different ways, but He chose to start with repentance because repentance is the gateway to discipleship,” he said.

Drawing parallels between the call of the first disciples and Msgr Sirju’s vocation, the Archbishop noted: “The young man Martin has assured us that when he heard the call, he too dropped his nets and he followed Jesus.”

Reflecting on Msgr Sirju’s pastoral style, the Archbishop identified relational ministry as a defining strength.

“If you ask me what is one of his superpowers,…is relationality. He has an amazing ability to keep relationships alive from years ago where he was in communities… and that I think is a wonderful characteristic,” he said.

He also acknowledged Msgr Sirju’s prophetic voice and willingness to challenge the Church on difficult issues. “For a lot of his priestly ministry, Monsignor really has championed parts of the Church’s mission that are vital for the Church.”

Special attention was given to Msgr Sirju’s leadership in interreligious dialogue. “One of his great strengths is the interreligious dialogue that he has consistently been part of and led the Catholic Church in with all of our brothers and sisters of other faiths….And that’s been one of his great gifts and one of his great contributions to us as Church,” Archbishop Gordon highlighted.

Archbishop Gordon also shared insights into their eight-year working relationship, recalling his decision to appoint Msgr Sirju as Vicar General.

“And I wanted somebody whom I believed would be truthful to me and would be willing to have an open relationship where, if he’s seeing things, he would not cover, gloss or somehow sidetrack. And that thought led me to the now Msgr Martin.”

The Mass drew a large gathering of well-wishers and faithful from his hometown of Cedros, along with supporters from the parishes where he previously served.

Leaders from various faiths, including the Hindu, Orisha, Bahá’í, Muslim, and Baptist Christian communities, were also present.