Caribbean Church

Catechists as agents of a Synodal Church

In a heartfelt video message, Bishop John Persaud of Mandeville, Jamaica, Vice-President of the Antilles Episcopal Conference of bishops (AEC) and Chair of the AEC’s Commission […]

New college offers education, formation in Christian living

JAMAICA Two years after it started online classes, the Monsignor Gladstone Wilson College, Montego Bay’s second boys’ high school, opened its doors for face-to-face classes September […]

Tuition fees increase to help pay RC teachers, parents not pleased

JAMAICA Amid growing concerns over privately run schools increasing tuition fees for the academic year, some parents whose children attend Stella Maris Preparatory, a Catholic educational […]

Catholic school benefits from bank’s scholarships

BARBADOS Students of the St Patrick’s RC School will benefit, for at least five more years, from Michael Mansoor scholarships which are funded by CIBC FirstCaribbean […]

Exhumation explained to social media commentators: It’s Church tradition to bury bishop at cathedral

GUYANA In August, a post circulated on social media about the exhumation of the remains of Bishop Anthony Butler who died 120 years ago, from the […]

Parish, village community address water crisis

ANTIGUA Water security and water conservation are indeed among major priorities for Antigua. The government has invested significant resources to increase water availability. However, several small […]

A statement of gratitude from the Grenada pilgrims to World Youth Day

From Bishop Clyde Martin Harvey On behalf of the Diocese of St George’s-in-Grenada, I wish to thank all those persons in the Archdiocese of Port of […]

Archbishop celebrates 20 years episcopal ministry, recognises grandmother’s role

BAHAMAS ‘The Magnificat’ is an ecstasy of praise for the inestimable favour bestowed by God on the Virgin, for the mercies shown to Israel, and for […]

Don’t allow drug lords to operate with impunity, says priest

DOMINICA Fr Brancker John has issued a call to those responsible for law enforcement in the country to take charge and deal with the “drug lords […]

Religious heads contemplate Christian identity, international funding

ST LUCIA The St Lucia Christian Council found itself in a “contemplative” position regarding laws promoting homosexuality on the island, said a Loop St Lucia News […]

First time meeting for Conference of the Amazon

Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB of Georgetown, Fr Joel Thompson SJ and Marva Joy Hawksworth, an indigenous laywoman living in St Ignatius Village, Guyana were among the […]

No one should ever be too busy to stop to say thanks

BAHAMAS So said Archbishop Patrick Pinder of Nassau at the farewell Mass for Claudette Rolle, the outgoing director of Catholic education. Showing gratitude and appreciation in […]

Bishop exhumed

GUYANA The sacred remains of Bishop Anthony Gerard Butler who died in 1901 were exhumed and buried under the main altar of the Cathedral Crypt, the […]

Look out for our children – Archbishop

JAMAICA In lieu of various infractions against children, Archbishop Kenneth Richards of Kingston says the entire nation needs to be caring and loving of each other, […]

A call for national discussion on Carnival

ST LUCIA Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire of Castries is proposing a discussion on, ‘The way Forward for St Lucia Carnival’, one of the country’s biggest cultural and […]

Bishop: Pray for peace

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Following the mass shooting incident July 19, Bishop Gerard County of Kingstown has announced that the Prayer for Peace for St […]

Rise, pick up your mat and Go! CFC 21ST Caribbean Conference

By Cheryl-Ann Mader Handmaid of the Lord, Couples for Christ, TT The hills were alive with sounds of music, praise, prayer, teachings, and thanksgiving as the […]

AEC welcomes newest bishop

GUADELOUPE The Catholic community of the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe has a new bishop. Bishop-elect Philippe Guiougou was ordained the bishop of the Diocese of […]

Bishop labels allegations as calumny

GRENADA Bishop Clyde Harvey of St Georges-in-Grenada has responded to allegations published in The New Today that he has “only 5 months on the job”. The […]

Embracing our Caribbean identity

By Mark Howell-Paul I recently had the opportunity to participate in The Conference of Theology in the Caribbean Today (CTCT) which was held in Grenada June […]

Youth and Caribbean theology

By Stephanie Baldeosingh The Conference on Theology in the Caribbean Today (CTCT) 2023 took place in Grenada June 26 –30. A youth panel was held at […]

Roseau diocese celebrates family life

DOMINICA A highly successful and fruitful Family Life Symposium on Saturday, June 24 at the Goodwill Parish Hall brought the curtain down on the second hosting […]

Living in a world shaped by the pandemic

“And the waters gradually receded from the earth” (Gen 8:3, NRSV). “The crashing and receding waves of a tsunami engender both destruction and recreation as they […]

‘Alpha’ raising funds for new entrance

JAMAICA One of Jamaica’s “most famous educational institutions”, Convent of Mercy Academy “Alpha”, is now on a drive to raise Jam $14 million to design and […]

God is faithful, no matter what – Bishop

GRENADA Bishop Clyde Harvey of St Georges-in-Grenada opined there are many people who believe in God but not a God who is faithful and who is […]

Caritas donates wheelchairs to hospital

ST LUCIA The Archdiocese of Castries, through its Social Action Agency – Caritas Saint Lucia donated 45 wheelchairs valued at EC$5000 to the management of the […]

Gov’t to build more schools, looks to Church for support

JAMAICA Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government is seeking to expand its partnership with the Church to build more schools in Jamaica. PM Holness […]

Bishop recovering well, returns home for ordination

BELIZE Bishop Lawrence Nicasio of Belize City and Belmopan has his doctor’s clearance to return for a “brief visit” to his home diocese since his departure […]

For a better future, children need active fathers

The following was published in the June 11 issue of Guyana’s Catholic Standard as its editorial. It was sourced from the US Catholic publication, Our Sunday […]

Regional media training programme concludes

Participants of the Communications for the Antilles Specialist Training (CAST) programme graduated May 20. The training commenced April 2022. At the graduation, participants presented their final […]

Religious Sisters, residents shaken but safe after fire destroys girls’ hostel

GUYANA Fr Joel Thompson SJ celebrated Holy Mass Friday, June 2, at St Therese Church, Karasabai, Region 9, for the girls and Ursuline Sisters of St […]

AEC Executive: Reflecting and moving forward

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Past President of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire of Castries, St Lucia has some advice for the new AEC […]

Mahdia fire victims remembered in prayer

GUYANA Guyanese across the country held candlelight vigils and prayers for the 19 children who perished in the fire at the Mahdia Secondary School female dormitory, […]

Pentecost and YOU

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Faithful will not come to the “fullness of our humanity” without the gifts of the Holy Spirit, said Bishop Clyde Harvey of […]

Bishop offers condolences to families of school fire victims in Guyana

Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB of Georgetown, Guyana has offered his deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families of the 19 children who died in a […]

Integrity Commission’s independence must be preserved, says Churches’ council

JAMAICA The Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC) says Jamaica must ensure that steps are taken to ensure that the Integrity Commission (IC) is protected from possible […]

Women, the Marian Principle, and the Synod process

The following commentary by Rev Mike James appeared in Guyana’s Catholic Standard, April 28 edition. It has been edited for length. Rev James is a permanent […]

Multisectoral approach needed to curb crime and violence

– AEC Bishops to CARICOM The Bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) have issued a statement on Crime and Violence in the Caribbean in response […]

Churches challenge citizens to get involved in constitutional reform

JAMAICA The Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC) has called for all people of faith and those of goodwill to become effectively engaged in the process of […]

Donation to Mustard Seed Communities

JAMAICA Executive Director of Mustard Seed Communities, Darcy Tulloch-Williams’ face lit up with joy and appreciation as a team from the JN Foundation bearing gifts arrived […]

Stay under the cross

Bishop Karel Choennie of Paramaribo, Suriname tackled the issue of paedophilia in last Sunday’s diocesan weekly, Omhoog. The article was translated from Dutch to English and […]

At annual meeting, AEC bishops discuss scandals, crime, Haitian crisis

The Church must not now run away from the suffering that has been caused by sex abuse scandals. By feeling the pain of the victims, the […]

Church in St Lucia praised for peace walk

St Lucia’s Minister for Ecclesiastical Affairs Joachim Henry has offered commendation to the Catholic Church there, for lending its voice and throwing its weight and support […]

Aruba hosts bishops’ annual meeting

Archbishop Jason Gordon is currently overseas. He joined his brother bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) for their Annual Plenary Meeting (APM) – the first […]

New Chancellor for Bridgetown

Fr Charles Dominique is the new Chancellor of the Diocese of Bridgetown. He replaces attorney-at-law Glenda Medford who recently retired from the post after seven dedicated […]

As crime escalates, St Lucia Catholics hold march for peace

Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire of Castries called on all St Lucians to join in a “prayerful battle” Sunday, April 16, Divine Mercy Sunday for a prayerful march […]

Be active witnesses of Jesus’ life-giving presence in the world

Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB of Georgetown has given the following Easter message via the Catholic Standard publication: My Easter greeting to all the faithful and to […]

Guadeloupe: New bishop appointed

The Catholic community of the French Caribbean of Guadeloupe will have a new bishop. Pope Francis appointed Fr Philippe Guiougou as the new Bishop of the […]

Mask wearing is personal choice

Bishop updates diocesan Covid-19 guidelines GUYANA Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB of Georgetown has issued updated Covid-19 guidelines for churches. He has recommended that the use of […]

Faithful encouraged to get ‘back to basics’ at Lenten Revival

DOMINICA Our Lady of Assumption parish successfully hosted its Lenten Revival from March 6–8 at the Philip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux-Fort. The theme Back to Basics […]

Hats off march’ to promote literacy

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES St Mary’s RC School kickstarted Literacy Week with the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Band as students tipped their […]

Diocese launches podcast to communicate the faith

BELIZE The Diocese of Belize City–Belmopan launched its first Catholic Diocesan podcast, ‘bzdiocese’, on Ash Wednesday, the time of new commitment to one’s faith. A February […]

Spiritual renewal, fellowship at Lenten Mission 2023

BAHAMAS Hundreds of Catholics came together to renew and recharge their faith at the Archdiocese of  Nassau’s first in-person city-wide Lenten Mission under the theme Walking […]

Bishop Alleyne: dialogue with LGBT community, repeal anti-sodomy law

GUYANA Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB of Georgetown has joined Pope Francis in calling for the decriminalisation of homosexuality, saying that while it is a “human condition”, […]

St Lucia needs prayer, healing to redress crime situation, moral crisis

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire of Castries, St Lucia has vehemently denounced the “senseless” killings which took place in the town of Vieux Fort, […]

More than 300 confirmed in village communities

GUYANA Parishioners gathered for the blessing and inauguration of the newly constructed St Joseph’s presbytery in Kurukabaru, North Pakaraimas mountains, Sunday, February 5. Holy Mass was […]

Catholic school receives supplies

JAMAICA Icons of Annotto Bay, a local charity with extended reach to the United States, donated supplies to two recipient groups February 21 in the St […]

Students in need receive snack packages

JAMAICA “Timely” was the immediate response from Garvin Atkinson, principal of Chetwood Memorial Primary School in St James, after receiving snack packages for his students from […]

Do it God’s way’

Advice to new Kingston Archdiocese priest JAMAICA “Try to avoid, like Frank Sinatra said, ‘I did it my way’….no, do it God’s way.” Archbishop Kenneth Richards […]

Retreats, Bible studies planned for new convent

GUYANA The Sisters of the Servants of the Lord had the Blessing and Opening of their new convent Sunday, January 29 in Charity, Essequibo Coast. Bishop […]

Clergy discuss emerging family issues at annual conference

ST LUCIA At the Association of Diocesan Clergy of the Province of Castries, head of the Commission on the Laity and Family Life of the Antilles […]

Diocesan medical centre receives breathing equipment

JAMAICA Good Shepherd Foundation Medical Centre, the healthcare arm of the Diocese of Montego Bay, received six nebulisers to aid their mission in caring for children […]

Bishop: churches, countries must address ‘scars of slavery’

SURINAME As Caribbean community nations move to maintain the pressure on Europe to atone for the sins of slavery and pay reparations for the wealth they […]

Bishop: deep spiritual base to counter school-related violence

GRENADA Education cannot take place in a context of violence or warfare. So said Bishop Clyde Harvey of St Georges-in-Grenada in a January 16 statement on […]

Parents urged to lay solid foundation for their children

JAMAICA Archbishop Kenneth Richards of Kingston is urging parents to desist from pampering their children as he believes this could leave them less willing to conform […]

Bishop urges faithful to make a game plan for 2023

BARBADOS Make a plan for 2023 and commit to deepening your faith. That was the advice from Bishop Neil Scantlebury of Bridgetown as he delivered the […]

Archbishop: legal professionals vital, must care for people seeking justice

BAHAMAS Archbishop Patrick Pinder of Nassau has reminded members of the judiciary and the legal profession that their judicial activity must be activated by care for […]

Raise consciousness to move forward in 2023

GRENADA Bishop Clyde Harvey of St Georges-in-Grenada believes that 2023 offers the perspective that persons can continue the dreams of cultural icons such as Trinidadians Hazel […]

Cardinal Felix hospitalised with Covid

Dioceses of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) have been asked to pray for the full recovery of Cardinal Kelvin Felix who has been hospitalised with Covid. […]

As seen in 2022  – Caribbean Church

As the new year begins, The Catholic News recaps some of the news highlights from the wider Caribbean Church in 2022. Celebrations Sr Marlene of Our […]

AEC on the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Statement issued December 31, 2022 that was to be read at churches and chapels at the New Year’s Vigil & New Year’s Day Masses throughout the […]

Archbishop uses Advent message to address crime situation

ST LUCIA As Christians prepare for the coming of the Prince of Peace at Christmas, Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire of Castries urged faithful to strive to be […]

Bishop Dickson: small in stature but ‘a giant of a man’

BARBADOS Bishop Emeritus Anthony ‘Tony’ Hampden Dickson was the only true prophet among all the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) bishops, a prophet who dared to speak […]

Work towards oneness – Archbishop

DOMINICA As the Commonwealth of Dominica celebrated 44 years of independence Thursday, November 3, the Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Roseau Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire of […]

New Office established to protect minors, vulnerable adults

BAHAMAS Archbishop Patrick Pinder of Nassau has announced the establishment of the Office of Safe Environments (OSE) and the relaunch of the VIRTUS programme in the […]

Bishop institutes women acolytes

JAMAICA History was made at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Brown’s Town, St Ann Parish Saturday, October 22, as two notable events took place. Two women […]

Conversion is not a predictable path

By Lara Pickford-Gordon, snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org There are people with no interest in matters of faith who suddenly think of practising faith and even become fervent about it. […]

New priest for Mustard Seed

JAMAICA Mustard Seed Communities (MSC) celebrated the ordination of Fr Ernest Chikwata at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Kingston, Jamaica, September 8. The […]

Onslaught against family life

BARBADOS “The sneak attack on our children.” This is exactly how Bishop Neil Scantlebury of Bridgetown, Barbados described the controversial “pre-test survey” on Computer Science administered […]

Regional security means protecting God’s people, says Bishop

GRENADA “Security must mean more than arms and ammunition.” So said Bishop Clyde Harvey of St Georges-in-Grenada in his homily for the Regional Security System’s (RSS) […]

Long-serving Carmelite passes away

GUYANA Corpus Christi Carmelite Sister Angela Teresa Bacchus of the Child Jesus passed away at the Corpus Christi Carmelite Convent in Grand Anse, St George, Grenada, […]

Churches partner with government to promote restorative justice

JAMAICA The Ministry of Justice recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to form a partnership with churches, aimed at training church leaders and their congregants […]

Concerns over Barbados pre-test survey for children

“It should not have happened…you don’t do that with young children without parental consent.” This was the view of clinical psychologist Alicia Hoyte in response to […]

Pregnancy centre gifted with baby items

BELIZE In mid-August, the Seed of Life Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC) at #9 Guadalupe Street, Belize City was gifted with a donation of “a beautiful, much […]

Let Christ’s light shine – bishop’s message for independence

BELIZE As Belize approached 41 years of independence September 21, Bishop Lawrence Nicasio, in a message to faithful September 9, urged citizens to thank Almighty God […]

National development must involve civil society, churches 

GUYANA Despite some previous criticism that may have suggested the contrary, President Irfaan Ali assured representatives of the Civil Society Forum (CSF) that civil society’s involvement […]

Churches comment on fundraising raffles

JAMAICA Church leaders are expressing strong disapproval and admonishment of their colleagues who host raffles to raise funds, arguing that it is a subtle form of […]

Diocese hosts successful youth festival

SURINAME Women of the Diocese of Paramaribo were the main organisers of a three-day youth festival September 9–11 in Asewa Otono, Paramaribo under the theme Share […]

Bishop: integral human development a ‘tall order’

Chair of the Commission for Promoting Integral Human Development (Justice and Peace, Migration and Tourism, Health Care, Unemployment and Care for the Earth), Bishop Francis Alleyne […]

Archdiocese expresses sadness at child’s death at church playground

BAHAMAS The Archdiocese of Nassau has extended condolences to the family of a girl who died after a swing set fell on her at a church […]

Marian image installed in Montego Bay cathedral

JAMAICA Last August, the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Jamaica permanently installed the image of Our Lady of Altagracia in one of the walls of […]

Caribbean catechists meet Pope at international congress

A hand-painted priest’s stole featuring the flags of all the nations comprising the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) was presented to Pope Francis during an audience with […]

Integral human development is like a symphony

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Webinars, such as the Antilles Episcopal Conference’s (AEC) ‘Introduction to Integral Human Development’ (IHD) can become part of the efforts by the […]

Bishop’s message for Catechetical Month

This year, the Church will celebrate Catechetical Sunday on September 18 under the theme This is my body given for you (Lk 22:19). The Bishops of […]

AEC to host webinar on Integral Human Development

The Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) Commission for Integral Human Development will be hosting its first webinar on Wednesday, September 7 at 6 p.m. Some may be […]

Montego Bay cathedral needs restoration

JAMAICA The Diocese of Montego Bay is seeking the help of the private sector in raising JA$200 million to restore the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral. Bishop Burchell […]

Bishop comments on ‘Harbour Master’ incident involving athlete

GRENADA Bishop Clyde Harvey of St Georges-in-Grenada has spoken out on the incident that took place in Grenada on board the Harbour Master vessel August 10 […]

Bishop recovering from surgery

BELIZE Bishop Lawrence Nicasio is currently recovering from surgery at Regina Cleri, a home for retired priests in the Archdiocese of St Louis, Missouri following surgery […]

International efforts needed to deal with causes for risky migration

BAHAMAS Archbishop Patrick Pinder of Nassau reacted with sadness at the news of a boat carrying migrants from Haiti capsizing off the coast of the Bahamas […]

Work on old presbytery begins, architecture to be preserved

GUYANA The long-awaited refurbishment of the presbytery of Our Lady of Fatima Church began mid-July. The rotted exterior wooden walls facing the church have been removed […]

Archbishop to new priest… ‘lead by faith, not by feelings’

JAMAICA The Archdiocese of Kingston, Jamaica was strengthened July 10 with the ordination of a son of the soil, Deacon Ricardo Perkins SJ to the priesthood. […]

Learnings from Synod process, bishops discuss next steps

‘Let’s talk about the Synod Synthesis’ was the topic of discussion for the Antilles Episcopal Conference’s (AEC) live Facebook conversation July 8. The session was moderated […]

New Jesuit priest ordained

GUYANA There was great joy on Friday, June 24 – the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus – as a large number of people […]

Christian churches body congratulates new PM, government

GRENADA The Conference of Churches in Grenada (CCG) congratulated the people of Grenada “on the mature way in which we have exercised our democratic rights to […]

Bishop Harvey is new chair of ecumenical body

GRENADA The Conference of Churches in Grenada (CCG) elected new officers during its 42nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the St Andrew’s Kirk Presbyterian Church, Tuesday, […]

Archbishop Malzaire receives pallium

Metropolitan Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire of Castries, St Lucia was among the 44 archbishops from 32 countries to receive their individual pallium at the June 29 Mass […]

Bank presents Mansoor Scholarship funds to Bishop

BARBADOS When former Executive Chairman of CIBC FirstCaribbean, Michael Mansoor passed away in 2014, the bank he helped found in 2002 and led until his retirement […]

First Haitian Cardinal injured in accident

HAITI Cardinal Chibly Langlois, 63, bishop of Cayes in Haiti, was the victim of a serious traffic accident on June 8, 2022 on a national road […]

Keep election campaign standard high, says Bishop

GRENADA With campaigning activities moving into full gear following the announcement by Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell that Grenadians will go to the polls on June […]

Stop and listen to God’s voice

BARBADOS Life is so “deafening and noisy” at times that God is not heard: “…sometimes there’s this soft, gentle voice. Do we listen, do we hear? […]

Diocesan clergy association meets

The 36th annual conference of the Diocesan Clergy of the Province of Castries finally took place after a two-year delay due to Covid-19, in the Diocese […]

Family love is a way of life – Bishop

BELIZE As in every June, the Diocese of Belize and Belmopan will celebrate Family Month in preparation for the World Meeting of Families, June 22–26. In […]

First Kalinago becomes a Cluny Sister

DOMINICA On Friday, May 13, at 10 a.m., the Diocese of Roseau and the Kalinago community rejoiced that one of their very own made forever vows […]

Attack at church, Archdiocese calls for action

ST LUCIA The Archdiocese of Castries has condemned a May 8 attack at the Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Vieux Fort, where a man […]

Bishop: The Resurrection gives us second chances

BARBADOS Bishop Neil Scantlebury of Bridgetown has issued this Easter message to faithful: Dear Brothers and Sisters: Jesus Christ is risen indeed, Alleluia, Alleluia! The Resurrection […]

Bishops told to build relationship with people – heart of synodal journey

Catholic bishops of English, Dutch and French-speaking Caribbean dioceses and archdioceses recently held their Annual Plenary Meeting. The following report was submitted by the AEC Secretariat. […]

Virtual Sunday Masses should end, says new Archbishop

ST LUCIA – Newly installed Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire of Castries has called for all virtual Masses be discontinued in the Archdiocese. In a letter to faithful, […]

Easter glory fosters life, new connections

GUYANA – Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB of Georgetown has given the following Easter message: The first verse of one of our Easter hymns (#71) runs: Easter […]

St Lucia Church celebrates its new archbishop

– Metropolitan Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire installed By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org In a poignant display of authority to his successor, Archbishop Emeritus Robert Rivas OP removed and […]

Bishops support transforming education system

JAMAICA — The Catholic Church, “with its significant involvement in education at every level”, welcomed the publication of the Patterson Report and its frank assessment of […]

RC priest against legalising marijuana

BELIZE — Fr John Robinson from the Mount Carmel parish located in the Cayo district issued a pre-recorded statement last month warning that legalisation of the […]

Conversations on domestic violence, marital rape ‘necessary’ – Archbishop

BAHAMAS — Archbishop Patrick Pinder of Nassau expressed support for criminalising marital rape, noting that forced sexual activity within a marriage is a “distortion” of the […]

Diocesan youth have a new centre

ANTIGUA — On Sunday, February 27, Bishop Robert Llanos of St John’s-Basseterre blessed and opened the St Lwanga Diocesan Youth Center at Stapleton Lane, St John’s, […]

The importance of Catholic Engaged Encounter

The family is the most basic unit of the human society, and as such, it requires particular attention by the Christian community so it can carry […]

Reflect on the ‘tear garment’ event in our lives

GUYANA— Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB has given the following Lenten message: “Let your hearts be broken, not your garments torn, turn to the Lord your God […]

US charity continues work with diocese post Hurricane Maria

DOMINICA— Archbishop Elect Gabriel Malzaire of Castries, St Lucia visited Food For The Poor’s (FFTP) Coconut Creek, Florida headquarters February 18, and met with its leadership […]

Caribbean affected by Russian invasion of Ukraine – AEC President

The hearts of the Caribbean people “are broken and wounded” as we learn of the invasion of the vulnerable sovereign state of the Ukrainian People’s Republic […]

New Cayenne bishop’s motto: ‘Fear not, but believe’

The solemn celebration of the episcopal ordination of Fr Alain Ransay as Bishop of Cayenne was well attended with just over 1000 participants gathered at the […]

Caribbean dioceses share on Synod progress

The Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) hosted a virtual meeting on the Synod journey February 12, giving representatives from each country the opportunity to share about their […]

A run for Christian unity

BELIZE— The ‘5K for Unity in Christ’ occurred during the week of prayer for Christian unity. In the well-attended and joyful family event held on January […]

New St Gerard’s church opens in capital

HAITI— Sunday January 9, 2022 will be forever remembered in the hearts of parishioners and the annals of the congregation as a day of the inauguration […]

Archbishop-elect Malzaire says ‘WORK TO BE DONE’

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org On the heels of his appointment as Metropolitan Archbishop of Castries, St Lucia, Friday, February 11, Archbishop-elect Gabriel Malzaire of Roseau has […]

New archbishop appointed, St Lucia Church thrilled

The Church in St Lucia is celebrating Pope Francis’ appointment of Bishop Gabriel Malzaire of Roseau as the new Metropolitan Archbishop of Castries, St Lucia. “The […]

Bishop Malzaire appointed Archbishop of Castries

Bishop Gabriel Malzaire of Roseau is returning to his homeland as the new Metropolitan Archbishop of Castries, St Lucia. A press release from the Chancery, Archdiocese […]

Assist migrants, says Archbishop

BAHAMAS As the chances of survival for several dozen migrants lost in the Florida Straits waned on Wednesday, January 26, Archbishop Patrick Pinder of Nassau lamented […]

Archbishop uses culture to communicate, evangelise

JAMAICA Archbishop Kenneth Richards of Kingston is certainly not averse to having fun. But it is clear that he balances this with his mission, which is […]

AEC congratulates, welcomes new French Guiana bishop

The President of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) has extended congratulations to the newly ordained Bishop Alain Ransay of Cayenne, French Guiana. Bishop Ransay was ordained […]

CAST 2021 grads told to enhance Church’s communications

By Kaelanne Jordan   Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twenty-one participants from the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) region were presented certificates of completion at their 6 p.m. graduation ceremony—albeit virtually— […]

Presentation Brothers College celebrates 75th anniversary

GRENADA Presentation Brothers College (PBC), located at Old Fort, St George’s, was rededicated on January 21 to begin its 75th anniversary celebrations. The school was established […]

Diocesan fiscal officers meet virtually

BAHAMAS In his welcome address to officers and members of the Conference of Antilles Diocesan Fiscal Officers (CADFO), Archbishop Patrick Pinder of Nassau, and Episcopal Moderator […]

Clergy on retreat, encouraged to minister to each other

MARTINIQUE The clergy of the Archdiocese of St Pierre and Fort de France gathered January 10 to 14 at the Foyer de Charité in Trinité with […]

Final vows in Grenada

Sr Roxanne Mary Neckles made her Final Profession of Religious Vows to the Sisters of The Sorrowful Mother (SSM) on January 6 before General Superior Sr […]

Put God at the centre and make 2022 an awesome year

BARBADOS In his New Year’s message to faithful, Bishop Neil Scantlebury of Bridgetown called on citizens to give God thanks for all the blessings, even the […]

Bishop offers new year advice to parents, workers, teachers

DOMINICA “It is one thing to be what we are from God’s perspective, but it is yet another thing to believe what God sees in us […]

Archbishop remixes Bounty Killer’s song

JAMAICA Archbishop Kenneth Richards of Kingston remixed dancehall artist Bounty Killer’s ‘Miss Ivy Last Son’ (Run come up inna me Magnum bwoy), replacing the violent imagery […]

Bishop: Renew relationship with God to renew society

JAMAICA Bishop John Persaud has observed that the isolation from Covid-19 has brought home the “simple fact”, that although we may have access to sunlight, rain, […]

Bishops call for an end to crises

HAITI The Episcopal Conference of Haiti (ECH) has expressed concern at the ongoing economic, political and security crisis in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (Caricom) country, calling […]

Become more like Christ

GUYANA In his Christmas message to the diocese, Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB of Georgetown has called on faithful “to pray for increase, expansiveness, growth, blossoming and […]

Priests call for justice, freedom, peace to reign

A group of Catholic Cuban priests signed a letter addressed to the Cuban authorities urging them not to use violence against a planned November 15 march […]

 French Guiana to get new bishop

Pope Francis has appointed Fr Alain Ransay of Martinique to be the new Bishop of the diocese of Cayenne, French Guiana. A date for the episcopal […]

Dream about the Church we are called to be

GUYANA Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB has given the following message for the Season of Advent: “… to inspire people to dream about the Church we are […]

RC Bishop on B’dos becoming a Republic: “Excellent opportunity to build”

Barbados marked its 55th anniversary of independence from Britain November 30, with the added significance of transitioning from a constitutional monarchy to a Republic after 400 […]

Count your blessings –Bishop on 46th Independence Day

SURINAME Bishop Karel Choennie of Paramaribo asserted that citizens should count their blessings and ask themselves how they can make the self-sacrificing love come true in […]

Bilingual programme provides model for education

GUYANA A bilingual education programme created by the Diocese of Georgetown has caught the eye of the Guyanese government as a potential model for its national […]

Painting for Synod 2021–2023

BELIZE Bishop Lawrence Nicasio (left) and seminarians stand near a painting done to commemorate the start of the Synod 2021–2023 process at the opening Mass on […]

Convent under construction

GUYANA A new convent is under construction for the Servant of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara Sisters (SSVM) in Charity, Essequibo Coast. The Sisters […]

New cloak for the Cirío

SURINAME Cirío de Nazaré, the patron saint of Belém and the state of Pará in Brazil, is celebrated in a grand manner every year on the […]

New Jesuit deacon inspired by Laudato Si’

GUYANA Guyanese Jesuit, Joel Thompson SJ, was ordained to the transitional diaconate in Berkeley, California, USA, on October 23 along with eight of his Jesuit classmates. […]

Church in the eye of the kidnapping storm

HAITI Although it’s not public knowledge whether a ransom was ever paid to a Haitian gang for the release of a group of people including six […]

Catholic Standard Editor remembered for his constancy

GUYANA The funeral service for Colin Anthony Smith, Editor of Catholic Standard, took place Friday, October 22 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Brickdam. The […]

‘Young people want to be listened to’

– AEC President, youth leaders discuss Synod 2021–2023 Why a synod on synodality? “This is a very interesting question, and I’m sure it is a question […]

The disconnections and connections of the pandemic CTCT November conference launched

By Ottrisha Carter Are you thinking about registering for the upcoming virtual biennial Conference on Theology in the Caribbean Today (CTCT)? You should be! CTCT hosted […]

New book highlights Church’s work in building Belmopan

BELIZE Our Lady of Guadalupe Co-Cathedral in Belmopan launched a comprehensive book of its 50-year history in Belmopan, and the growth of Belmopan as the newest […]

Biblical Federation holds virtual Encounter on Synodality

To mark both the Feast of St Jerome and the closing of the Month of the Bible, FEBIC LAC (Federacion Biblica Latino Americana y Caribena)—The Biblical […]

Catholic agencies continue to help Haiti in aftermath of earthquake

HAITI Almost two months after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake and a hurricane compounded Haiti’s woes, Catholic aid agencies are struggling to help get people back on their […]

In times of crisis, people need to pray and come together – Bishop

DOMINICA On the Feast of Our Lady of La Salette, Sunday, September 19, Bishop Gabriel Malzaire of Roseau began his reflection by describing our Blessed Lady […]

Religious leaders speak on pandemic, vaccines

ANTIGUA Bishop Robert Llanos of St John’s-Basseterre is countering the banter that the Covid-19 vaccine is the “mark of the beast”. He maintains that the passage […]

Diocese celebrates Bible Month

DOMINICA With the slogan, September is Bible Month, the Diocese of Roseau launched a series of instructions on the Bible to encourage the people of God […]

Children’s Home thankful for sizeable donation

ST LUCIA The Ministry of External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs has facilitated “a sizeable monetary contribution” to the Holy Family Children’s Home […]

Bishop addresses Covid-19 outbreak at diocesan senior citizens’ homes

GRENADA Bishop Clyde Harvey of St George’s-in-Grenada has issued a statement, September 14, concerning the Covid-19 situation at the senior citizens’ homes, which are part of […]

Bishop Harvey comments on Minaj’s tweet

Bishop Clyde Harvey of St Georges-in-Grenada has cautioned that entertainers can wield more influence than government officials and the use of reason alone is not enough […]

Churches closed in solidarity with unvaccinated members

GUYANA Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB of Georgetown has announced that beginning Friday, September 10, churches will be closed for public worship until further notice in solidarity […]

Christian leaders concerned about rising Covid-19 cases

GRENADA The Conference of Churches in Grenada (CCG) joined the rest of the nation in expressing concern for the country as the Covid-19 crisis has entered […]

National Day of Prayer for God’s mercy

DOMINICA As Dominica is currently experiencing a surge in Covid-19 cases, with a reported 1,998 total cases and 5 deaths as of September 7, a National […]

Pope sends aid to Haiti

Pope Francis will be sending nearly a quarter of a million dollars (US) to help people in Haiti, who are struggling in the aftermath of a […]

Jesuits launch film project on historic churches

GUYANA As one way of helping the wider community to better know and see the Catholic church in Guyana, the Jesuits in Guyana (SJ Communications) have […]

Orphanage celebrates 170th anniversary

GUYANA On July 2, 1847, less than 50 years after the country had been ceded to the British and barely nine years after the abolition of […]

Resurrection Prayer Garden opened

DOMINICA Several parishioners in St Luke devoted their time, talent, and treasure in preparation for the opening of the Resurrection Prayer Garden on August 7. The […]

Special collection for Haiti

GUYANA Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB of Georgetown has appealed to citizens to “stretch a hand for Haiti” following the 7.2 magnitude earthquake August 14, which caused […]

New priest remembers spiritual father at ordination

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES The ordination of Nigeria-born Rev Peter Emmanuel as priest of the Kingstown diocese was likened to a “gift” to the diocese […]

Christian Council calls on leaders to avoid ‘incendiary language’

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES The St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Christian Council says they are “concerned” about the recent development reported in the media […]

Bishop Persaud for annual Mass

GUYANA Organisers of what is known as the annual ‘Guyanese New York Mass’ which is held in New York, USA are planning to hold the event […]

My Caribbean School for Catholic Communications experience

By Brianne Gomes As a Youth Journalist Intern for the Catholic Youth Commission, I was granted the opportunity to attend the Caribbean School for Catholic Communications […]

Learning to sync or swim

Youth interns Brianne Gomes and Joshua Britto, both 19, share their experience of the 2021 Caribbean School for Catholic Communications (August 2–7). Following is Britto’s perspective. […]

Seminary planted seeds of hope, faith, and love

Beloved Catholic Faithful, On behalf of the bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference, I congratulate the Seminary of St John Vianney and the Uganda Martyrs as […]

Vaccination: An act of love – Bishop

DOMINICA Being vaccinated against the coronavirus in the context of today’s pandemic is tantamount to an act of love of self and love of neighbour. So […]

Don’t go down path to legalise marijuana – Churches tell gov’t

BELIZE The Council of Churches in Belize issued a media statement late July on an important matter for the nation–the legalisation of marijuana. The release stated […]

Priest expelled in 1980s dies in homeland

GUYANA Fr Patrick ‘Paddy’ Connors SJ died peacefully at around 8.30 p.m. on Friday, July 2 in the St Wilfrid’s community house in Preston, England. His […]

Internat Sainte Madelaine – hope in Haiti

Haiti has been in the news recently, unfortunately not for good reason. But here’s a sign of hope from the HaiT&T Foundation. The proverb found in […]

Christian group calls for continued protests

CUBA The Christian Liberation Movement in Cuba has called on people to continue to pressure communist authorities to hold a general election. The country has seen […]

Fr Paul celebrates 25 years a priest

GUYANA Fr Paul Martin SJ celebrated his 25th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood July 13 with Mass at the Missionaries of Charity home in Houston, […]

Historic church reopens

GUYANA Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB of Georgetown welcomed back church goers Sunday, July 11, as he reopened the 96-year-old church of Our Lady of Peace at […]

Diocese mourns sudden death of ‘Fr Jacky’

DOMINICA Bishop Gabriel Malzaire of Roseau has sent his condolences to the parish communities served by Fr Jean-Jacques Merilan CSsR. ‘Fr Jacky’, as he was known, […]

Parishes told to be prepared for hurricane season

GRENADA “Well folks, you know how we does operate— pray like mad and hopefully that too will pass—but are we prepared?” Bishop Clyde Harvey of St […]

Pope expresses closeness with Cuban people

CUBA VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis expressed his closeness to the people of Cuba after protests erupted on the island nation. In his first public […]

Archbishop Rivas expresses gratitude for golden jubilee of priesthood

ST LUCIA At age 75, Archbishop Robert Rivas OP of Castries asserts he has reached the milestone of gratitude. He described his tenure as Archbishop in […]

AEC bishops express support, solidarity to Haitian people

The Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) has expressed its “prayerful support and solidarity” to the people of Haiti. The English-, Dutch-, and French-speaking Caribbean bishops also hoped […]

Caribbean theologians continue their mission during pandemic

As the Conference on Theology in the Caribbean Today (CTCT) prepares for its 27th conference this year, the Catholic News will feature various aspects of this […]

Bishop on vaccines: trust in God’s gift of science

BELIZE Bishop Lawrence Nicasio of Belize City, Belmopan took his first dose of the Covid-19 AstraZeneca vaccine March 29 and his second dose in June. “We […]

Diocesan office offers English classes for migrant children

GUYANA For the past few years, the Georgetown Diocese has been providing free English language classes to migrants. With the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic last […]

Being sorry for Haiti must become deeds of justice and love – Bishop Harvey

“God weeps over His Haitian people.” So said Bishop Clyde Harvey of St George’s-in-Grenada as he publicly commented on the July 7 assassination of Haiti’s President […]

New executive of Antilles Canon Law Society elected

The following is an excerpt from Msgr Palud’s first correspondence to the members of the Society: We have many challenges to meet. I would envision our […]

St Joseph Mercy Hospital opens new chapel, pharmacy

GUYANA Following the catastrophic fire which destroyed large sections of the St Joseph Mercy Hospital in Georgetown in 2010, the authorities there have been focused on […]

Don’t settle for being just a ‘good priest’ – Bishop Scantlebury

As Deacons Omaris Valmond and Moses Kabuga Gikandi were consecrated priests for the Bridgetown diocese Saturday, July 3, ordaining prelate Bishop Neil Scantlebury stressed, “it is […]

New priest, deacon ordained

BELIZE Bishop Lawrence Nicasio of Belize City, Belmopan ordained Rev Marcos Rodriguez to the priesthood on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Friday, June […]

Mandeville bishop works on building relationships with people

JAMAICA Since being ordained September 19, 2020, and assuming duties as Bishop of Mandeville in the midst of a global pandemic, Bishop John Persaud is sharing […]

Church in Latin America, Caribbean meet to discuss ongoing challenges

The first Ecclesial Assembly of Latin America and the Caribbean will take place November 21 to 28, 2021 at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe […]

AEC Pres to new bishop: The people expect you to be ‘real, truthful, transparent’

BARBADOS In extending congratulations to Bishop Neil Scantlebury on his elevation to the episcopacy, the President of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) asserted that the confidence […]

Diocese of Bridgetown, Barbados welcomes first local bishop

Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Fr Neil Sebastian Scantlebury’s election as bishop of Bridgetown on December 28, 2020, Feast of Holy Innocents, came at a time when […]

‘Vincentians’ continue their calling, to help those in need

How is the Church continuing to help those most in need during the lockdowns in the pandemic? Senior writer Lara Pickford-Gordon found out and reports. “It […]

Vaccination ‘is in best interest of all the people’

GRENADA Delivering a homily at the Catholic church in Mt Parnassus, St George late May, Bishop Clyde Harvey of St George’s-in-Grenada said the situation with the […]

Cathedral parishioners in outreach

While the eyes of the world are on the victims of the recent volcanic eruption in St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Diocese of Kingstown asserted […]

Guyana: Ignatian year begins

The Jesuit priests stationed at the church of St Ignatius, in St Ignatius, Central Rupununi, celebrated a special Mass on May 23 (Pentecost Sunday) to mark […]

Live the mystery of the Ascension

GUYANA Parishioners of the Church of the Ascension in New Amsterdam, Berbice gathered under strict Covid-19 protocols to celebrate the conclusion of the Easter celebration and […]

Bishop Riocreux retires

GUADELOUPE Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Bishop Jean-Yves Riocreux of Basse-Terre and Pointe-à-Pitre on Thursday, May 13 as he has reached the age limit […]

Bridgetown diocese prepares for new bishop

BARBADOS Bishop-elect Neil Sebastian Scantlebury will be ordained as the fourth Bishop of Bridgetown, Barbados June 11, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, […]

New priest, deacon in June

BELIZE Saturday, May 15 marked the end of Deacon Marcos Rodriguez’s eight years of studies required by Canon Law to be ordained to the Order of […]

T&T locals send aid to Kingstown diocese

Three containers filled with items were sent to St Vincent in early May to help those affected by the volcanic eruption. From April 15, citizens were […]

Missionary discipleship is key pastoral initiative

ANTIGUA Like any other country in the world, the Diocese of St John’s-Basseterre has experienced some measure of government implemented lockdown to fight COVID-19. While there […]

Marian grotto erected at cathedral

Antigua An idea that started one year ago has now come to fruition. The Holy Family Cathedral Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes became a reality […]

Archdiocese seeks to assist Haitian refugees

BAHAMAS St Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Marsh Harbor, on Abaco Island, was damaged beyond use by Hurricane Dorian. The Archdiocese of Nassau continues to […]

Easter story is about life, family

BELIZE What would life be if Jesus had remained comfortably in the dark tomb? Bishop Lawrence Nicasio of Belize City and Belmopan posed this question in […]

Church leaders speak out on crime, policing, SoEs

JAMAICA In the face of “alarming” stories of crime and violence that have filled the news over the course of the past few months, Jamaica’s Catholic […]

AEC bishops meet on Catholic education, disaster preparedness

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @kaelanne1 In view of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions on public gatherings, the bishops of the Antilles Episcopal […]

RC community called to assist Vincentian evacuees

DOMINICA In response to the current situation in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), the Diocese of Roseau has proposed various ways to help. A release […]

May Easter create space for a new beginning – Bishop

JAMAICA Easter is the celebration of good over evil, life over death, light over darkness. It is the celebration of the end of the long reign […]

Diocesan administrator appointed

FRENCH GUIANA Pope Francis, through the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, has appointed Bishop Michel Marie Jacques Dubost CIM, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of […]

Let us make the Easter story our own – Bishop’s message

GUYANA Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB of Georgetown has issued the following Easter message. The full text was published in the diocesan weekly Catholic Standard. The vaccines […]

Soufrière erupts: Bishop thankful for prayers & “tremendous” support

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Bishop Gerard County CSSp of Kingstown is appealing for all to pray for the Diocese as evacuation continues in the wake […]

New Commissions and Chairs for the AEC

Over the last year, the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) embarked on several new organisational and pastoral initiatives. First, they identified five pastoral initiatives on which the […]

Church, MoE in dialogue on ‘Common Entrance’ places

GRENADA The Church in Grenada is in discussion with the Ministry of Education (MoE) on Common Entrance places. A mid-March news report from The New Today […]

Bishop on vaccinations – Let’s do this for each other

GUYANA Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB of Georgetown received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on March 12. Following his vaccination, he encouraged people to get […]

New parish named after St Joseph

GUYANA The Parish of St Joseph, Husband of Mary – that is the name of the newest parish in the Diocese of Georgetown. Bishop Francis Alleyne […]

Deacon supports Canon law change

JAMAICA A move by Pope Francis to amend Canon law allowing women to formally become lectors and acolytes in the Catholic Church (CN, January 24) is […]

New convent for Pallottines

BELIZE The Pallottine Sisters have moved into their new convent two years after taking the difficult decision to demolish their old one at Princess Margaret Drive, […]

‘Don’t be afraid, take the vaccine’

ANTIGUA Bishop Robert Llanos of St John’s-Basseterre is encouraging all to receive the COVID-19 vaccine because it is the “morally and ethically correct thing to do.” […]

Receiving vaccine promotes the common good

BAHAMAS Archbishop Patrick Pinder is appealing to faithful of the Archdiocese of Nassau and to all persons of goodwill who are eligible and able to receive […]

Archbishop Rivas: ‘No excuses, get the vaccine’

ST LUCIA As part of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, several prominent members of society were invited to receive their first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. […]

New Apostolic Administrator for Bridgetown

While COVID-19 has delayed the ordination of Barbados-born Bishop-elect Neil Scantlebury as the new Bishop of the diocese of Bridgetown, the way is now clear for […]

Church providing advice and support to migrants

GUYANA When hundreds of migrants from Venezuela began arriving in Guyana in 2018, the Catholic Church was part of the Venezuela Support Group (VSG). This group […]

Montego Bay community reaches out to poor with food, medicine

JAMAICA In an effort to assist the less fortunate in the wider community, Bishop Burchell McPherson of Montego Bay and his team at the Blessed Sacrament […]

Become vessels of the goodness of God

GRENADA Bishop Clyde Harvey of St George’s-in-Grenada said he is moved to implore faithful to make this Lent one of deeper silence. Silence, the bishop said […]

We are the same dust… we share a common humanity

GUYANA Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB has called on Catholic faithful in Guyana to reflection and prayer to mend the nation’s “divisions and the divisiveness… especially where […]

Faith leaders urge Biden on jobs, disaster aid

PUERTO RICO In a letter sent to US President Joe Biden, 20 major Puerto Rico and US religious leaders urged actions on disaster relief, job creation […]

Cuban Catholics call for political and social reform

“It is time to return to God.” Hundreds of Cuban Catholics, priests, and laity alike, pointing out their country’s state of profound crisis, are calling for […]

SVP donates tablets to students

DOMINICA Since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic during the first quarter of 2020, and virtual learning became the norm, the opportunity arose to […]

Bishops call for dialogue

HAITI The bishops of Haiti have released a message deploring the catastrophic situation prevailing in the country and called for a national dialogue. “The country is […]

Dominica bishop: Be a neighbour not a stranger

ANTIGUA Bishop Gabriel Malzaire of Roseau has observed that persons have become accustomed to looking the other way, passing by, ignoring situations until they are affected […]

Postponement of the ordination of Fr Scantlebury

BARBADOS The recent developments with COVID-19 in Barbados, including the reduction in the number of persons permitted to gather, have made it necessary for the ordination […]

Restructuring of the AEC Commissions

The Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples has granted the canonical Recognito (cf canon 449) for the change to the Statues of the Antilles Episcopal Conference […]

Priest deeply worried by vocation crisis

GUYANA As he celebrated his third priestly anniversary, January 28,  Fr Carl Philadelphia shared he is “deeply worried” about his Diocese. “There’s a crisis that nobody […]

Archbishop: comply with new COVID protocols

ST LUCIA “…don’t make a fuss over it, comply.” This was the call from Archbishop Robert Rivas OP of Castries as he delivered a statement on […]

Church joins new Civil Society Forum

GUYANA The Catholic Church in Guyana is one of a coalition of organisations which have come together to form the Civil Society Forum (CSF). The new […]

More youth disaster emergency teams

DOMINICA The Caritas Dominica Youth Emergency Action Committees launched and commissioned its Roseau and Environs Team on January 17 during a ceremony that took place at […]

CAST 2021 has begun

The CAST (Communication for the Antilles Specialist Training) Programme, a comprehensive communications training programme, began with an orientation session on Saturday, January 16, 2021. A total […]

Stand together, build up one another -Bishop on diocese’s 50th anniversary

ANTIGUA The St John’s-Basseterre diocese celebrated 50 years as a diocese January 16, preceded by 333 years of Catholic presence in the islands of Antigua and […]

Bandits free kidnapped sister

HAITI After only two days in captivity, a kidnapped religious sister has been freed. According to information sent to Agenzia Fides by the Secretary General of […]

Keyboard for Mercy Home

GUYANA Mercy Resident Care received a digital keyboard, sponsored by Friends of Mercy on behalf of the De Mendonca/Martins families formerly of New Amsterdam, now resident […]

Post-hurricane rebuilding gets US$ boost

BAHAMAS Despite curfews, lockdowns, and COVID-19 travel restrictions, rebuilding of a Bahamas church destroyed in 2019’s Hurricane Dorian is about to begin—with a little help from […]

Masses suspended again because of COVID spike

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Bishop Gerard County has suspended weekend Masses in the Diocese of Kingstown again because of an increase in COVID-19 cases in […]

Bishops group meets on critical issues

The imminent retirement of Archbishop Robert Rivas OP of Castries, the question of the decriminalisation of marijuana, and of unemployment in the region because of COVID-19 […]

Laws criminalising homosexuality should be made ‘null and void’ – bishop

GUYANA Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB of Georgetown has called for laws in his country that criminalise homosexuality to be made “null and void”. Bishop Alleyne made […]

The gift of COVID-19

GRENADA “Where has Christ been born in Grenada’s experience of the pandemic?” Bishop Clyde Harvey posed this question in his Christmas message to the diocese of […]

There is no Christmas outside of God

BELIZE The following is the full text of Bishop Lawrence Nicasio’s Christmas message to the Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan. “We will get through this […]

Caribbean Church Review 2020

While COVID-19 has been the story of the year, there were other top stories coming out from the wider Catholic Church in the Caribbean. Here are […]

Unmasking the digital world

From SIGNIS Caribbean: signiscaribbean.com: https://www.facebook.com/signiscaribbean ***************************************** Not unlike the rest of the world, the countries involved in SIGNIS Caribbean were caught completely off guard with the […]

Guadeloupe bishop has COVID-19

Bishop Jean-Yves Riocreux of the Diocese of Basse-Terre and Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe has COVID-19. A December 21 press release on the diocese’s Facebook page, and posted to […]

First Barbadian to be ordained bishop

The Diocese of Bridgetown, Barbados will now have one of its own as bishop as Pope Francis has appointed Fr Neil Sebastian Scantlebury, 55, to become […]

New RC bishop appointed to Barbados

Pope Francis has appointed Fr Neil Sebastian Scantlebury, 55, to be the next bishop of the Diocese of Bridgetown, Barbados. He will become the first Barbadian […]

Life imprisonment not capital punishment – Bishop

DOMINICA Following the controversial sentencing of Rodman Lewis who was found guilty November 19 of murdering his girlfriend in 2015, Bishop Gabriel Malzaire of Roseau shared […]

Ballroom dancing can help improve male-female relationships

GRENADA Bishop Clyde Harvey of St George’s-in-Grenada has called for a deeper emphasis in families, the education system and government, on working with males on the […]

Advent pivotal in setting tone to follow Christ

DOMINICA “We are to make way for new beginnings” as individuals cannot arrive at Christmas the same as they are today. This was the crux of […]

Let us speak, breathe, build unity – Archbishop at closing of virtual assembly

ST LUCIA At the closing Mass for the first ever Archdiocesan Virtual Assembly, Sunday, November 15, two questions were posed by Archbishop Robert Rivas OP of […]

New Jamaica bishop sees opportunities for growth in Mandeville

“When someone approached me and said ‘Bishop’, I used to look around to see who they were speaking to, but I think I am slowly getting […]

Clergy meeting focuses on community

GUYANA Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB along with 20 priests and other clergy who serve in Guyana came together November 17–19 for one of the main annual […]

Newest priest ordained on birthday

GUYANA The number of priests in Guyana increased by one when India-born Deacon Francis Savarimuthu was ordained for a lifetime of service as a Diocesan priest. […]

Pope accepts resignation of Bishop of Cayenne

FRENCH GUIANA Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of the pastoral office of the diocese of Cayenne, French Guiana, tendered by Bishop Emmanuel Lafont, reported the […]

New wheels

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Earlier this year, Dr Cecelia Anzures, a long-time friend of Fr Ron Knott, contacted him to inform that she was donating […]

Be vigilant to be safe from COVID-19

Bishop’s Independence message DOMINICA As Dominica celebrated 42 years of independence, November 3, Bishop Gabriel Malzaire of Roseau said it is worth noting that within the […]

Child spots assailant, helps police recover bishop’s stolen ring

GUYANA Catholic News contributor Felix Edinborough has since spoken to Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB after he was assaulted and robbed while presiding over Mass at the […]

Bishop Alleyne robbed during Mass

A man believed to be of unsound mind walked up to Bishop Francis Alleyne and robbed him while he was presiding over Mass at the Cathedral of […]

Kingston creates communications commission

Impelled by the Archdiocese of Kingston’s Strategic Plan 2020-2030, Archbishop Kenneth Richards of Kingston, established the Communications Commission of the Archdiocese of Kingston September 29. According […]

Chapeau Paille Day and Flag Day – DOMINICA

Chapeau Paille Day, also referred to as Creole Hat Day, was celebrated October 16, and observed as part of National Pride and Heritage Month. Children and […]

Jamaica bishops on Pope’s comments

Most Rev Kenneth D Richards, DD, CD, Archbishop of Kingston A few bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference have commented on the recent news item. Here […]

Mass for racial harmony in Guyana held in NY

The annual Mass for New York-based Guyanese Catholics and nationals, usually held in early October for the past 30 years, was initially cancelled this year on […]

Senior deacon dies

ST LUCIA The Archdiocese of Castries mourns the passing of Rev Bertrand Clauzel, a permanent deacon for 46 years. After a few months of illness, he […]

Teachers must deliver lessons of Christian living – Bishop

BELIZE A special liturgical celebration was held virtually for all managers, principals, teachers, parents, friends, and stakeholders in Catholic education on September 24. The Mass was […]

Author calls for change in course for education

SURINAME Surinamese politician Ivan Fernald recently presented Bishop Karel Choennie of Paramaribo a copy of his latest book We have to change course. An AEC Communications […]

CTCT calls for a Caribbean Jubilee

Caribbean Jubilee and Creation: In a Time of Pandemic and Natural Disaster, the theme of the third virtual forum hosted by the Conference on Theology in […]

Mass times change because of national curfew

BAHAMAS   Archbishop Patrick Pinder of Nassau has issued a notice to priests, deacons and all the faithful of New Providence and Abaco on changes to […]

African missionary congregation marks decade of service

GRENADA The congregation of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ) is celebrating ten years of service to Grenada. The missionary congregation was started by […]

Diocese to celebrate golden jubilee, Marian shrine nears completion

ANTIGUA   While the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to threaten future events, the resiliency of faithful of the Diocese of St John’s-Basseterre will not allow anything […]

Cathedral a national monument, gov’t should help with renovations—bishop

DOMINICA The Government of Dominica has been invited to play a greater role in the cathedral renovation effort. Bishop Gabriel Malzaire of Roseau extended that invitation […]

St Martin’s celebrates good results

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES During the 2019/2020 academic year, the Catholic St Martin’s Secondary School (SMSS) has made several strides in the way forward. The […]

Regional webinar on understanding Bible editions

The Antilles Zone of the Latin American and Caribbean region (FEBIC LAC) of the Catholic Biblical Federation (CBF) hosted a webinar on ‘Understanding Bible Editions from […]

St Joseph Mercy Hospital celebrates 75th anniversary

— Sisters of Mercy recognised for their role GUYANA The St Joseph Mercy Hospital (SJMH) held a special dedication ceremony and Mass on September 21 to […]

Chapel break-in – hosts scattered, burglar leaves warning

DOMINICA There was a break-in and vandalism at Bellevue Chopin chapel. The discovery was made August 25 by two parishioners on entering the church to prepare […]

Cluny Sister receives Benemerenti medal

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Trinidad-born Sr Augustine Quarless SJC was awarded the Benemerenti Medal from Pope Francis for her tremendous contributions to the diocese in […]

‘Be an agent of Caribbean unity’ Bishop Persaud ordained for Mandeville

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @kaelanne1 As Bishop John Persaud DD officially began his ministry as bishop of Mandeville Saturday, September 18, he expressed gratitude […]

Anniversary Mass for cooks

GUADELOUPE Three hundred cooks of the Association des Cuisinières de Guadeloupe (Cooks’ Association of Guadeloupe), celebrated their patron saint St Laurent (St Lawrence) and their 104th […]

Church condemns racist unrest, violence

GUYANA Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB is speaking out on the murders of teenage cousins Isaiah and Joel Henry, ages 16 and 19 and the aftershocks of […]

September ordination now in November

GUYANA The ordination to the priesthood of Rev Francis Xavier Savarimuthu has been pushed back to November 21. It was originally scheduled to take place in […]

Church must be life-giving presence in the world – Bishop at Chrism Mass

GUYANA At the annual celebration of the Chrism Mass, August 20, Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB of Georgetown reminded clergy that it is through the anointing of […]

Youth conferred sacraments in the new normal

DOMINICA The new normal caused by the COVID-19 pandemic did not deter the celebration of the Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation for some 63 […]

Bishop-elect bids farewell

GUYANA Bishop-elect John Persaud said his final goodbye to brother priests, parishioners, and the Diocese of Georgetown where he served as priest, Vicar General and administrator […]

Leadership important during pandemic

GRENADA Should Grenada’s government lockdown the island to stop the spread of COVID-19? Bishop Harvey offered his opinion August 13 during a live weekly session of […]

Msgr Terrence Montrose celebrates 45 years a priest

GUYANA Catholic News extends congratulations to Msgr Terrence Montrose on the 45th anniversary of his priestly ordination, August 10. Over the past four decades, Msgr Montrose […]

New Vicar General appointed

GUYANA Fr Ronnie Fernandes SJ has been named Vicar General of the Georgetown Diocese by Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB. He replaces Fr John Persaud who was […]

Church to assemble under ‘One’ theme

ST LUCIA Archbishop Robert Rivas OP of Castries has announced that plans to gather the Church in an Archdiocesan Assembly later this year, November 12–15, are […]

‘Jam’ together today, die alone next week

GRENADA Bishop Clyde Harvey of St George’s-in-Grenada has spoken out against citizens who seemed intent on celebrating Grenada’s Carnival as usual. The two-day public celebration was […]

God places you where He wants you

By Simone Delochan Email: copyeditor.camsel@catholictt.org A story was told to Fr Collin Jackson, before he was even contemplating becoming a priest, of an incident when he […]

Bishop relieved at appointment of new President

GUYANA Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB says he is relieved and hopeful after recent events finally brought an end to months of legal battles and one of […]

Churches reopen with COVID-19 guidelines

GUYANA The Government of Guyana issued updated COVID-19 guidelines which state that from Saturday, August 1, places of worship were permitted to be open for public […]

Congratulations to Fr Collin Jackson

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @kaelanne1 The ordination to the diaconate of Brother Peter Emmanuel and Trinidadian, Reverend Collin Victor Jackson to the priesthood marked […]

‘Words insufficient’- AEC President expresses gratitude to Dr Johnston

President of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) Bishop Gabriel Malzaire of Roseau, Dominica, on behalf of all bishops of the AEC, clergy and religious, has expressed […]

Religious leaders call for end to election impasse

GUYANA The Inter Religious Organization (IRO) of Guyana and the Guyana Council of Churches, in an “uncommon” joint statement issued July 23, say they have noted […]

‘Msgr Mike’ —35 years of priestly ministry

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Catholic News extends warmest congratulations to Msgr Michael ‘Mike’ Stewart, Vicar General of the Diocese of Kingstown who celebrated 35 years […]

Trini deacon to be ordained a priest

ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Bishop Gerard County CSSp of Kingstown will ordain Trinidadian Rev Collin Jackson to the priesthood and Brother Peter Emmanuel to the […]

Perpetrator in arson attack needs help, compassion

ST LUCIA Archbishop Robert Rivas OP of Castries has said that the perpetrator behind the July 19 arson attack at the St Martin de Porres Catholic […]

Robbery and arson at Church building

GUYANA Police are investigating a burglary which took place the night of Friday July 17, at the building which belongs to the Roman Catholic Church at […]

2022 AEC Youth Assembly theme logo chosen

Jawanza Stuart from Dominica is the winner of the logo competition for the Antilles Episcopal Conference Youth Assembly (AECYA) 2022. President of the AEC, Bishop Gabriel […]

Episcopal ordination in Jamaica set for September

GUYANA Fr John Persaud, Bishop-elect of Mandeville, Jamaica will now be ordained as the fourth Bishop of the diocese Saturday, September 19, 11 a.m. Jamaica time […]

Catholic church fires in Dominica and St Lucia

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @kaelanne1 Two fires which broke out at two Catholic churches in Dominica and St Lucia, a day apart, are now […]

Celebrating the ‘Year of the Word of God’ during COVID-19

Msgr William John-Lewis of the Diocese of Roseau, the zonal representative of the Caribbean Region of the Catholic Biblical Federation (CBF) or (FEBICLAC) convened a virtual […]

Kingston Archdiocese sets up pandemic relief fund

JAMAICA With COVID-19 bringing about major disruption and dislocation to the lives and livelihood across Jamaica, Archbishop Kenneth Richards of Kingston asserted that their plight cannot […]

2022 AEC Youth Assembly theme song chosen

Catholic musician Leandra Simon-Richards of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain is the winner of the Antilles Episcopal Conference Youth Assembly’s (AECYA) 2022 song competition. This […]

Caribbean Catholics reflect on reopening of churches

Amidst cries of gladness and thanksgiving, the words of Psalm 122 “kept ringing in my ears”: “I rejoiced when I heard them say, Let us go […]

Belize diocese welcomes new deacon

In early June, the universal Church rejoiced as the number of labourers in the vineyard of the Lord increased. The Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan, […]

Give ‘special care’ to most vulnerable – bishop

SURINAME “It is clear that we can only manage this pandemic if we all work together.” So said Bishop Karel Choennie of Paramaribo in a message […]

Pope appoints bishop to Mandeville

Fr John Derek Persaud, Vicar General of the Diocese of Georgetown, Guyana, was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Mandeville, Jamaica by Pope Francis on Friday, […]

Bishop commends citizens for keeping the faith

GUYANA Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB of Georgetown has commended all Guyanese for standing “tall and firm” through the whole period during which the nation was processing […]

Jesuits appoint new Regional Superior for Guyana-Jamaica

GUYANA Fr Peter McIsaac SJ will take up his new role as Regional Superior of the Jesuits in Guyana and Jamaica, effective July 1 since his […]

Examine ‘new’ sins of prejudice

ST LUCIA While placards are the go-to choice for protest marches, Archbishop Robert Rivas OP of Castries exhibited three placards during a Mass, June 8, with […]