Features

A feast for any season: Crispy Chinese Tofu Stir-Fry with Garlic Soy Glaze

By Chef B, Cousoumeh Food Company As we reflect and renew during this Easter season, I wanted to share a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant—a […]

For the love of Easter goat racing

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org In Buccoo—where goat racing has been a fixture for over 100 years—and Mount Pleasant proudly celebrating five decades of the tradition, Easter […]

EnCourage meeting – what to do when God opens the door

“Our role as parents is to keep our family members close to God, keep praying. Our role is not to judge; it is to love” expressed […]

Kingdoms: humour, heartache, and healing

By Fr Robert Christo Vicar for Communications   The air crackled with anticipation on the night of Sunday, March 30 in Malabar as nearly 500 faithful […]

His final decade

Final of a three-part series by Msgr Christian Pereira, who shares personal memories of Archbishop Anthony Pantin. Part 1 appeared in the March 30 issue and […]

Chancery staff embark on spirit-filled Jubilee Pilgrimage

By Nisha Elizabeth Lee-Archibald The Chancery’s Jubilee pilgrimage and Lenten retreat took place on Friday, March 28, beginning as early as 8 a.m., when the entire […]

Silent retreats – go within

As Lent unfolds, many Catholics embrace the opportunity to deepen their spiritual journeys, with silent retreats often playing a significant role during this sacred season. Seeking […]

The first two decades

Part 2 of a three-part series by Msgr Christian Pereira, who shares personal memories of Archbishop Anthony Pantin. Part 1 appeared in the March 30 issue. […]

Greer gave God all she got

By Archbishop Robert Rivas OP If Heaven could stand still to take time to roll out the red carpet for one of Jesus’ friends to enter […]

A response of trust in God’s goodness

By Fr Kenwyn Sylvester Director of Vocations At our first annual training session for Parish Vocations Committees, someone asked a question that struck a deep chord: […]

My early years with Archbishop Pantin

In this three part series, Msgr Christian Pereira shares more personal memories of Archbishop Anthony Pantin. Part 1 While I was a student of St Mary’s […]

Celebrating teachers: Catechesis in Catholic schools

By Andrew Fernandes Catechetical Representative, Catholic Schools Archdiocesan Catechetical Office   “Catechesis is an education in the faith of children, young people and adults which includes […]

In Lent, we grow by dying

By Fr Robert Christo Vicar for Communications Awaiting my turn to open Dimanche Gras 2025 at the Grand Stand, a strange thing happened. A security officer […]

A steadfast voice against Death Penalty

In 1992, when the Trinidad and Tobago government attempted to resume executions after a 20-year moratorium, one solitary voice of moral authority rose above the clamour […]

Saints Luke and Paul, and their relevance today

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Fr Benoît Standaert, a Belgian-born monk, and visiting priest at Mt St Benedict is taking faithful on a deep journey through the […]

Yearning to be among my incarcerated brothers

What is it like to volunteer in the Church’s prison ministry? Russel Gonzales, a member of the Catholic Prison Ministry, shares his experience. I started over […]

Holy Spirit inspired music for the Jubilee

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twenty five years ago, the Catholic Church worldwide embarked on a significant spiritual journey—the Jubilee Year celebrating the 2000th birthday of Christ. […]

Blessing Carnival? Why not?

By Fr Robert Christo Vicar for Communications Some people does twist up they face when they hear a priest blessing Carnival. “Blessing dat? Nah man, das […]

What we focus on, grows…

By Judy Joseph McSween Time Out Specialist – Emotional Intelligence, Conversational Intelligence and Spiritual Intelligence Coach. Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your […]

Catholic women called to be breach-menders for family, nation

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Why are children today so fragile and lacking resilience? It was a rhetorical question posed by Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon as he […]

Catholic singer, composer releases new song for Jubilee Year

Catholic singer and composer Christine Wharton releases her latest single ‘In the Desert, Water of Life’ for this Jubilee Year. The song captures a vivid narrative […]

Divine Mercy Conference this weekend

The 12th Annual Divine Mercy Conference is set to take place this weekend, March 15-16. Venue is the University Inn and Conference Centre in St Augustine. […]

Suburban Vicariate First Communion candidates visit sacred site

On Saturday, February 8, First Communion candidates from the Suburban Vicariate: Our Lady of Fatima, Curepe; St Joseph, and St Charles Borromeo, Tunapuna Parishes, and St […]

Why do I consider Archbishop Anthony Pantin to be a saint

By Msgr Christian Pereira In the Scriptures, we are introduced to one of the major Evangelists (Apostles) of the present era, St Paul. This evangelist (Apostle) […]

A Father for the poor

By Rhonda Maingot, Living Water Community Anthony Pantin lived in the presbytery at Laventille shrine after his Episcopal Ordination in 1968. He loved this simple abode, […]

A life worth emulating

By Simon Pantin, nephew There are several quotes which many serious-minded Christians find both challenging as well as convicting. Some of the most often-remembered ones include: […]

A true servant of the people

By Archbishop Emeritus Robert Rivas OP of Castries Archbishop Anthony Pantin CSSp, was a man of prayer and virtue. He lived an exemplary life as a […]

The Marriage Course

By Allan & Tonia Gooding Sector Couple, Teams of Our Lady, Trinidad & Tobago Teams of Our Lady (TOOL) Trinidad and Tobago extends an invitation to […]

Open the door to your heart

Margaret-Mary Woods is the co-founder of the Zion RC Community in San Fernando. In this edition of God @ Work, she talks to Associate Editor Simone […]

Veteran masman debuts Bel Timoun Kiddies

By Klysha Best A new kiddies Carnival band made its exciting debut at the Red Cross Children’s Carnival event last weekend. Named ‘Bel Timoun Kiddies’, which […]

Jeremiah’s passion for percussion

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org An Instagram video of a very animated Jeremiah Gittens (tisha.t.tish) speaking about his love of playing percussion instruments, bongos and congas had […]

Play the contagious ‘tamboo bamboo’

By Lara Pickford-Gordon, snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Tamboo Bamboo was the precursor to steelpan and was born out of resistance to the British ban on beating drums during Carnival. […]

Cumbermacks celebrate golden anniversary

Gabriel and Kathleen Cumbermack received a papal blessing on their 50th wedding anniversary. The following edited speech was given at their celebration at Holy Cross Chapel, […]

From gangs to grace: filling the hole of neglect

By Fr Robert Christo, Vicar for Communications In the Caribbean, we’re no strangers to the phrase: “it takes a village to raise a child.” But what […]

Patience, respect, listen to reach youth

Interview with Shepherd’s Cup 2024 Coach/Captain Kelford Bartholomew We have successfully completed another year of Sports Ministry as highlighted in the Shepherd’s Cup Tournament 2024. Last […]

Let’s go on pilgrimage

By Felix Edinborough Pilgrimages are an essential part of our lives so it is important that we be aware of how best to have this experience. […]

Legends never die

By Matthew Woolford According to Corinthians 1, 13:1-3, “If I speak in human and angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a resounding gong […]

In the prison, the clients are my sons…

What is it like to volunteer in the Church’s prison ministry? Volunteer Victoria Russell-Inniss shares her experience. One blessed Sunday morning in 2014, Hugo Forde, one […]

Politics and society in the context of Fratelli tutti

Catholics with political responsibilities, and clergy from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean met in Casa Lago, the venue of the Mexican Episcopate Conference, from February […]

Platinum for the Rivas’

With hearts full of gratitude and joy, we celebrate the remarkable milestone of 70 years of marriage for our beloved Calthorpe and Pearl Rivas from Trinidad […]

Synodal graces in alignment

By Fr Donald Chambers In October 2021, Pope Francis invited the Church on a synodal journey to listen to “what the Spirit is saying to the […]

Sin leaves marks —Indulgences wash them away

By Fr Robert Christo Vicar for Communications In this Jubilee Year, the word ‘indulgence’ is popping up but it often carries an air of mystery, confusion […]

Guidebook to help parents, educators with children behavioural issues

Story and photos by Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org   Mental health should be given attention at the primary school level, Psychiatrist Dr Stafford Pierre said at the […]

The strength of compassion

By Judy Joseph McSween Time Out Specialist – Emotional Intelligence, Conversational Intelligence and Spiritual Intelligence Coach. As usual, I encourage you to begin by pausing and […]

Exploring societal struggles in the 70s through West Indian literature

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Ryan Bachoo’s novel, An Unending Search, delves into the complexities of systemic racism, classism, and social divide. It traces the journey of […]

#Hopetelling through faith Communications

By Renée Smith comms.camsel@catholictt.org Attending a three-day conference in Rome for communicators was an unforgettable experience filled with enriching discussions, cultural immersion, and spiritual inspiration. The […]

Protecting our children from the dangers of Financial Sextortion

The online world is a double-edged sword. While it connects us in incredible ways, it also exposes our children to unseen dangers—one of the most alarming […]

Sex, silence and the Church. Have we failed?

By Fr Robert Christo Vicar for Communications Growing up in St James, I knew what it meant to be raised by a village. Our street–no more […]

Am I a Jubilee tourist or pilgrim?

by Fr Robert Christo, Vicar for Communications The Jubilee Year is here—a holy opportunity to encounter God in profound ways. But let’s take a moment to […]

EnCourage examines Jubilee Year theme

The monthly online EnCourage meeting began 7 p.m. Monday, January 20, with a prayer invitation to explore the Jubilee 2025 logo and the theme: Pilgrims of […]

Ecumenical Walk for Life as CFC celebrates 27th anniversary in Tobago

The weekend highlighted several ‘firsts’ for many of us and demonstrated the beauty and resilience of St Joseph RC Church, Scarborough, Tobago. Couples For Christ (CFC) […]

Religious and priestly vocation as self-gift

By Fr Kenwyn Sylvester Director of Vocations My seminary journey has been profoundly personal, full of reflection and significant encounters. I vividly recall one conversation during […]

Jubilee pilgrimages — more than getting your passport stamped

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org The inability to get a Pilgrim Passport in some parishes or just a matter of convenience has resulted in people going to […]

Early surge of pilgrimages to Jubilee sacred sites

Pilgrimages to sacred sites are well underway in the Archdiocese. Some parishes have advanced bookings up to the first quarter and one parish reported registration for […]

Life… in community

Writer Kaelanne Jordan chats with a lay consecrated person as the universal Church commemorates the World Day for Consecrated Life this Sunday, Feast of the Presentation […]

Priest is people too!

By Bella Maria Aboud Grade 12 Student, Maple Leaf International School   “I looked up to Heaven in my mind and I said, ‘God. No way, […]

J’Lani’s journey into psychology

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org J’Lani De Four is on an inspiring journey to become a licensed psychologist. As he steps forward into this calling, he seeks […]

Sunday Word of God & Jubilee of the World of Communications

Renee Smith, Digital Media Team Lead at Camsel, submitted this report while in Rome for the Jubilee of the World of Communications Holy Mass at St […]

Pilgrims of Hope in the Digital Caribbean

By Fr Robert Christo, Vicar of Communications The Jubilee Year 2025 is upon us, and Pope Francis has called us to be pilgrims of hope. But […]

The Holy Bible: a literary monument of divine revelation

By Dr Wendy Jones Principal, Catholic Bible Institute   Avid readers, speakers, and writers experience great joy and satisfaction in words. With words, we paint landscapes, […]

Baptism – deny or defer?

By Fr Robert Christo Vicar for Communications   Growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, a flambeau is more than just a source of light–it’s a lifeline […]

A flambeau in the darkness: Reflections on the Baptism of Jesus

By Fr Robert Christo, Vicar for Communications Growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, a flambeau is more than just a source of light–it’s a lifeline in […]

St Dominic’s Children’s Home brings the Nativity story to life once again

In true St Dominic’s Children’s Home tradition, the highly anticipated Nativity Play graced the stage from Friday, December 6 to Sunday 8, 2024. The performances brought […]

Faithful look forward to what the Jubilee Year brings

Story by Lara Pickford-Gordon Photos by Gerard-Paul Wanliss “There’s so much joy and excitement to see what the Year holds and what God has in store […]

Hope

Spoken Word poetry delivered by John-Michael Mader at the opening of the Jubilee Year at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, December 29, 2024 With faith […]

Need knows no season

Securing financial donations for the Christmas season has been a challenge not only for Catholic charities but other Christian organisations as well. Senior writer LARA PICKFORD-GORDON […]

Build your Legacy for 2025

By Dr Margaret Nakhid-Chatoor. Psychologist/Educator As the clock strikes midnight and we usher in the New Year 2025, this is usually a time for reflection and […]

On the Synodal journey into the Jubilee

By Gary Tagallie
Head of the Office of Pastoral Planning and Development We, in this Archdiocese of Port of Spain, have been gathering as a synodal church […]

What is…A
Jubilee
year?

The Jubilee Year 2025, themed Pilgrims
of
Hope, is a spiritual pause in the Church’s synodal journey, inspired by the biblical practices in Leviticus 25. It emphasises three […]

Renewing our world for Jubilee Year 2025

By 
Fr Martin Sirju, Vicar General Jubilee Year 2025 preparations are upon us. By now certain activities would have taken place and some are ongoing. We […]

A look back at 2024

2024 was quite a dynamic year. The transition to a synodal Church progressed. Church T&T embarked on a Eucharistic journey and by year-end, Jubilee was in […]

Reflecting on a year of growth and community

By Kathryn Tardieu, General Manager, Catholic Media Services Ltd As 2024 draws to a close, we at The Catholic News look back on an extraordinary year […]

The birth and death of Christ: A victory over pagan myths

By Johnathan Bhagan Secular and New Age voices often accuse Christianity of copying pagan myths, citing similarities between the story of Jesus and deities such as […]

Every good conversation starts with good listening…

By Judy Joseph McSween Time Out Specialist – Emotional Intelligence, Conversational Intelligence and Spiritual Intelligence Coach In our second segment of Self-Awareness and Self-Management, we noted […]

Reimagining character formation: a new approach to guiding young people

In a thought-provoking book launch at Murphy Clarke Financial Ltd on November 9, Opus Dei priest Fr Mark Georges introduced his groundbreaking work, Introduction to Anthropology […]

“Mary did you know?” song sweet but the theology sticky

By Fr Robert Christo, Vicar for Communications There’s no doubt that ‘Mary Did You Know?’ is my most melodious favorite song, especially during Advent and Christmas. […]

The Lay Ecclesial Life of Cassie Schemmel

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Cassie Schemmel’s journey into the heart of a Lay Ecclesial Community was a blend of serendipity, faith, and discernment. What started as […]

From Parang to prophets: rediscovering the joy of Advent

By Fr Robert Christo, Vicar for Communications For many Catholics, Advent wasn’t always the season that got much attention. Back in the day, it quietly tiptoed […]

Build a ramp for Giovani and others…

By Fr Dwight Merrick Doctors couldn’t or wouldn’t tell his parents a name for years. And before they knew it, it was time for Giovani to […]

Brain tumour, but God’s healing hand at work

Before August 7, 2021, I was a perfectly healthy individual. The morning started like any other, but it ended in a way that would change my […]

Regional Seminary – teaching Theology to all faiths in its own way

By Klysha Best If the state of the country and the world at large has you pondering things from a religious perspective, if you have a […]

Does education begin at home?

By Matthew Woolford I knew that I would not have been in Trinidad for All Souls Day. As such, and in vigil, I visited the grave […]

Nic’ was the resident Santa Claus

Anthony Dominic Mora died November 16, 2023 at the age of 72. The following was submitted by Earl Joseph on behalf of his former work colleagues. […]

A look at Dilexit nos

By Justice Dr Anthony Gafoor The encyclical Dilexit nos: On the Human and Divine Love of the Heart of Jesus Christ from Pope Francis, released on […]

Synodal mission:  theology, spirituality, culture

By Sharon Syriac The marriage of theology and theatre stunned an audience on Saturday, November 16 during the Archdiocesan Synod Gathering 3 at Macoya, when 750 […]

24 hour Catholic Health Hotline, a ministry of love

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org   In a world where many face the trials of illness, ageing, and grief alone, the Archdiocese of Port of Spain’s Catholic […]

Kay will be missed in the choir and in Carmel

Kathlyn Chan Wing died on October 14. She was 89. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, October 19 at the St Anthony’s RC Church, Petit […]

Pilot project to create ‘trauma-aware’ environment in schools

By Lara Pickford-Gordon, snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Teachers of two Catholic primary and two secondary schools received training to transform their schools and classrooms into “trauma-informed” schools and “trauma-informed” […]

Practise ‘allness’

Q. Can you give us a little background on yourself? “So, I am a St Joseph of Cluny Sister for the past 54 years” shares Sr […]

A Reason to Love

The Love Movement concert this weekend For 52 years, The Love Movement Family of Choirs has had many ‘Reasons to Love’. In 1972, Bernadette Scott felt […]

Fighting bullying through ministry

In an October 28 webinar, ‘Fighting Bullying Through Ministry’, experts shared valuable insights and strategies for addressing bullying within parish communities. The webinar was hosted by […]

Building relationships

By Judy Joseph McSween, Organisation development consultant and Christian Meditation teacher In the first segment of this series (October 20—26 issue), we journeyed with Jesus during […]

Bearer of Good News 2

The Catholic News recently organised a one-day retreat, Bearer of Good News 2, for its ambassadors, on Saturday, November 2 at St Benet’s Hall, Top of […]

Bethesda expands its reach to serve more families

Bethesda, a community dedicated to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), is expanding its services to more areas across Trinidad and Tobago. This growth reflects Bethesda’s deep commitment […]

El Camino and synodality

By Fr Donald Chambers Despite the numerous challenges faced on lengthy journeys, invaluable treasures await. One of these journeys for me was the Camino de Santiago […]

Zion RC Community hosts prayer breakfast

The Zion Community held its Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, October 12 at the San Fernando North Community Centre, St Vincent Street, San Fernando. As guests drove […]

Synodality and reimagining God

By Fr Donald Chambers It’s a widely accepted sociological principle that ideas profoundly influence behaviour. Our idea of God, for example, is inherited from our families, […]

Remembering the village Saints

By Fr Martin Sirju  Sunday, October 20 was a most memorable day in the life of Cedros parish, and especially for the parishioners of my home […]

St Joseph – a giant of a saint

On November 1, the Universal Church celebrated the Solemnity of All Saints. In preparation for this unique feast day, we approached a few people to tell […]

Conversion as Transformation

By Fr Donald Chambers In a reflection to the bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference, Sr Julie Marie Peters SSM distinguished between “change” and “transformation”. She […]

A Life of Faith, Service, and Love: The Legacy of Michelle Dianne Brown-Titte

Michelle Dianne Brown-Titte passed on Thursday, Oct 3 and the funeral Mass was held Tuesday, Oct 8th Michelle Dianne Brown-Titte was born on October 18, 1974, […]

Derrick’s determination

Derrick Simon is the national track and field coach, and is also a certified track and field coach, Ironman coach, and cycling coach. From a humble […]

Commitment to communities

On November 1, the Universal Church will celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints. In preparation for this unique feast day, we approached a few people to […]

Criteria for an authentic Eucharist

By Msgr Michael de Verteuil Chair, Liturgical Commission   How do we judge whether a Mass has been good or authentic or not? Whether we come […]

‘Bawling’ for deeper communion

By Fr Donald Chambers Fr Donald Chambers of the Archdiocese of Kingston, Jamaica is the General Secretary of the Antilles Episcopal Conference. “By the conclusion…everyone had […]

Communion as friendship

By Fr Donald Chambers “Friendship flourishes when we dare to share our doubts and seek the truth together” —Fr Timothy Radcliffe OP, Friendship, Synod Assembly 2023. […]

Give God the honour and glory in all you do

On November 1, the Universal Church will celebrate All Saints. In preparation for this unique feast day, we approached a few people to tell us about […]

Bringing healing and catharsis through imaginative art

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org   As World Mental Health Day was observed October 10, the conversation surrounding mental health awareness and stigma grows ever more vital. […]

Mama’ was like a mother to all

Ann Jane Frances Duprey died on August 17. She was 94. Her granddaughter, Dr Ottrisha Carter, delivered the following eulogy which has been edited for length. […]

October month reminds Catholics the power of the Rosary

The Universal Church dedicates October to the Holy Rosary with the feast of Our Lady the Rosary, celebrated on Sunday, October 7. It has roots in […]

Smal up yourself’ on the synodal bus ride

By Fr Donald Chambers I have travelled on public transportation in different countries, and my experiences have ranged from dangerous to hilarious. In Jamaica, for example, […]

Caribbean School of Dancing make  a clean sweep at All Dance America

By Klysha Best We all know the old adage of hard work paying off, and it more than did for the 22 students of the Caribbean […]

A visit to St Joseph’s Oratory

Story and photos by Matthew Woolford In the Gospel of St Matthew 17:20, Jesus gave the following advice, “Amen, I say to you, if you have […]

Fr Eddy’ helped make a way for others

Fr Edward Bermingham SJ died August 13 at the age of 67. The following tribute was delivered September 13 by Academic Dean, Dr Adanna James at […]

Youth 2000 memories

On Saturday, September 14, we gathered at Holy Faith Convent, Couva for Homecoming. This was a one-day retreat to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Youth 2000 […]

Youth 2000 30th Anniversary Homecoming

By Nicole Luke Team member, Youth 2000 As a member of the Youth 2000 Team and a past coordinator, attending the 30th anniversary Homecoming celebrations on […]

Children are gift’ at San Fernando Boys’ RC

On Friday, August 30, as parents of San Fernando Boys’ RC gathered to drop off their little ones for infant orientation, Donna Solomon, Principal, seized a […]

Deepening our Connection with God’s Word

Celebrate St Jerome in Bible Month September was designated the Month of the Bible, a period where the Church invites us to be more intimate with […]

Mr Puddles’, the church escort

Friday, October 4 is the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. Senior writer Lara Pickford-Gordon shares the saga of ‘Mr Puddles’, […]

Citizens must stand for the things that are right and pleasing to God

For almost four decades, members of the Trinidad and Tobago community at Christ the King Church in Southwest Miami have been engaged in ministry and have, […]

Some real questions for our beloved Republic

Republic Day must be a solemn day to reflect, not on where we came from, but where we are going. As a nation, we often speak […]

Steps for Hope activities

For the past 132 years, The Catholic News brand has traditionally been identified with its weekly paper, both in print and digitally via its website. In […]

Teams of Our Lady Trinidad represents at international gathering

Teams of Our Lady is an international movement of married couples in the Catholic Church that focuses on couple spirituality. It was founded in France in […]

People of Praise celebrates 35 years on Republic Day

On September 24 this year, the People of Praise (POP) Community celebrates its 35th anniversary. Traditionally, the symbol for a 35th anniversary celebration is coral, which […]

A century for Aubrey – continuing to enjoy this beautiful journey

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org The atmosphere in La Puerta, Diego Martin was filled with joy as Aubrey Lee Yuen celebrated a remarkable milestone: his 100th birthday, […]

Toward Self-governance

The first bicameral legislature in this part of the world actually met on July 11, 1768, in Tobago. The 1898 Order-in-Council declared Tobago a ward: an […]

A Trini mix – CurryLau!

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Pre-Covid, I bought a dish called ‘CurryLau’ at the La Petite Fleur Tea Shop, O Connor Street, Woodbrook. The fusion of curry […]

Living with God in our Republic

Archbishop Anthony Pantin’s Address for Republic Day which was broadcast on ‘Catholic Forum of the Air’ CN Sunday, Aug 8, 1976 Excerpts Dearly beloved brothers and […]

What does it mean to be a Republic?

By Leela Ramdeen Consultant, CCSJ & Director, CREDI On Tuesday, September 24, we will celebrate the 48th anniversary of Trinidad & Tobago becoming a Republic. Let’s […]

A reflection on Our Lady of Sorrows

By Gail Cooper The Madonna della Pietà, informally known as La Pietà (1498–1499) means pity or compassion. It is a sculpture of the Blessed Virgin Mary […]

A universal cry for international peace and security

By Delia Chatoor On July 20, 2023, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, presented to the international community his Policy Brief on A New […]

For the love of family

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org   Familia Ferreira is the title of the book tracing the ancestry of Stephen and Maria ‘Vio’ Ferreira. It contains detailed research, […]

Catechetical Month – recognising the service of our catechists

Message for Catechetical Month from the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office In response to the Vatican document On the Better Care and Promotion of Catechetical Education issued by […]

Coping strategies for university students, here and abroad

By Dr Gabrielle Alexander, Psychiatrist University students—this new period in your life brings both exciting new possibilities as well as a range of challenges. It’s exciting […]

Cydni’s Special Leg – a journey of awareness, acceptance, and empowerment

By Cedel Hinds and Camille Parris-Hinds We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new book —Cydni’s Special Leg! This heartfelt book is not just […]

Shabba and Buju – two of the best

By Matthew Woolford One of the many things that I have learnt from attending the Montreal Jazz Festival 2024 was how to ‘listen’ to music. At […]

Chancery Culinary Challenge: a flavourful celebration of teamwork and tradition

The courtyard of the Archbishop’s House came alive August 23 with vibrant energy as the ‘Chancery Culinary Challenge’ brought together departments from across the Chancery and […]

Maingot, de Rosia being recognised by International Women’s Forum

The International Women’s Forum Trinidad and Tobago (IWFTT) is set to honour four remarkable women at its third annual Inspirational Women Awards Gala on September 17. […]

A letter from Heaven

Taaz Ali died on August 14. His funeral was on August 22. Taaz and his wife Anne Marie had been a team couple in Marriage Encounter […]

Gwendolyn Hull Mader: A Musical Legacy of Faith and Inspiration

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org In the heart of the Caribbean, amidst the vibrant culture and rich history, one woman’s divine inspiration has left an indelible mark […]

Rejuvenate your spirit at Growing in Grace Women’s Conference

By Bernadette Patrick As women navigating roles in life, including mothers, daughters, professionals, and caregivers, we understand the importance of nurturing our bond with God amid […]

The Benedictine impact on national development following independence

By Abbot John Pereira, OSB Benedictine spirituality is two-fold. In the first instance, it roots the individual/community in a radical, ongoing turning to God. Secondly, it […]

At the ‘University of Woodford Square’ walk with your facts…or just relax

Story and photos by Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org It is after noon at Woodford Square and as usual there is steady foot traffic. Former 1990 Coup hostage […]

Steps along the journey for Jubilee Year

By Fr Donald Chambers In this article, I offer a step-by-step guide to various groups for celebrating Jubilee 2025 Year as a rest stop on the […]

Valley Angels celebrates its tenth anniversary

By Michelle Anderson-Harricoo, member of Valley Angels Valley Angels Steel Orchestra is nestled within the beautiful green mountains which create the picturesque northern range in Petit […]

Pan in de church

It was long in coming but finally the steelpan was officially named as the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago by assent of the Parliament in […]

Jesus Explosion XXII – testimony of love, mercy, grace of God

By Lesley Taylor Gouveia, Coordinator /Jesus Explosion All Praise and Glory to Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as Jesus Explosion (JE) 2024 was again a […]

Reading with Amayah

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org At just eight years old, Amayah Wallace-Aniebonam is stepping into the literary limelight with her debut book, Amayah’s Quest for the Golden […]

‘Miss Mary’ meant many things

Mary Corraspe-Jones died on July 28. Her funeral was held on August 2. The following eulogy by her daughter Carlene Freya Riley has been edited for […]

Making donuts sanctifying work

By Lara Pickford-Gordon Saturday, August 3 was a milestone for Chelsea Jardim, 27 years—she opened her first business Dough Bomb Donuts Café at Royal Palm Plaza, […]

Jubilee Year 2025: A Spiritual Rest Stop on the Synodal Journey

By Fr Donald Chambers As we eagerly anticipate the Jubilee Year 2025, it’s crucial to grasp its profound significance within the context of the Church’s synodal […]

A short history of pan in Church

By Lionel Owen The early church used voice as the main source of music in the liturgy, though some wind (flute, trumpet, etc.) and stringed instruments […]

God Never Loses

By Matthew Woolford A retired priest once told me that “God never loses”. This was following Sunday afternoon Mass many years ago at Our Lady, Mother […]

Sr Marie Thérèse: A nun for all seasons

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org A Mass of Thanksgiving for the Diamond Jubilee, marking 75 years of Religious Profession of Sr Marie Thérèse Rétout OP was held […]

Youth, retirees to spend time together in RAPP

For 20 years, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has been working behind-the-scenes to eliminate the gap between different generations of citizens. On July 17, The […]

Honour and care for our elderly

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org In old age do not forsake me, from Psalm 71, was the theme of the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly […]

The Children’s Ark —A symbol of protection

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org My first introduction to The Children’s Ark was through the news of the Learning Centre for migrant children in Penal. Simone de […]

With arms wide open…

Story and photos by Matthew Woolford The first thing I discovered about Montréal was that it is a beautiful city, picture perfect and welcoming in every […]

ME remembers a marriage mentor

Louis Moffet died July 27, 2023. Members of the Marriage Encounter Movement pay tribute. We vividly remember sad moments in life and at times, it may […]

Walking for Mayreau

‘Walk for Mayreau’ fundraising walk takes place on Saturday, August 3 in aid of the church of the Immaculate Conception on the island of Mayreau, southern […]

Alpha Pan Pioneers ready for Steelpan Music Festival

Alpha Pan Pioneers Steel Orchestra is a steelband in the community of St Joseph RC, Tobago, an extension of the parish’s music ministry. The orchestra actively […]

We gather…

By Msgr Michael de Verteuil Chair, Liturgical Commission   From the beginning, an identifying mark of Christians was that they gathered—and they continue to do so […]

Make sure to communicate and connect, parent to child

Crystal Johnson worked at the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission for 14 years as a Family Mental Health Clinician, and now is a School Counsellor at her […]

Living in God’s light

Fr Trevor Nathasingh delivered a series of lectures July 12–14 at St Antoninus Church in New Jersey, USA during a Divine Adoration Prayer Conference titled ‘The […]

A taste of Heaven on Earth

– Pilgrims’ journey to three Marian shrines in Europe By Joanne Joseph, Pilgrim Deeply devoted to Our Lady, a group of 32 pilgrims, led by Msgr […]

What is God Intelligence?

By Daniel Francis I have recently had a full-circle type of experience. Here is some context. In 2020, I launched my first book The Millennial Mind. […]

Am I a Gen X Catholic?

By Michael Merritt I am not sure. Then again, I may be confused about many things, ‘feelings and labelling’. I am a male child of God, […]

Dr Clerk, ‘angel of compassion’ through medicine

The Archdiocese of Port of Spain recently presented Dr Richard Clerk with a Papal Award, the Benemerenti Medal. Here is his brief profile. For 50 years, […]

Join The Catholic News Steps for Hope Activity Club

By Camille Ramdial-Cumberbatch Business Manager, Camsel   The Catholic News’ Steps for Hope Activity Club was created following the success of The Steps for Hope 5K/1K […]

Sr Magdalen – 70 years ‘fanning the fire’ in the Caribbean, Africa

Sr Magdalen Fields SJC will celebrate 70 years of Religious life on August 28. In advance of this, her Jubilee Mass was recently celebrated at Javouhey […]

2024 Trinity Telethon fundraiser is on

The much-anticipated Trinity Telethon 2024 is set to run for an entire week, starting this Sunday, July 14, and culminating Sunday 21. This event is the […]

 A different world: discovering monastic life at the Mount

Ryan Bachoo was a participant in a recent ‘Come & See’ experience hosted by the monks of Mount St Benedict Monastery in Tunapuna from Friday, June […]

Monastic friendship – Pachomian and Benedictine

Brother Paschal Jordan OSB shares on the close ties the monks at Mount St Benedict have with their counterparts of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The monks […]

Composing a legacy of faith through music

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org   St Lucian Catholic composer Llewellyn Gill’s love for music was first manifested as a child of nine when he was part […]

Sister Marcelle – natural flair for the arts, cooking

St Joseph of Cluny Sister Marcelle Lum Chow died on June 2 in Grenada. She was 83. Her Funeral Mass was held on Friday, June 7 […]

Stillness in movement

Brent Barry is the Reliability Senior Superintendent at Nutrien, Couva, a demanding job yet he still makes time to enjoy his passion: sports. Any sport! He […]

Bingo fundraiser for Bethesda

Bethesda for persons with disabilities (PwDs) is hosting Bingo for a Cause 2 June 30 at Centenary Hall, St Mary’s College Port of Spain. It is […]

On Trusting God (and myself)

By Matthew Woolford The first time I read Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich, I didn’t think I was mentally and emotionally equipped to follow all […]

From grief to growth – Ministry of Consolation workshop

“Focus your energy on your inner growth,” candid words conveyed by Bereavement Counsellor Cerid Sampson to participants at the ‘From Grief to Growth’ workshop hosted by […]

Remembering Andy…with love and gratitude

By June Johnston Every year on June 5, I would post on Facebook a few words in remembrance of Fr Michel de Verteuil CSSp, Editor of […]

5 Reflections on Catholic Fatherhood

Fatherhood is a profound vocation within the Catholic faith, exemplified by the guiding presence of God the Father and the earthly life of Saint Joseph. Below […]

Clergy & Religious Share Loving Lessons from Dad

Sr Juliet Rajah CHF “I learnt from my father, Davy Rajah, that God comes first in life, that service to the faith community is important. He […]

Kwailan, a star for sailors

The Catholic News intern Liam Kissoon attended the funeral for Kwailan La Borde and wrote this short reflection. “Harold had the vision, but Kwailan made it […]

The Church’s teaching on the protection of workers as human rights

With T&T’s annual Labour Day being marked on June 19, Justice Dr Anthony DJ Gafoor examines the Church’s position. The Catholic Church has long been a […]

Union leader and father advises… pay attention

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org   Vincent Cabrera, a former trade union leader has over 40 years of service in the field of industrial relations. He is […]

Music, my father, and me

By Matthew Woolford I was ‘born’ and raised at LP #71 Pelican Extension Road, Morvant, in a house built by my great-grandmother, Shirlee Andries. On her […]

A providential plurality?

By Fr Martin Sirju Some weeks ago, I was invited to the Mother Earth celebrations by the Orisha community. Baba Neal Rawlins, a leader of the […]

Br Paschal – liturgical music all around

By Kaelanne Jordan, mediarelations.camsel@catholict.org   In my recent interviews, the focus revolved around Catholic composers and their Advent and Lenten hymns, with Br Paschal Jordan OSB […]

Drug misuse – in the river or on the bank…

By Kaelanne Jordan, mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org   Families in Action (FIA) is on a campaign to educate society on substance use and highlight the importance of language. The […]

Non-Religious Traditions Associated with Corpus Christi Around the World

While Corpus Christi is primarily a religious feast in the Catholic tradition, in some cultures around the world, it is also associated with non-religious traditions and […]

The Feast of Corpus Christi: Celebrating and Defending the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist

The feast of Corpus Christi, formally known as the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, holds a significant place in the Catholic Church. Instituted […]

Dealing with the changing drug landscape

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Families in Action (FIA) has noted a “drastic change” in drug use, methods of use, and the age of introduction, observing that […]

Church moves to establish a centralised trauma resource

The Archdiocese of Port of Spain is now one step closer to establishing a centralised resource for trauma healing and care. The move comes 17 months […]

Corpus Christi in Art and Literature

The Feast of Corpus Christi has inspired a rich array of artistic and literary expressions throughout history. These works, spanning visual art, music, and literature, reflect […]

Corpus Christi in Ecumenical Dialogue: Bridging Divides through Eucharistic Theology

The feast of Corpus Christi, dedicated to the celebration of the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, holds a distinctive place within the Catholic tradition. […]

Behold, I make all things new’

This Sunday, May 26 is the first World Children’s Day. Following is the full text of Pope Francis’ message issued on March 2. Dear Children! Your […]

We saw the signs

Our Q & A in this issue of God @ Work is with well-known husband and wife Bryan and Niobe Rodrigues of the Touch of Christ […]

Eucharist: source and summit

By Msgr Michael de Verteuil Chair, Liturgical Commission   The Catholic Church speaks of the celebration of the  Eucharist as the source and summit of the […]

Building up the Temple

By Fr Jesse Maingot OP We’re approaching the end of our 33 days to Eucharistic Glory. Consecration day is fast approaching on Corpus Christi. I’ve been […]

Young athletes shine at CN’s 5K Steps for Hope

Seventeen-year-old Omare Thompson won the first Steps for Hope 5K of The Catholic News surpassing a field of more than 400 competitors in a time of […]

Eucharist and daily living

By Msgr Michael de Verteuil Chair, Liturgical Commission   “For the faithful who have understood the meaning of what they have done, the Eucharistic celebration does […]

Exploring the nature of Eucharistic Adoration

By Fr Jesse Maingot OP “I am convinced that we have lost the sense of adoration: we must regain it, …. ‘wasting’ time before the tabernacle, […]

Apologia for Evangelicals

By Fr Martin Sirju I’ve been rather dismayed by priests and laity who do not see the positive impact of evangelical Christianity on the world and […]

To the moms of big families: you are superheroes!

By Kathryn Tardieu General Manager, Camsel When people look at big families, very often they ask the moms in particular, “How do you cope with all […]

Nutrition for pre and post exercise

By Cherice Bronte-Tinkew Registered Dietitian What you eat before and after can affect your overall performance when exercising or participating in a sport. For this article, […]

Love is priority for great-great-grandmother Mavis

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org On today’s Mother’s Day eighty-three-year-old Mavis Sylvester has attained the title of great-great-grandmother with the birth of her first great-great-grandchild at the […]

Inculturation and Liturgy in the Easter Season

By Justice Dr Anthony DJ Gafoor  Inculturation, the process of integrating local cultural expressions into the liturgy, is essential for the Easter season as it allows […]

Our future in the age of AI

This Sunday, May 12 is the 58th World Day of Social Communications. The theme is Artificial Intelligence and the Wisdom of the Heart: Towards a Fully […]

Paul and the Eucharist (Part 2)

By Msgr Michael de Verteuil, Chair, Liturgical Commission 1 Corinthians 10:16–17 “The cup of blessings which we bless, is it not a communion in the blood […]

Fruits of Holy Communion

By Fr Jesse Maingot OP Last week we spoke of the principal fruit of receiving the Eucharist: our deeper transformation into Christ. Holy Communion increases Jesus’ […]

Memories of mamma’s sweet han’

Food not only satisfies hunger or brings comfort, in our subconscious it is linked to people, places and experiences. As we celebrate Mother’s Day The Catholic […]

Margaret’ was a mother figure to all

Margarita Rivas died on April 10. Her funeral was held at Holy Cross RC Church, Santa Cruz on April 20. Richard Lezama did the following eulogy. […]

Present to the community at John John

On Saturday, April 13, the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission (AFLC) was warmly welcomed to the John John community as part of The Picton Project Holistic Family […]

Paul and the Eucharist (Part 1)

By Msgr Michael de Verteuil, Chair, Liturgical Commission 1 Corinthians 11:17–34 In this Letter, Paul is answering questions or correcting things he has heard of the […]

Heavenly bread for the journey…

By Fr Jesse Maingot OP This week in our 33-day journey, we reflected a lot about life being a pilgrimage to Heaven. I would like to […]

Visit the art exhibition, ‘Lagoon’

Artist Kwynn Johnson returns to the Big Black Box for her tenth solo Art Exhibition. ‘Lagoon (Human Settlement)’ is the title of the exhibition which opens […]

Ensuring the future of the nation

Education is the cornerstone of a nation’s growth and prosperity. It shapes the minds of the young and prepares them to become the leaders, innovators, and […]

An Unlikely Success Story gifted to POS schools

Copies of An Unlikely Success Story, a local biography of Deacon Lennox Toussaint were distributed to 17 schools in Port of Spain on April 12. The […]

Aunty lived God’s commandment daily

Mary Serrette died on Sunday, March 31 (Easter Sunday). Her Funeral Mass and burial was on Friday, April 5 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Maraval. […]

Family Prayer – The Vocations Cup

Last Sunday (April 21) was Good Shepherd Sunday, which was designated a Day of Prayer for Vocations worldwide. Pope Francis also declared 2024, a Year of […]

Faith unveiled: The power of belief in the Eucharist   

By Rosemarie Sant, CN contributor The Christ the King RC Church in Miami, Florida, buzzed with prayer, praise, worship, and fellowship over three consecutive nights, April […]

Your sacrifice and mine

By Msgr Michael de Verteuil Chair, Liturgical Commission The Mass, the source and summit of the Christian life, has been called by many names—from the scriptural […]

Two Thousand Hail Mary Devotion

The Towers of Strength Community is inviting interested persons for this year’s Two Thousand Hail Mary Devotion on Saturday, May 4 at Sacred Heart RC Church, […]

What is the Feast of the Good Shepherd?

The Feast of the Good Shepherd, observed on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, holds profound significance within the Catholic Church, spotlighting Jesus as the Good Shepherd. […]

Chancery staff encouraged to spend time before Blessed Sacrament

The annual staff retreat of the Chancery, led by Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon, and facilitated by Fr Jesse Maingot OP, was held on March 13 at […]

Entering the process of Communal Discernment

By Fr Peter McIsaac SJ CONCLUSION How, then, as a director, guiding and participating in the directee’s personal discernment, do I cultivate self-awareness without promoting the […]

The NGC Bocas Lit Fest is on

The NGC Bocas Lit Fest is the largest literary festival in the Anglophone Caribbean. Now in its 14th year, the upcoming NGC Bocas Lit Fest will […]

My transformation – The Synodal Church Mission and Easter

By Noel Nunes Synod Facilitator, Cathedral/Sacred Heart Parish As we reflect on the spiritual journey this Easter season, I feel compelled to share the profound transformation […]

Liturgy School 2024

Liturgy School will be held for two weeks from Monday, July 29 to Saturday, August 10, 2024. This year, as has happened for the last few […]

Encountering the ‘Other’ in Prayer and Communal Discernment

By Fr Peter McIsaac SJ Fr Carlo Carretto, a spiritual master of the Little Brothers of Jesus, said: “Contemplation is the art of being watched by […]

Mercy amidst darkness: A call for redemption in T&T

By Rosemarie Sant, CN contributor Fr Trevor Nathasingh has lamented that the state of sin in Trinidad and Tobago now puts this country in a worse […]

Dig deep, show mercy

The life of the Christian “ain’t no joke thing”. According to Fr Maurice White, “It really takes something out of you, and you have to dig […]

Haiti: an inquiry into violence

By Matthew Woolford According to Fr John Hardon’s Modern Catholic Dictionary, violence may be defined as “Physical or psychological force used to compel one to act […]

Art, just scaled down…

World Art Day is celebrated annually on April 15, according to UNESCO, to celebrate “the links between artistic creations and society, encourage greater awareness of the […]

What does the Vatican’s new declaration on human dignity say?

“In the face of so many violations of human dignity that seriously threaten the future of the human family, the Church encourages the promotion of the […]

Bertin embodied love and selflessness

Bertin Salina-Vidale was born into a Catholic family in the beautiful valley of Lopinot. She was the seventh child and youngest girl of nine children. Raised […]

An unsolved murder, a moment for mercy

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org It’s during the most traumatic and vulnerable moments that God’s love sustains wounded hearts. For Catherine Ramsahai, the crucified Christ gave her […]

Parenting ABCs for a better T&T

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org   There have been a series of videos giving the ABCs of parenting on TV6 and online platforms. Each of the 26 […]

Sr Catherine Therese’s sideline, sprucing up Belmont’s broken statues

Story and photos by Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org   The restoration of St Francis RC Church, Belmont is proceeding apace with the completion in sight for May. […]

From faith and fire: A book on our churches and chapels

By Robert Clarke, Researcher/writer   The fire was the story: The blaze of 1944 that razed St Joseph’s Convent, killing four nuns, and causing priests to […]

Death and Resurrection in the Conversation in the Spirit

By Fr Donald Chambers In this article, I would like to explore how the Paschal Mystery (suffering, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ) informs and inspires […]

Awesome power, awesome pain

By Vincent G Lynch At the commencement of His ministry the sick and maimed He did heal, And to many unclean spirits He did His sacredness […]

Easter in the valley

By Archbishop Emeritus Robert Rivas OP Last year I found the Easter lily in the valley, and resurrection came dramatically to me on Easter Sunday. Here […]

Loved into existence

By Sienna Lewis “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither […]

Gregg Pinheiro on becoming Catholic

The Catholic News spoke with Gregg Pinheiro who will be initiated into the Church and join the community at Our Lady of Mt Carmel RC Church, […]

Couple shares their journey to becoming Catholic

Akeem and Petal Jack will complete the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults on Glorious Saturday at the St John the Evangelist RC Church, Diego Martin. […]

God’s gift to Liam – A winning voice

Liam Gooding placed First in the Boys Vocal Solo 16–19 category of the biennial Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival 2024. In 2022, he placed First in […]

Great information, the conversation has just begun

The March 8 Human Sexuality Symposium at the Centre of Excellence, Tunapuna attracted almost 2,000 attendees, mainly teachers and some parents. Hosted by the Catholic Religious […]

The connection between the Eucharist and Lent

By Justice Dr Anthony DJ Gafoor The Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper, holds a central place in the Christian faith, particularly […]

Llewellyn Gill: Composing a Legacy of Faith through Music

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Catholic composer Llewellyn Gill’s love for music was first manifested as a child of nine when he was part of the Choir […]

New priest for local Archdiocese: Meet Rev Maurice White

On March 19, Solemnity of St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Rev Maurice White, 40 will become a diocesan priest. The Catholic News put […]

Listen to Him!

In a world filled with many different voices influencing us and pulling us in all directions, we must ask ourselves, what and who am I listening […]

Have age-appropriate conversations with your children about sexuality

Educators and others attending the Human Sexuality Symposium were informed of four principles to guide conversations with children about sexuality. Episcopal Delegate for the Archdiocesan Family […]

The ancient church of India

Attorney-at-law Johnathan Bhagan concludes a two-part series looking at India’s Christian heritage. In last Sunday’s issue, he wrote on the saints of Africa. The state of […]

Response to Tobago oil spill highlights need to review contingency plan

In the aftermath of the recent oil spill that has impacted beaches in Tobago and spread as far as Grenada and Venezuela, Professor Judith Gobin of […]

Int’l Women’s Day & female saints who were trailblazers

International Women’s Day 2024 is celebrated on March 8. Let’s celebrate some female saints who were trailblazers, ignoring critics who tried to box them in when God […]

Justice Hudlin-Cooper urges faithful: Stand firm against worldly temptations

Justice Tricia Hudlin-Cooper is urging the Catholic faithful to stand firm in their faith and not be swayed by the tide of the world. Addressing the […]

The Saints of Africa

Attorney-at-law Johnathan Bhagan looks at the churches in Africa and India in this two-part series. Christianity has always had a deep connection to Africa. Sadly, due […]

Women’s health and nutrition

By Cherice Bronte-Tinkew It takes a lot to fill the shoes of a woman. Women today take on many roles in the lives of all. Besides […]

A time for musical sobriety – hymns for Lent

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, in Lent, “the playing of the organ and musical instruments is allowed only […]

Bold and balanced

Interview with Anna-Maria Garcia-Brooks Q: Can you tell us a little about your corporate background? My career started in 1980 when I entered Neal & Massy’s […]

Family life concerns discussed at provincial clergy meeting

By Fr Stephan Alexander, participant Mayaro! This wonderful seaside locale in southeastern Trinidad played host to members of clergy of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) Province […]

On the beauty of Carnival

Story and photos by Matthew Woolford I was born on February 17, 1986, and according to the Trinidad and Tobago National Library and Information System Authority […]

Theme: Through the desert God leads us to freedom

The following is the text of the Message of the Holy Father Francis for Lent 2024. Dear brothers and sisters! When our God reveals himself, his […]

The role of women in a Synodal Church – Building the Civilisation of Love

The following is an extract from CCSJ’s Consultant, Leela Ramdeen’s presentation as the feature speaker at the Growing in Grace Women’s Ministry’s Annual Women’s Conference 2023, […]

Human Sexuality: the realities and our response

By Fr Matthew Ragbir Director, Pastoral Formation   It is said, “to be human is to be sexual, but not everything sexual is human.” What then […]

Understanding the strengths of community 

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org   The ‘East Dry River Community Pride Creative Workshops’, a series of workshops over eight weeks exploring how strong community identity can […]

Lyzel, a natural-born servant leader

Lyzel Cummings died February 3, 2024. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated February 9. The following is an edited version of the eulogy delivered by close friend, […]

After Carnival, look out for ‘My Sweet Lord

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Local musician and music producer Curtis Marcellin sees Lent as an opportunity for self-examination, spiritual growth, and deepening of his relationship with […]

Passion, perseverance led to Junior Panorama win for HFCP

By Klysha Best Neil Simon, the music teacher at the Holy Faith Convent, Penal, (HFCP) can attest to being the kind of teacher that motivates and […]

Moko Somokow brings Heaven to Earth

By Klysha Best There is something completely special, even ethereal when one sees a moko jumbie in movement. The ease and lightness with which they walk […]

Down memory lane with an All Stars stalwart

Photo and story by Lara Pickford-Gordon St Clair Plowden is 94 years old. He joined the Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra at the age of 19 […]

Academics to reduce recidivism, promote reintegration

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org PART 2 Offenders, Prison Officer Cindy Poliah of the Correctional Education Unit, Programmes and Industry Department emphasised, are not “forced” to pursue […]

Couples invited to participate in The Marriage Course

Couples are invited to participate in the ‘The Marriage Course’ (TMC) created by Nicky and Sila Lee as part of the Alpha programme. It will be […]

Our Lady of Exile

The Feast day of Our Lady of Exile is celebrated on February 4. Reader Gail Cooper contributed this reflection. The patronal plaque Our Lady of Exile […]

Junior mas designer puts spotlight on glaucoma

By Klysha Best There is a common phrase that says, “art imitates life”. But, for most artists, their life is their art and through their art, […]

A fancy sailor’s tales

Story and photos by Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org “I love Carnival; I could eat Carnival and pan. I started to play pan in 1969 as a 19-year-old. […]

To find a different way

By Fr Kwesi Alleyne A member of the Maloney Parish Clergy Team Yet another principle is the Universal Destination of All Goods. Everything that God has […]

The Word of God, our gift of hope

Fr Hugh Logan, Caribbean Zone Coordinator for the Catholic Biblical Federation issued this message for Sunday of the Word of God which was celebrated January 21. […]

Proclaiming Scripture must be taken seriously

Kali McMorris from the Archdiocese of Kingston, Jamaica was one of the candidates to receive the Ministry of Lector from the Pope on January 21, the […]

Catholic males and worship

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org At the inauguration of The National Catholic Men’s Ministry on March 19, 2019—the Solemnity of St Joseph— at the Cathedral of the […]

God’s project – bring people together

By Fr Kwesi Alleyne, a member of the Maloney Parish Clergy Team If we look at the related field of ethics. For both ethics and morals […]

A tribute to Fr Herbert

By Senator Hazel Thompson-Ahye On Saturday, January 6, 2024, I attended the celebration service to mark the retirement of Fr Herbert Charles CSSp from active priestly […]

See me, extemporaneously

The Catholic News’ Senior Writer Lara Pickford-Gordon interviewed Joseph Vautor-La Placeliere aka ‘The Mighty Lingo’ in October about his entry into the Calypso arena. He also […]

Little Mother’ embraced cultural diversity

By Neila Todd, Tertiary of Carmel Servant of God, Mother Mary Ellerker of the Blessed Sacrament, Foundress of the Corpus Christi Carmelites made her transition from […]

Embracing the tradition: Enthroning the Bible as a family

In 2019, Pope Francis made a significant declaration that has since become a cherished tradition for many families around the world. The third Sunday of January […]

Does politics have a morality of its own?

By Fr Kwesi Alleyne, a member of the Maloney Parish Clergy Team As I ruminated on the Epiphany readings with the familiar imagery of the Wise […]

What kind of society do we want?

By Lara Pickford-Gordon, snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org It’s no secret the issues to be confronted in regenerating males to meet the challenges of today are complex and require tough […]

ScoutsTT partners with WASA to tackle river pollution

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org The Scout Association of Trinidad and Tobago is partnering for two years with the Adopt a River Programme to tackle pollution of […]

The many ways of  pigeon peas

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org The annual pigeon peas festival, held in Diego Martin during the Carnival season, has promoted the many uses of pigeon peas in […]

Trinidad All Stars celebrates 89 years of scintillating sounds of steel

Story and photos courtesy Overtime Media Discipline. Dedication. Magnificence. These watchwords have guided and inspired members of the Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra (TASSO) for decades. […]

Fellowship for new SDW ministry

The Archdiocesan Family Life Commission’s Ministry to the Separated, Divorced and Widowed (SDW) held its first in-person event on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the Living […]

An experience of social/social justice ministry in Mexico

By Fr Curtis Gaston Poyer Former Director for Social/Social Justice Ministry in the Diocese of Tampico, Mexico, 2004–2023   PART 1 In the new millennium, the […]

The Epiphany of the Lord – a celebration for all peoples

By Msgr Michael de Verteuil, Chair of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission   First, a little history. The Feast of the Epiphany has a complex early history […]

No Longer at Ease’ – a reflection

By Matthew Woolford This was a gem of a book! When I purchased it, I could not have predicted the powerful and explanatory effect it was […]

The challenges of being a man

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org   It’s no secret that males face a unique set of challenges growing up and living up to their potential and societal […]

After Darién, Venezuelan migrants take the maritime route to T&T

The following article by Angel Morillo was published on the website of the CELAM Center for Communication. It has been translated from the original Spanish language. […]

Do you still buy and send Christmas cards?

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org A local manufacturer and distributor of Hallmark-branded greeting cards has disclosed that the greeting card industry is not experiencing significant growth due […]

A beacon of hope for dance, drama, and music

By Daniel Francis I must start this review with two disclaimers. When I was asked to attend and produce a review for ‘Gifts of Blue and […]

Starting new Christmas traditions

By Alvin Peters As Josephine walked through the front door of her parents’ home, her mind’s eye opened to the sights, smells and sounds of wonderful […]

On the synodal journey for Christmas

By Fr Donald Chambers The liturgical season of Christmas is close at hand, and it is celebrated within the universal Church’s synodal journey. What is the […]

‘Give me the homemade wine…’

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Homemade wines are traditional at Christmas. Just ask Scrunter (Irwin Reyes Johnson) who in the Christmas song ‘Homemade Wine’ names 16 wines […]

Christmas with per-sons with disabilities

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org The holiday season, with its twinkling lights, festive decorations, and joyous gatherings, is a time when families come together to celebrate. However, […]

The Christmas Eve rush… and other traditions

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Putting the house away’ on Christmas Eve was common in the past and some people say they find excitement still doing that […]

Parang-ing for Jesus: Meet Viva Jesús!

By Renee Smith University students who came together in prayer and worship found they were a talented group of musicians and bound by their unwavering faith […]

Around the World: How Various Cultures Mark the Advent Season

For the world’s over 1 billion Catholics and many Protestant denominations too, late November heralds the thoughtful season of Advent. Marking the four weeks approaching Christmas, […]

Synod, not a project but an experience

By Fr Donald Chambers Synod is not another pastoral programme or project to be added to the litany of Church projects. As a well-oiled institutional machinery, […]

Mission Hosororo – God at work

Jesus Explosion’s Coordinator Lesley Taylor Gouveia reflects on their 2023 mission to Guyana’s Interior Jesus Explosion went on Mission in July 2023 to Hosororo, the third […]

Believe…’ is more than a concert

In the spirit of unity, joy, and the magic of the holiday season comes ‘Believe, Christmas Around the World.’ This enchanting event will take place on […]

In support of the neurodivergent

The Neurodiversity Foundation (TNF) was launched at Queen’s Hall, Port of Spain on October 30. The main aim of the Foundation is to advocate on behalf […]

The layered history behind Advent

The Advent season marks a pivotal period in the Christian calendar, serving as a time of preparation before the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. Tracing back […]

Sweet Parang Sounds: Meet Los Sonidos!

By Renee Smith Within the Parang music industry stands a group that radiates an energy that seems to transcend the ordinary, where the harmony isn’t just […]

Silence and synodality

By Fr Donald Chambers “There is a time to keep silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7). Silence is an essential element in the Church’s […]

Bishop Clyde among inductees to St Mary’s College Hall of Fame

Bishop Clyde M Harvey of St George’s-in-Grenada was one of five men inducted into the St Mary’s College Hall of Fame on November 14. The other […]

Grounded

Interview with Judy Joseph Mc Sween, Organisation Development Consultant and Christian Meditation teacher Q: Can you give us a little bit about your background? I was […]

Saint Francis of Assisi and the first Christmas crib

By Dominic J Ganteaume The first Christmas crib was instituted by Francis of Assisi (1181–1226) in the mountain village of Greccio in central Italy. Francis was […]

Dressed to impress God? RC Church’s Clothing Guidelines Cause Controversy

The question of what to wear in a church generates different views. This was evident after a photo of a poster giving examples of “proper” and […]

Catholic Men Speak: Int’l Men’s Day 2023

Sunday, November 19 is International Men’s Day, designated to spotlight the positive value men bring to the world, their families, and communities. It aims to highlight […]

What’s next? Let it be done

By Fr Donald Chambers On Sunday, October 29, Pope Francis celebrated the closing Mass of the Synod Assembly in St Peter’s Basilica. Three hundred and sixty-five […]

Vatican office provides guidance on sacramental inclusion of transgender and homosexual people

In July 2023, the Vatican’s doctrinal office, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), responded to several questions posed by Bishop José Negri of […]

Challenge to conversion

By Fr Donald Chambers As the Synod Assembly in Rome ended, the pertinent question resting on my mind was: what is the biggest challenge facing the […]

CCR Gospelypso Grand Finale

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) of Trinidad and Tobago will host the Grand Finale of its bi-annual Gospelypso Competition on November 26, from 6.30 p.m. at […]

Return of Santa Claus Parade

After a three-year hiatus, The Santa Claus Parade is back! Now in its 12th year, the parade is the major fundraiser for the Grant-a-Wish Foundation which […]

Embracing our dignity, vocation, and mission in the world today

By Bernadette Patrick In addressing the role of women in the Church, the recently concluded Synod on Synodality Synthesis Report recognises the significance of accompanying and […]

Letter of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to the People of God

Dear sisters, dear brothers, As the proceedings of the first session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops draw to a close, […]

Look de Caribbean Saints there!

By Fr Martin Sirju I visited the Canboulay street theatre on Carnival Friday last. When I arrived at 4.30 a.m., the place was packed and I […]

Emerging Parang Band: Meet Voces Dulces!

By Renee Smith A new and dynamic band has burst onto the scene, bringing a fresh wave of creativity and energy to Parang music. ‘Voces Dulces’, […]

Answering the call to serve: mission trips and mission at home

The call to serve and bring God’s love to others has long been a fundamental aspect of the Catholic faith. This calling is often answered through […]

What ‘a diamond’ looks like

Janet and Hugh Ramsey celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on October 26. Their daughter, Michele Mohammed, pays tribute. What does 60 years of marriage look like […]

Dealing with the big ‘C’ with a dose of big ‘F’

Interview with Lauren Pamponette, breast cancer survivor, cervical cancer patient. Q: Can you tell us, first of all, a little bit about your Catholic background? I […]

Discovering beauty, faith, and redemption

Story and photos by Matthew Woolford According to the Gospel of St Matthew 13:44, “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, […]

Homelessness a multi-faceted challenge – SVDP President

The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVDP), a venerable charitable institution in Trinidad and Tobago, stands as a stalwart in the country’s long history of […]

Synod and Mission

By Fr Donald Chambers In his spiritual input entitled The Samaritan Woman at the Well, at the Synod Assembly (October, Rome), Fr Timothy Radcliffe OP writes, […]

Challenges faced by the blind: An interview with ‘Lingo’

By Lara Pickford-Gordon October 12 was World Sight Day and October 15 was White Cane Day Safety Day in the United States. The white cane is […]

424 Music’s Transformative Worship Concert Experience

By Alana Seepersad How often have we felt as if God, though present, was somehow hidden from us? A further, and perhaps a more fitting question […]

Synod and hospitality

By Janine Aqui Synod has been swirling around in our Catholic Church since 2021. Appreciated or not, it is a vitally important collaboration that Pope Francis […]

Paris pilgrimage: finding friendship and faith at Sacre-Coeur

Story and photo by Matthew Woolford For most of my life, I have wrestled with the idea of friendship: What is it? How is it distinguished […]

Young person donates art in honour of Lady of the Rosary

By Anastazia Andrews, Holy Rosary Young choir member of the National Shrine of the Lady of the Rosary Kaitlin Harris donated one of her artwork pieces […]

An Inspiring Story of Sophie and Ava’s Fashion Week Adventure

Faith, Family, and Fashion! By Klysha Best While there are easy conversations on all that is wrong with T&T, it is also good to celebrate the […]

Meet Tyriq, the Young Mountain Biker with Big Dreams for T&T

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org My introduction to Tyriq Springer, the fearless 15-year-old mountain biker, began with a heart-pounding video of him conquering the treacherous Paramin hills. […]

Why does the Catholic Church dedicate October to Mary?

October is the month of Mary because it is a time when the Church encourages devotion and prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This tradition October […]

Gladys Gafoor – a legend, a superwoman, a true soldier

Gladys Mirahai Gafoor died August 25, 2023. She was 90. Her Funeral Mass was held  Friday, September 1 at St Charles Borromeo RC Church, Tunapuna. Her […]

Get Ready for ‘Unveiled’ – 424 Music Collective’s Worship Concert

The Archdiocese of Port of Spain can look forward to a new young adult music ministry collective called 424 Music. The name arises from the Johannine […]

Navigating the Secular: Insights from a Catholic Catechist

Angelo Kurbanali, catechist, reflects on how Catholics can engage with a secular world that often seems at odds with Church teaching. These are the teachings he […]

Archbishop’s Luncheon: Where Divine Guidance Meets Divine Dining!

By Meagan Roberts Head Girl, Holy Name Convent, POS On Monday, September 11 Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon hosted a luncheon for Head Girls and Deputy Head […]

Shine in the world…Jesus Explosion Revival 2023

From the Jesus Explosion Committee The Jesus Explosion (JE) Revival was indeed a well-needed spiritual top up, delivered on the heels of a successful main event […]

Forgiveness – the key to life

Fr Trevor Nathasingh lamented the scourge of hate in society which he says has led to unforgiving hearts and causes people to want to kill. Delivering […]

PAINT-Tings: Unveiling Creativity

In a world where creativity knows no age limits, Island Artists TT, under the tutelage of Paulette Narinesingh of Art De Joulie, proudly announces its inaugural […]

A pioneering Home

Book Review by Prof Bridget Brereton Residential homes for at-risk children have been in the news recently, and mostly not for good reasons. So it is […]

There is something for everyone

We feature those unheralded persons in the parishes committed to selling this publication. We appreciate all who have contributed to this ministry over the years, helping […]

Lifeline – there, to listen

CN contributor Klysha Best concludes her interview with Chair and volunteer listener with Lifeline TT, Lucretia Gabriel. Part 1 appeared in the September 24 issue. If […]

From Classroom Project to Film Festival Premiere: Panazz’s Extraordinary Journey

By Klysha Best There are some stories we just never knew we needed to be told. But God, as we know, works in mysterious ways. For […]

People were important to our missionary sister, ‘Gussie’

Sr Augustine Quarless SJC died September 2. She was 95. Following is an edited version of her eulogy. Rita Quarless was born on November 4, 1927, […]

Getting to Know Series: Chukwuma ‘Chuma’ Emesiani – from Nigeria to Trinidad

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelatons.camsel@catholictt.org There is a man whose name embodies the bridge between two worlds. To his Nigerian family and friends, he is Chukwuma Emesiani, […]

Fr Eliaza Mulemba Reflects on Serving Laventille and Morvant Communities

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Fr Eliaza Mulemba said he was “personally overjoyed” seeing the participation of youth at the Laventille Devotions, Sunday, September 10. The parish […]

Testaments of Faith and Miracles in the Tortuga Community

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Derek Telfer admits he’d be lying if there was not a moment during his membership with the Shrine Committee of Our Lady […]

CFC expands ministries, hosts Walk for Life

By Jemma Wong and Cheryl-Ann Mader, Couples for Christ Ministry, Trinidad & Tobago Couples for Christ (CFC) is ONE with the Catholic Church.  We share in […]

We ‘Trinify’ food

Interview with the man in front of @hungrybelly868, Brent Branker Q: Can you give us a little background on yourself? I went to school in Holy […]

Kael Bisnath: Chess Star from Presentation College Secures Gold 

Kael Samual Bisnath, a Form Three student of Presentation College, Chaguanas placed first in the Under-14 Open of the Central American and Caribbean Games Youth Chess […]

His greatest miracle?

By Matthew Woolford According to Dr M Scott Peck: “I began The Road Less Traveled with the assertion that ‘life is difficult’. In Further Along the […]

Saluting Catholic News Sellers: Debra Francois

We feature those unheralded persons in the parishes committed to selling this publication. We appreciate all who have contributed to this ministry over the years, helping […]

Creating a trauma-sensitive nation

By Dr Sharon Syriac “Trauma is not what happens to you. Trauma is what happens inside you, as a result of what happens to you.” – […]

Diane Bertrand on The Faith-Filled Restoration of OLM RC, Tortuga

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org The journey towards the restoration and rededication of Our Lady of Montserrat (OLM) Tortuga, Tuesday, August 22 asserts that God enables a […]

The life and legacy of respected composer of Caribbean music

A special feature on the life and legacy of accomplished musician and educator Desmond Waithe premiered on television during the Independence Day weekend. Waithe, who passed […]

Online book study: Theology of the Body for Beginners

Theology of the Body (TOB) offers a clear awareness of what it means to be human. TOB enunciates who we are, why we are on this […]

His precious cross

Joy Nanton of Holy Cross Parish, Santa Cruz, offers her thoughts on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, September 14. “When I am […]

Brainstorming ABP for renewal in the Archdiocese

By Colin Bartholomew Biblical Animation of All Parish Life (ABP) is a ministry that began in the Archdiocese of Port of Spain in 2014. This Ministry […]

A ‘big up’ for ‘Mr Chung’

We feature those unheralded persons in the parishes committed to selling this publication. We appreciate all who have contributed to this ministry over the years, helping […]

Her beloved Trinidad and Tobago

On August 31, 2020, Jill Padmore in a Facebook post commented that two songs were running ‘neck and neck’ to be winner in the competition for […]

Art by Zain…get familiar

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Zain Wint’s drawings are an integral part of The St Charles Borromeo RC Ministry of Consolation Book 2023. Zain is an eleven-year-old […]

Sir’ Michael – champion of Aripo, mayor of Cumaca

Michael Marlon Kishore Baptiste, the youngest serving lay minister in the Santa Rosa/Malabar cluster, died August 20. His Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday, August 30, […]

Family love for ‘Daddy Nico’

The Precious Blood Prayer Group welcomed one of its longstanding and faithful members, Lionel Nicholas, fondly called ‘Daddy Nico’, to its prayer meeting on Thursday, August […]

La Veronica RC continues to show the face of Christ

On Sunday, August 20, La Veronica RC Church, Lopinot, celebrated its 75th anniversary. In the early 1940s, the Lopinot settlers were displaced from their homes in […]

Tunapuna’s Ministry of Consolation launches new book

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org   The St Charles Borromeo Church Ministry of Consolation (MoC) has produced its second book St Charles Borromeo RC Ministry of Consolation […]

More children activities so they can grow in the faith

We feature those unheralded persons in the parishes committed to selling this publication. We appreciate all who have contributed to this ministry over the years, helping […]

Solemnity of the Assumption explained

The Catholic Church teaches that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory when her earthly life was over. This […]

Blanchisseuse Liturgical Ensemble inspired by God

By Kaelanne Jordan The Blanchisseuse parish is one of the traditional standalone parishes which does not belong to a cluster group except belonging to the Northern […]

Bethesda camp

Two events to assist Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and their families were hosted by the Bethesda Catholic community.  A stakeholder fair and fun day took place […]

Camp Joyful Catholic

Camp Joyful Catholic is an initiative of St Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church that envisioned the First Communion Team building relationships with God and each other through […]

Ésta es la juventud del papa!

Catholic News reporter Renée Smith was among the group of 35 local pilgrims who attended the World Youth Day celebrations in Lisbon, Portugal. She has been […]

A spiritual immersion in Israel

By Ruby Alleyne PART 3 conclusion Tired, sun-drenched, and thirsty, we made our way to the Church of Our Lady of the Mountain in the tiny […]

TT Scouts brave heatwave at Jamboree in South Korea

‘Be Prepared’ is the motto for the Scout Movement. This was tested as the T&T Scout contingent braved the heatwave conditions at the campsite in SaeManGeum […]

Counter Trafficking Unit says Catholic Church can assist in fight against human trafficking

By Klysha Best On July 30, 2023, the world marked World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The Day was created by the United Nations in 2014. […]

Beach safety

Halfway through the July and August vacation period (JAVA), we have already seen a few beach-related deaths. The Trinidad and Tobago Life Saving Society (TTLSS) Education […]

Families Grieving Loss: Remembering Sherwin

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Murder is an unsettling reality in our country. Behind the news stories are families grieving their loss. Galey Fernando’s corridor and living […]

Embracing Faith and Community: The Inspiring Journey of Nichell Richardson-Austin

By Kaelanne Jordan In the serene and picturesque coastal village of Las Cuevas lies the heart of a vibrant Catholic community, and at its core, stands […]

An unforgettable desert adventure in Jordan

By Ruby Alleyne PART 2 Our Egyptian tour guide, Adel, was an archaeologist and so, in the days that followed, we would learn about ancient Egyptian […]

A call to faith

By Nicole Poyer Like that first conch shell in Peter Telfer’s hymn, ‘A Call to Praise’, the CTCT’s call for papers was a call to reflect, […]

Yes Stevie, she is lovely!

By Matthew Woolford The first time I held Amari, she was weeks away from being born and still in her mother’s womb. This was at the […]

Son paralysed from the neck down, but ‘God has the final say’, says mother

By Kaelanne Jordan An accident on what should have been a beautiful Easter Sunday (April 11) family outing to Paria, resulted in 15-year-old Ayden Attin, an […]

Seeing people for who they are

Interview with our youthful The Millennial Mind columnist and writer, Daniel Francis Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your background? I went to […]

Our journey begins in Egypt

By Ruby Alleyne PART 1 A pilgrimage is first and foremost a spiritual journey. Although it is a synodal experience as we journey together with our […]

On death and dying

By Dr Alison Mc Letchie The panel ‘Death and Dying’ which took place at the Conference on Theology in the Caribbean Today (CTCT) held in Grenada […]

Celebrating World Day for Grandparents and Elderly: The village midwife

As we celebrate the third World Day for Grandparents and Elderly on July 23, 2023, which has as its theme His mercy is from age to […]

Deacon Toussaint’s unlikely success story

An unlikely success story – The CEO, Deacon, Cultural advocate and Revolutionary. That’s the title of the memoir by Deacon Lennox Toussaint which was launched on […]

Healthy eating during the ‘vacay’

By Cherice Bronte-Tinkew It’s JAVA! The July/August Vacation is a great time to teach children new habits and skills. It’s all about family time together and […]

Don’t let your mind rule you!

Centenarian’s advice for a life well-lived St Theresa’s Parish, Woodbrook recently celebrated one of its most esteemed parishioners, centenarian Paulina Amoy Amar nee Chatolal, who was […]

The Primacy of Peter as told by a Holy Land tour guide

Imagine you are in Jerusalem after the Resurrection, and your name is Peter. “And everybody knows you are the chief, you are the oldest…believe me, each […]

Promise House TT Offers Hope for Children with Cancer

By Klysha Best Promises are actions that affirm our love and connection with others. Whether that connection is through friendships, family, or strangers, promises affirm that […]

An explosion of love and hope

Hundreds of people gathered at Trinity College East, Trincity for the 21st edition of Jesus Explosion, a powerful event aimed to inspire the T&T Catholic community […]

Marionettes celebrates its diamond jubilee

In a series of celebratory concerts planned for July 14 to 16, The Marionettes Chorale will launch its much-anticipated 60th anniversary at venues in Port of […]

Good News comes in different forms

We feature those unheralded persons in the parishes committed to selling this publication. We appreciate all who have contributed to this ministry over the years, helping […]

Obeying the Father’s command in The Holy Land

There are five things a visitor to the Holy Land must do. What are they? Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon found out on his visit to the […]

Redemption–through God and art

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org The art exhibit from Carrera Island Studios got off to a good start with 17 of 30 pieces sold on opening night […]

More youth activities in the paper

We feature those unheralded persons in the parishes committed to selling this publication. We appreciate all who have contributed to this ministry over the years, helping […]

Gender Q&A with Anna Maria Mora (Part One)

Many parents are concerned about attempts to indoctrinate their children into lifestyle choices that go against their own values. This came to the fore during the […]

Bethesda resumes First Communion programme

Bethesda – For Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) resumed our sacramental programmes in 2023 after an absence due to Covid-19. For our first group of candidates for […]

Bingo!’ …with Bethesda

On the very rainy Sunday, May 28, the Bingo fraternity came out in support of Bethesda – For Persons with Disabilities’ first fundraising event at Holy […]

Radical faith! Radical witness!

By Sr Renée K Hall OP Sincere gratitude to His Grace Archbishop Jason Gordon, Vicar General and Cathedral Administrator Fr Martin Sirju, the Organising Committee at […]

Lystra epitomised ‘the Catholic teacher’

Lystra Rosemary Simon died May 8. Her Funeral Mass was May 12; Fr Roger Paponette was the main celebrant. The following tribute was submitted by the […]

A tribute to ‘The Dom’

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org St Benedict’s College, La Romaine, was largely the brainchild of one Benedictine monk, Dom Basil Matthews who, having emerged on the public […]

Beyond Friendship – Mausica Teachers’ College reunite

By Anna Maria Mora (MTC 1968–1970) Mausica Teachers’ College (MTC), founded in 1963, was located on Mausica Road, D’Abadie, South of the Churchill Roosevelt Highway. It […]

Good advice in the financial column

We feature those unheralded persons in the parishes committed to selling this publication. We appreciate all who have contributed to this ministry over the years, helping […]

Why an ecosystem for services

Micro and Small businesses matter By Vashti Guyadeen CEO, Trinidad and Tobago Coalition of Services Industries Commemorating World Micro and Small Business Day on June 27 […]

Initiatives to strengthen marriages, family life

Through the sponsorship of the Catholic Marriage Initiative (CMI) fund whose  purpose “is to dramatically increase the availability of and participation in high quality Catholic Marriage […]

Posting T&T positivity

Interview with local social media content creator, Alan Charles @trini_surfer Q: How did you become a content creator? In a nutshell how I became a content […]

REDEMPTION: Carrera Island Art Exhibition

Painting is considered a calming, peaceful, and meditative activity where time slips by unnoticed. The Carrera Island Studios is a special art studio which has produced […]

Saluting Our Sellers: Edme Francois

We feature those unheralded persons in the parishes committed to selling this publication. We appreciate all who have contributed to this ministry over the years, helping […]

Add love, care, respect to curriculum

“Teachers need to teach the old-time values of love, care, and respect. The world needs to be anchored in the love of God, more today than […]

Pope receives photobook from popular T&T photographer

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org “I was on a high for two days. I couldn’t stop talking about it,” local photographer Chris Anderson told The Catholic News […]

Racquel Moses: Connecting the dots of climate change

By Klysha Best  How many of you believe that climate change is real? Well, in the last few years, the world has experienced devastating extreme weather […]

Integrating Venezuelan migrants through home-based agriculture

Story and photos courtesy Matthew Pierre On Saturday, May 6 a graduation ceremony was held for a migrant training programme in Arima. The programme focused on […]

And there was jazz too!

Story and photos by Matthew Woolford The island of St Lucia has a way of wrapping her spirit around you: embracing, guiding, and teaching you all […]

SVP needs financial support as it cares for the poor

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org   The Cyril Ross Children’s Home, El Dorado Road, Tunapuna is expected to be licensed after meeting the standards required under the […]

Dads, you need some ‘me time’

Mindfulness, hot towel shaves, meditation, facials, nutrition, beard enhancement, scalp micropigmentation…What are these you ask? These are all terms synonymous with the move towards better self-care […]

A father’s lullaby

By Alvin Peters My precious one, now go to sleep May the angels always protect you As you close your eyes, remember this That my love […]

Roslyn appreciated the simple things in life

Roslyn Charlotte Delapenha died Tuesday, May 9. Following is an edited version of the eulogy delivered by her daughter Abigail Tardieu at her funeral on May […]

‘Surviving Divorce’ series continues for the Separated, Divorced and Widowed

The newly relaunched Ministry for the Separated, Divorced and Widowed (SDW) in the Archdiocese hosted its second monthly meeting on May 19.  Like the first meeting […]

Studies at Seminary offers both Catholic unity, Ecumenical character

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org The Seminary of St John Vianney and Uganda Martyrs (SJVUM) held its 2023 graduation and end of semester Mass Friday, May 19. […]

Trinity TV takes a LEAP

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Trinity TV is inviting viewers to join them on a LEAP of Faith as they explore LOGOS, ETHOS, ALTOS, PATHOS, a new […]

One Body of Christ  – rising up together

The Catholic News (CN) features some of our Catholic composers of hymns, and songs of praise and worship to find out how their creations were inspired. […]

To understand the pulse of the community

We feature those unheralded persons in the parishes committed to selling this publication. We appreciate all who have contributed to this ministry over the years, helping […]

How to make your wedding business better

By Simone Sant-Ghuran, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, TrinidadWeddings.com  As the first wedding planning resource established in Trinidad and Tobago almost 20 years ago, we are privileged to […]

Why do priests drop a piece of host into the chalice?

During Mass in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church you may have noticed that the priest will break a small part of the consecrated host […]

Saluting Our Sellers: Shirley Stewart

We feature those unheralded persons in the parishes committed to selling this publication. We appreciate all who have contributed to this ministry over the years, helping […]

Pool lime with a purpose

Faith. Fellowship. Fun. These are some of the building blocks of what it means to be family. We are all aware that the sun has not […]

Communication, forgiveness builds healthy, life-giving married life

Kendell and Latoya Celestine, Coordinator couple of the Catholic Engaged Encounter of Trinidad and Tobago (CEETT), offer some advice on married life to newlyweds. Photo: Gerard-Paul […]

Selling the paper is my way of evangelising

We feature those unheralded persons in the parishes committed to selling this publication. We appreciate all who have contributed to this ministry over the years, helping […]

Part One: Finding the ‛Holy’ in the Holy Land in Holy Week

Fr Robert Christo is the Vicar of Communications and while on sabbatical, he joined a pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Holy Week. He writes about experiencing Holy […]

Lest we forget – CTCT memories

The Conference on Theology in the Caribbean Today (CTCT) hosted an online conversation between one of its founders, Msgr Patrick ‘Paba’ Anthony of Castries and executive […]

Psalms of praise and gratitude

Bro Paschal Jordan OSB spoke at the Liturgical Commission’s workshop ‘Composing Responsorial Psalms’ March 30 at the Max Murphy Hall, St Philip and St James RC […]

Praise the Trinity – a song for the nation

The Catholic News (CN) features some of our Catholic composers of hymns, and songs of praise and worship to find out how their creations were inspired. […]

Earl Romaine: A commitment to personal delivery

We feature those unheralded persons in the parishes committed to selling this publication. We appreciate all who have contributed to this ministry over the years, helping […]

Shalom Centre at St Dominic’s Children’s Home

The Shalom Centre was established by the St Dominic’s Children’s Home (SDCH) on its Belmont campus in 2010, in response to the challenge directed by the […]

The Psalms – cry out to God in confidence

Bro Paschal Jordan OSB spoke at the Liturgical Commission’s workshop ‘Composing Responsorial Psalms’ March 30 at the Max Murphy Hall, St Philip and St James RC […]

We have a state-of-the-art 21st century paper

We feature those unheralded persons in the parishes committed to selling this publication. We appreciate all who have contributed to this ministry over the years, helping […]

Is Christ divided?

By Fr Donald Chambers   We pilgrim to the land of Jesus’ earthly life, ‘Cause it’s Holy. Holy cause: the footsteps of Jesus, Jesus – human […]

Helping others was Allison’s concern

Following is a tribute to Allison Carrington who died March 29, 2023. Her Funeral was held April 12 at the Church of the Annunciation, Santa Rosa […]

Don’t forget Our Lady of Fatima’s call to repent

Sr. Lucia stated that the central message of Our Lady of Fatima was the call for personal repentance and conversion. While it’s easy to focus on […]

Crime and violence as a public health issue

By Tonia Leacock-Gooding Communities Alive Education and Training It is quite commendable that leaders in various countries came together to discuss this matter of great concern […]

Solace from the Book of Psalms

Bro Paschal Jordan OSB spoke at the Liturgical Commission’s workshop ‘Composing Responsorial Psalms’ March 30 at the Max Murphy Hall, St Philip and St James RC […]

Litany of Blessed Virgin Mary

The Catholic News (CN) will be featuring some of our Catholic composers of hymns, and songs of praise and worship to find out how their creations […]

Teaching and singing – Linda’s great passions

Linda McCollin died on Easter Sunday (April 9). Her Funeral Mass was on Tuesday, April 18. The eulogy, delivered by her daughter Janine, has been edited […]

Army of the Lord! x Sharon Jackson-Tobas

Army of the Lord – lyrics & music by Sharon Jackson-Tobas, Trinidad   We are the army of the Lord, down in the battlefield. The Word […]

Getting to Know Series: Barbara Lake – Managing Director, Liturgical Commission

Barbara Lake, Managing Director, Liturgical Commission has many anecdotes about her life which can keep the listener rapt. Lake is of British and Austrian parentage. Her […]

Strength in numbers: AFLC’s Scavenger Hunt 2023

By J’Lani De Four “Please tell me we not going South! We ain’t want to drive to South at all!”, said many of our scavengers before […]

Catholic gamer runs “Virtual Reality Zone” for all ages

By Klysha Best For parents of children of any age, it can be difficult sometimes to find good, family friendly safe spaces to take them to, […]

SJC Scholarship winner tells secrets to success: faith, family and tutelage

By Klysha Best On March 2, 2023, the Ministry of Education announced the award of 100 scholarships based on the results of the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency […]

Deep Faith: A rags to riches story

By Daniel Young As members of the Catholic faith, we are acquainted with the story and teachings of Jesus Christ. Christ’s teachings are timeless in their […]

First reunion for RC Teachers’ College

On Saturday, March 11 the Roman Catholic Teachers’ College (which is no longer in existence) Class of 1978–1980, held its first reunion, at the Emmaus Retreat […]

Special Needs children – sent for a specific purpose

World Autism Awareness Day is being commemorated this Sunday, April 2. Lyra Thompson-Hollingsworth, a Special Needs parent and a member of the Bethesda Catholic Community reflects […]

RC Community in Tobago

By Kaelanne Jordan Should you check information such as that of the Trinidad Guardian of October 1, 1963, you will read headlines such as: ‘Four Tobago […]

Green Market Santa Cruz: all about food security and zero hunger

by Vicki Assevero Pope Francis in his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ encouraged believers “to care for our common home” and to view Mother Earth as a […]

What are we doing here?

By Msgr Michael de Verteuil Chair of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission What are we doing here in this church building this Saturday evening/Sunday? We have come […]

‘5 star Akil’ steps into a new life

Akil ‘5 Star’ Borneo is now singing a different tune. The acclaimed Soca artiste and former deejay has closed the door on his Soca career and […]

Who are we?

By Msgr Michael de Verteuil Chair of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission Who are we, this people gathered in this church? The General Instruction of the Roman […]

Discover God’s Will in your life

The Companions of the Transfigured Christ (CTC) is offering directed retreats for individuals and small groups seeking to deepen their spiritual practice and discover God’s Will. […]

Retreats for those seeking to deepen their spirituality

The Companions of the Transfigured Christ (CTC) is offering directed retreats for individuals and small groups seeking to deepen their spiritual practice and discover God’s Will. […]

Beware the doorways to the demonic

A United States-based peritus (Church-decreed expert) of religious demonology and exorcism spoke of a “special challenge” in today’s generation; many are drawing away from religion, which […]

A different Way

From the National Catholic Men’s Ministry, Northern Vicariate This is an urgent call to the whole Church, to join us as we reach out to the […]

Gambling: the addictive vs the benign

Senior writer Lara Pickford-Gordon concludes her series on the growing addiction of gambling with the opinion of past and present clergy.  Part one appeared in the […]

Firmness in God, importance of fathers

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org The father-child relationship is like what the skeletal is to the body: it provides stability, a courage to face life and its […]

If you’re still not sure what to do for Lent, this is for you

By Zoe Romanowsky, Aleteia.org During Lent, as we prepare for the Lord’s Passion, death and Resurrection, the Church calls us to examine our lives, turn away […]

Recovery… a long road

Twenty-five years ago, Wayne Lee, approached Violet D’Ornellas and Fr George Pritchett, founders of the Emmanuel Community about having a programme for gambling addicts. It became […]

IWD 2023 #Embrace Equity in mental health care

By Dr Margaret Nakhid-Chatoor Psychologist/Educator email: mncpsych17@gmail.com   This year 2023, the campaign theme for International Women’s Day, #EmbraceEquity, seeks “to get the world talking about […]

Spoilt Rotten Kids showcases compassion and kindness with ‘Ubuntu’

By Klysha Best There is a perception that Carnival is all about skimpiness and fetes. However, there is a whole sector of creatives that are striving […]

Making Indian mas’ unforgettable

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Photos by Elmo Griffith   The late Lionel Jagessar made his mark on Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival for more than 40 years. […]

Eager to deliver at Dimache Gras, Yorke sings ‘Being Human’

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org   Ezekiel Yorke will have many prayers and supporters behind him as a finalist in the 2023 Calypso Monarch competition at the […]

The ‘Viking’ and ‘MM’

By Matthew Woolford The first time I saw the ‘Fete King’ in concert, I knew he was going to be a global superstar! The year was […]

Skin and self-care tips for a safe Carnival

By Heidi Gibbon, Aesthetician I’ve played mas’ for almost the last 30 years and feel confident that I have the BEST skincare/beauty tips for Carnival Monday […]

A close encounter of the blue devil kind…

Senior writer Lara Pickford-Gordon had a brief encounter with a few blue devils. Interestingly, she left with not even a smudge of paint – two years […]

Talk Tent 2023 is on!

Fans are in for a treat as the Annual Talk Tent celebrates its 40th anniversary at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s, for two big shows on Saturday, […]

Spiritual conversations essential on synodal journey

By Fr Donald Chambers In today’s culture, group discussions and one-on-one conversations tend to be guided by the philosophy of “the survival of the fittest”. They […]

Interview with a Carnivalist

A chat with Claudette Sinnette Q: Can you give us a little about your background? Initially, I started training as a pharmacy student and then I […]

Reaching the soul of the nation

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org The resumption of parish visits came out of necessity. A board of management meeting discussed the urgency of boosting circulation. Sr Marie-Thérèse […]

Be ignited by the flame

St Dominic’s Penal RC School 60th Anniversary On Tuesday, January 22, 1963, the first students and teachers of St Dominic’s Penal RC made a step into […]

New year, new weight goals?

By Cherice Bronte-Tinkew As always, every new year is a time to reset, and many would have set their new year goal to lose 10lbs to […]

The Word of God – God’s self-disclosure

Fr Donald Chambers presents the Church’s meaning of the expression ‘Word of God’ and reflects on the Church’s mission of proclaiming God’s Word today. On Sunday, […]

Take time to understand the Word – start at the end to interpret the beginning

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org If one should ever come across “strange things” that the Church teaches, don’t start by believing that the Church is wrong; and […]

CFC celebrates silver jubilee, challenged to move forward

By Aliyah Maynard CFC Singles for Christ Sunday, January 22, 2023, was no ordinary day for Couples for Christ (CFC) Trinidad and Tobago, but one that […]

A chosen one of God who understood sacrifice

Bernadette Salandy can be pointed out as someone whose sacrificial life showed she was a chosen one of God, said Fr Gregory Augustine CSSp at the […]

Launching into the written word with God’s help

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org During her two decades with The Catholic News, she wrote on a range of issues and topics. There were series from her […]

Making Room in the In”

By Dr Sharon Syriac “There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more.” –Robert M Hensel The Holy Faith […]

The beautiful soul and spirit of Bernadette

Bernadette Salandy died Thursday, January 12 at the age of 77 years. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated Thursday, January 19 at the Church of the Nativity, […]

Bernadette Salandy – a good and faithful servant

By Felix Edinborough As a template for our lives should we want to enter paradise, Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” […]

Family, faith, and music ‘Viva!’ to ‘Flutie’

Ronald Ramon-Fortune died January 6, 2023 at the age of 84. His Funeral Mass was celebrated January 11 at St Benedict’s RC Church, La Romaine. Following […]

Becoming a Lay Dominican

Lay Dominican life is truly a vocation, and so the process of formation is undertaken over a number of years, in the context of a community […]

For the love of this paper and T&T…

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Sister Marie-Thérèse Rétout OP first embraced her vocation as a religious August 1, 1949 when she made her first vows of Religious […]

Just for men – an invitation to fellowship

By Hayden Ross St Michael’s Men’s Group   There is no telling where we (men) have been, or how we have fared mentally or spiritually for […]

Who are lay Dominicans?

Part one of a two-part series The Dominicans (Order of Preachers), are a Catholic religious order founded by Dominic de Guzmán in 1215. The history of […]

The Count and the ‘Little Mother’ – in grateful remembrance

Neila Todd, a Tertiary of Carmel (lay Carmelite) looks at the contributions of Count Finbar Ryan OP and the foundress of the Corpus Christi Carmelites as […]

Four decades later, scout leader continues ‘giving life’ 

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Former teacher at the San Fernando Boys’ RC, Janet Elcock was awarded the Golden Poui by the TT Scouting Association. It is […]

Knot-tying skills come in handy for Scout Youth Commissioner

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Nikoli Mohammed, 18 years, was honoured by the Scouts Association of Trinidad and Tobago for his gallantry protecting his family from an […]

Singing Francine – the original Parang Soca queen

By Miguel Browne The untimely passing of Singing Francine (Francine Edwards) in New York December 16, 2022 marked the end of an era in the Calypso […]

Family, music, teaching –‘Miss Henry’ gave her all

Yvonne Angela Henry died on December 10, 2022, at the age of 85. This is an edited version of the December 23 funeral eulogy given by […]

Joseph, model for stepfathers

By Andrew Fernandes, Archdiocesan Catechetical Office (ACO) The biblical image of Joseph and Mary is emblematic to families who face challenges in their effort of “becoming […]

Christ be our light

by J’Lani De Four I have been volunteering at the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission (AFLC) for the past four months and we were invited by Fr […]

Give, and it will be given to you

by Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org The Catholic News reached out to people to hear the good news, the Good Samaritans, unexpected generosity, selfless acts. At first, these […]

A Christmas story…

By Matthew Woolford According to local writer and historian, Gerard Besson, and as posted on the website of the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago, “Lapeyrouse […]

Farewell to an English rose, ‘Mrs Gonsalves’

Phyllis Mary Gonsalves died December 20, 2022, at the age of 96. Her funeral service was December 22 at St Benedict’s RC Church, La Romaine. She […]

About Rebecca Foster: Catholic News Special Edition Cover Artist

Rebecca Foster is a visual artist. She is known for her dynamic use of brilliant colours in her creations. Rebecca is a member of the Art […]

CatholicTT kids participate in Synod art event

I dream of church being…’ was the open-ended statement participants in the Synod art exhibit 2022–2023 reflected on to come up with their creative expressions. The […]

The tablescape

With Christmas approaching, we may be invited to formal Christmas dinners and company occasions. Visit The Catholic News online for the full series on dining etiquette […]

Take a different route in 2023

By Judy Joseph Mc Sween Time Out Specalist judy@timeoutspecialist.com We entered 2022 stealthily, not yet fully recovered from the social, psychological, economic, and spiritual pains that […]

‘My mission for God is here’

A chat with Andreina Briceño Ventura Brown Q: How long have you been living in Trinidad and Tobago and what circumstances brought you here? I came […]

‘Angels Bending Near the Earth’: The Lydians’ 2022 Christmas concert

The Lydians, proudly supported by First Citizens, is continuing its preparations for its highly anticipated Christmas concert. After staging an abridged two-night concert last year with […]

Hallelujah! Christmas with the Marionettes

BP Marionettes Chorale returns to the Queen’s Hall stage on Saturday, December 3 and Sunday 4 for their Christmas concert titled ‘Hallelujah!’. Since their last holiday […]

A plea to get involved in prison ministry

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Deacon Patrick Laurence is appealing to the public, in particular, parishes, to get involved in prison ministry. He said the local ministry […]

OUR CATHOLIC ICONS – Sister Marie-Thérèse Rétout

Enjoy reading Part I of Our Catholic Icons series.  This month we got the opportunity to interview veteran journalist (now retired) Sister Marie-Thérèse Rétout. She quotes […]

Spiritual and human conversation

By Fr Donald Chambers Having worked in parish ministry, I conclude that the deficiency in human formation, especially regarding relationship building, contributes significantly to the anaemic […]

Faith, Tradition, Culture – A chat with Felix Edinborough

Q: Can you give us some background into your professional life? From a young age I wanted to be a teacher, perhaps because of the strong […]

Honouring their memory

Spiritans, Benedictines, Cluny Sisters, Carmelites and Holy Faith Sisters Final of a three-part series for November by Donna-Kay Kissoon, Archdiocesan Archives. Collaborators: Office of the Vicar […]

Diabetes – more than awareness but action

By Cherice Bronte-Tinkew World Diabetes Day is commemorated on November 14 each year. It encourages those at risk to know their numbers when it comes to […]

Sr Gabrielle was an educator for life

Sr Gabrielle Mason SJC died Friday, October 28 in Grenville, Grenada. Bishop Clyde Harvey presided at her Funeral Mass on Thursday, November 10 at the Cathedral […]

Imagine the magic of Christmas

Reignite your imagination, and experience the magic and awe of the season, with MW Productions’ ‘Imagine: The Magic of Christmas’ on Saturday, November 26 at All […]

Dominicans remembered

Part two of a three-part series for November by Donna-Kay Kissoon, Archdiocesan Archives Collaborators: Office of the Vicar for Clergy, Fr Thomas Lawson OP, Fr Urban […]

How we can do better as employers and recruiters

By Carolyn de la Rosa Operations Director It’s the eleventh month of the year, and as we look to embark on this Advent Season of preparation […]

Books to educate children about our flora and fauna

One Night by Moonlight is a local animal story for children about an ocelot and a tayra, two animals found in the forests of Trinidad/Kairi. The […]

Death penalty not the answer

Following is a press release (edited for length) by the Caribbean death penalty abolition organisation, Greater Caribbean for Life The Greater Caribbean for Life (GCL) considers […]

Peter the great and good

Writer Tony Deyal pays tribute to Fr Peter de la Bastide CSSp “Don’t let your worries get the best of you. Remember, Moses started out as […]

‘Must have’ prayer book for parents and children

The Archdiocesan Catechetical Office is extremely pleased and excited to announce the launch of a new-look Prayer Book For Parents And Children. All this excitement is […]

Standing in the Gap

Interview with Dr Sharon Syriac Q: Can you describe your work life before your illness when you were 29? I was in Papua New Guinea, living […]

Which saints are honoured on All Saints Day?

As the name states, November 1 honors “all saints,” those canonized, and those unknown to the world. One common misconception about All Saints Day is that […]

Getting To Know Series: Amílcar Sanatan

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org As Amílcar Sanatan tells it, social justice was part of his world from birth. Both his parents were profoundly committed to the […]

Esme Raphael –living God’s will

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Holy Trinity Arouca parishioner Esme Raphael was awarded the Public Service Medal of Merit Gold for outstanding and meritorious service in cooperative […]

Catechetical Companionship in South and Central

After two long years, the catechists of the Southern and Central Vicariate excitedly gathered at St Benedict’s Church, La Romaine on Saturday, October 1. The event […]

The Spirit prays within us deeper than words

A series on Christian Meditation by Sandee Bengochea, Coordinator, WCCM Trinidad Meditation is a universal spiritual tradition and practice. We find it in all the great […]

Happy birthday, Sister Catherine – we love you dearly

By Gail Merhair Past student, St Dominic’s Convent On Saturday, October 8, approximately 85 past students of St Dominic’s Convent (Barataria) held a “surprise” Tea Party […]

Love So Amazing’ amazes

The Love Movement celebrated their 50th Anniversary Concert ‘Love So Amazing’ at Queen’s Hall over two weekends from October 7 to October 16. Attendee Margaret Samuel […]

T&T Catholic community in Miami celebrate Independence, Republic days

By Jerry Alleyne-Nagee, Parishioner The Trinidad and Tobago community at Christ the King Catholic Church in Southwest Miami, as we had done annually for 31 consecutive […]

CCFC ministry needs volunteers

Catholic Children on Fire for Christ (CCFC) is a Ministry which has as its main purpose the evangelisation of students within the government primary and secondary […]

Meditation is simple…but it is not easy

A series on Christian Meditation by Sandee Bengochea, Coordinator, WCCM Trinidad To meditate we simply sit still and upright. Close our eyes lightly. Be relaxed but […]

Let’s model success for citizens

By Anna Maria Mora, Psychologist October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The focus of this month is emotional abuse. There are, however, other types of domestic […]

Healing painful memories

“Embrace today and live’’ was one of seven points shared by Counselling Psychologist Nicholas Voisin during his talk on ‘Healing Painful Memories’, a workshop hosted by […]

Dear Mother Mary – Queen of the Holy Rosary

By Claire Baptiste Teach me to pray and meditate and renew my mind with the holy rosary. Patience, obedience, and humility are difficult ways. Why does […]

Remembering Peter Telfer

Peter Anthony Telfer died October 15, 2021, at the age of 63. His sister Mercedes Telfer-Baptiste and other members of the Mawasi Experience pay tribute on […]

Darlene dances with the Holy Spirit

There was a dance performed for the enthronement of the Bible on Word of God Sunday, January 2019 and this year at the anniversary Masses for […]

Christian Meditation: Learning the prayer of the heart

A series on Christian Meditation by Sandee Bengochea, Coordinator, WCCM Trinidad Meditation is often viewed with some scepticism in our Christian community. Something that is ‘New […]

Love So Amazing! The Love Movement’s 50 year journey of love

The Love Movement Family of Choirs, all 175 of them, are working tirelessly to ensure that ‘Love So Amazing’ their 50th Anniversary Concert at Queen’s Hall […]

Error 404’ Handling tough feedback

It’s not just what you say but how you say it. This approach has often proven to be a deal breaker in how a message is […]

Our commonalities as a nation

By Dr Sharon Syriac “The West Indies are in the position of an orange, the British have sucked it dry, and their sole concern today is […]

Missionaries of Charity – total service to the poor

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org The Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity (MC) are considered to be amongst the most recognisable religious community in the Catholic Church. […]

Building the future with migrants and refugees

Message of Pope Francis for the 108th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, September 25, 2022 “Here we have no lasting city, but we seek the […]

Fulfilling her indefatigable mission

Camille Kelly died on September 6. Her Funeral Mass was September 16 at St Charles Borromeo RC Church, Tunapuna. Her eulogy was delivered by her brother, […]

Rethinking my Catholic journey

By Andrew Fernandes, Archdiocesan Catechetical Office When last did you ask the question: ‘Why me Lord?’. Did you get an answer? There are times when events […]

Local artist honoured by Pope’s delight of her creation

By Klysha Best Imagine having something you created being presented to the Holy Father himself, Pope Francis. Emotions would run high, especially upon hearing that your […]

Check out localised Gospel reflections with CatholicTT

One definition of the word ‘reflection’ is “serious and careful thought”. As we emerge from the turmoil of the coronavirus pandemic and continue to journey together […]

Meeting ‘Mr Cutlash’

By Alvin Peters As I walked towards the open doors of the church, I felt the tension in the air. The same thing happened the previous […]

Where are we, on the synodal journey?

By Fr Donald Chambers The synodal journey was launched by Pope Francis on October 10, 2021. The journey consists of the diocesan and continental phases, climaxing […]

Celebrating our dedicated missionaries

By Andrew Fernandes Archdiocesan, Catechetical Office If you’ve been a Catholic long enough, then the words ‘catechism’, ‘catechesis’, ‘catechetics’, and ‘catechist’ should be known to you […]

Abortion and maternal health – a look at the data

By Dr Ryan Corbin With the US Supreme Court reversing Roe v Wade, the media has quickly published several opinions on this major change, many deeming […]

Trimont College: a young school with a future

Have you ever heard of Trimont College? If not, then read on about this young school for boys. Trimont school for boys is located in the […]

Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s – A call for support

By Michèle Clavery President Alzheimer’s Association of Trinidad and Tobago September is possibly one of the busiest months in the year for Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI). […]

“By your holy Cross you have redeemed the world”

The saint who gave us this prayer is best known for his love of the poor. While St. Francis is well known for his love of […]

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II’s visits

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, passed away at 96 at her estate in Balmoral, Scotland on September 8. The state funeral takes place on Monday, […]

Be aware of the battle being waged with International Planned Parenthood Federation

By Fr Derek Anton Parish Priest of Chaguanas The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) opened an office in Trinidad in July. It was reported by CCN […]

Parents, we need to stand

By Tonia Leacock With The Roe vs Wade overturn, there is a ripple effect worldwide. Different elements of society are responding based upon their value systems […]

Is there anything that you need help with?

By Crystal Johnson Mental Health Clinician Archdiocesan Family Life Commission   Can we imagine for one second the thoughts and feelings of someone who does not […]

Sister Siobhan – “Practising obedience to God since she was a child”

Trinidadian Sister Siobhan Burroughs OP made her first profession of vows with the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa at the Dominican motherhouse, Sinsinawa on August 7. The […]

Error 404’ Give up the ‘ghosting’

In our last issue (CN August 7) we discussed the white elephant in the room — compensation, the pros and cons of disclosing this crucial bit […]

Pope calls for abolition of death penalty

Pope Francis has dedicated his prayer video for September, to address the death penalty and call for its abolition worldwide. The Holy Father invited Catholic faithful […]

Getting to Know Series: Aurea Honore

Aurea Honore is the Coordinator of the Hospitality Ministry at Mary Immaculate Queen of the Universe RC Church, Bourg Mulatresse, a lector and member of the […]

God…and Charlotte Street

My name is Gabriel Joseph, and I am 66 years old, first-generation Trinidadian of Lebanese descent. I am married with four children and currently have four […]

Bethesda hosts first Respite camp

Bethesda Catholic Community, a member of the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission, in conjunction with the Sisters of the Congregation of the Holy Faith held its first […]

Trini Carmelite professed final vows in the US

Brother Jonathan Steele O Carm, professed his Final Vows (August 26) at the National Shrine Our Lady of Mt Carmel, Middletown New York. The thirty-year-old is […]

Getting To Know Series: “Sister Debbie”

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org At one point, Deborah ‘Sister Debbie’ de Rosia envisioned achieving other things in life. She, however, is now resolute that her […]

Lilies of the field

By Matthew Woolford For years I prayed and waited, and finally, Google TV made Lilies of the Field available for rental on its platform. It was […]

CFC Handmaids of the Lord re-unite and reconnect with their first love

Saturday, July 9, was truly a memorable day in the lives of the Couples for Christ (CFC), Handmaids of the Lord (HOLD) who took time to […]

Our Beautiful Churches: The Church of the Assumption

Trinidad & Tobago has many beautiful churches, all having a rich history. Senior writer Lara Pickford-Gordon visited a few and writes on the Church of the […]

Youth participation in the life of the Church

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org “You ever went to church, and after the Mass… everybody… people just jump in their car and buss out?” Catholic Commission for […]

Preserving Woodbrook’s unique heritage

The following ‘Response to Ariapita Avenue Developments and Year-Round Carnival Centre’ issued by the Woodbrook Residents Committee on August 4 has been edited for length. Since […]

In the name of science and service

By Dixie-Ann Belle As Dr Arlene Williams-Persad stood with the nine other awardees at the recent 13th Latin American and Caribbean Congress of Immunology – ALACI […]

Aug 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

Tuesday, August 9 marks the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. This year’s theme looks at the Role of Indigenous women in the preservation and […]

Always for others

The Chatham/Cedros Catholic community honoured stalwart Dexter Mitchell on July 31 at the St Ann’s RC Chapel after Mass celebrated by Fr David Khan. The following […]

Men, check your health and what you eat

By Cherice Bronte-Tinkew R.D. Men are less likely to go to a doctor for an annual check-up unless they are severely ill, or it is a […]

Hiking How To’s

By the Hiking Association of Trinidad and Tobago As the August vacation draws to a close, families and friends may be seeking exciting ways to end […]

Error 404’ Provide salary details – or not?

By Pasha Hussain, Managing Director In our last piece (CN July 10), we weighed in on the need to develop and post a clear and honest […]

Shepherd’s Cup 2022 – Fun, Fitness and Fellowship Edition

From The Office of Youth Ministry When we think of the pandemic lockdowns and its repercussions on ministry in the Archdiocese of Port of Spain, its […]

An Immersive Village Experience: Lopinot Tourism

In collaboration with Marcia Guerrero, Chair, LCCT and Director, Mariposa. The old adage, “There is no place like home” is the basis of the local tourism […]

Let the children play… and join them

From the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission What is it that children love to do? Play of course! Parents and teachers (read ‘the adults’) often complain that […]

My journey in the workplace

By Helen Achong I worked at one organisation for 29 years, beginning at the age of 18 with no prior working experience. It was there that […]

Viola’s Place – like family

Joan Benita Braithwaite, owner, Viola’s Place Where did you start working and how did you end up in the hotel industry? I was a classroom teacher […]

Holiday time again

The July/August vacation is halfway-through, and in this business supplement themed Love up Local—Experience T&T, we focus on local sites that offer a fun experience for […]

Earthquake? No, just the Metro

By Raymond Syms, Editor Are you ready to go home? Represent the Antilles Episcopal Conference at the tenth World Meeting of Families – done. Visit some […]

We plan our course, but the Lord determines our steps…

Leela Ramdeen is the first in our Catholic Icons web series. Parts one and two appeared in the July 3 and 17 issues respectively. This is […]

No flour? No problem, says Madame Moringa

By Klysha Best Imagine having breadfruit pancakes or some melongene fritters for breakfast, minus the use of flour? Following the increase of flour last month, debate […]

Francesco – from ‘Papa’ to San

By Raymond Syms, Editor All eyes were on him as he slowly exited the popemobile parked behind the altar. Pope Francis grimaced in obvious pain, suffering […]

Retired? No, just ‘retreaded’ to bear more fruit

This Sunday is World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly. The theme is In old age they will bear fruit (Ps 92:15). “The day emphasizes how […]

Getting to Know Series: Lauren Branker

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org As Lauren Branker tells it, her work as Communications Officer at the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) is for the good of God. […]

“Soft spoken Richard” displayed grit for SEA 2022

“Pleasantly surprised.” This is how Granville RC Principal Martin Lumkin responded when asked to share his thoughts of his students’ performance at this year’s Secondary Entrance […]

Pandemic struggles to SEA success: Hardbargin RC student gives thanks

On Friday July 1, the Hardbargain RC School, Williamsville held a graduation ceremony for the outgoing Standard Five Students who sat the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA). […]

Taking in the sights…watch out for the seagulls!

By Raymond Syms, Editor “Waaahhhhh!” Dawn in Rome. “Waaahhhh!” I open my eyes and turn. Tricia is still fast asleep. “Waaahhhh!” What the heck is that?! […]

Working for racial justice in the UK

Leela Ramdeen, a champion of Social Justice, before becoming Chair, Catholic Commission for Social Justice (CCSJ) and the Archdiocese’s Ministry for Migrants and Refugees (AMMR) was […]

Mmm….‘A nice brown ting’ We’re talking Cocobel

Cocobel Chocolate’s 100 per cent locally made, artisanal, single origin chocolate has been pioneering Trinidad’s artisanal fine chocolate-making industry since 2008. Cocobel Chocolate is made from […]

Helping children get their writing back on track

By Kaelanne Jordan, mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Veronica Carasquero, author of Penmanship Perfect is a devoted teacher at Diego Martin Boys’ RC. Her new book is targeted at preschoolers, […]

Holy Spirit Chosen Ministry celebrates second anniversary

“Holy Spirit Come With your Fire!” were the words sung lustily at the June 5 celebration of the second anniversary of the Holy Spirit Chosen Ministry […]

The education solution – ensure every child blooms

By Tonia Leacock I looked at a survey for the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) and the Concordat, and unfortunately it was not well constructed. I have […]

Error 404’ Aiming for transparency in the JD

In our last article (June 5, CN), the team discussed the Recruitment Process, Tips and Traps for the Job Seeker. In this article, we would be […]

Rome was made for walking…

By Raymond Syms, Editor Step up. Keep up. This is Rome. Again. Buongiorno! Good morning or Good Day! I had the blessing of visiting Rome for […]

The role of the Labour Movement in nation building

By Dr Sharon Syriac Brown girl in the ring Tra la la la la There’s a brown girl in the ring Tra la la la la […]

The Catholic Netflix

By Kaelanne Jordan, mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org The Catholic Religious Education Development Institute (CREDI) has partnered with the Augustine Institute Resource Center for free access to the FORMED online […]

OUR CATHOLIC ICONS: Leela Ramdeen’s passion for justice

Leela Ramdeen, a champion of Social Justice, before becoming Chair, Catholic Commission for Social Justice (CCSJ) and the Archdiocese’s Ministry for Migrants and Refugees (AMMR) was […]

Lions Roar and Heroes Cry

By Matthew Woolford My love affair with the game of basketball started as a 10-year-old student at Western (now Sacred Heart) Boys’ RC School, Richmond Street, […]

Courage and Tears: A Tale of Resourcefulness

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Courage and Tears is the title of Shirley Tappin’s first novel. Tappin, the Senior Human Resource Officer at the Chancery Archdiocese of […]

Waves for Hope: Spreading joy through surfing

By Daniel Young For Christopher ‘Chris’ Dennis, the sport of surfing has provided much. In the local Trinidadian surf community,  Dennis is an icon of the […]

Let’s Talk Nation Building: The Development & Protection of Women and Girls in Trinidad and Tobago

I woke up today in pain. My chest hurt from the first kick I’d gotten. My arms were blue-black. My leg was throbbing where he’d kicked […]

A priest’s golden jubilee: Fr Herbert Charles

On June 25, 1972 Rev Herbert Charles of Mt Lambert, Rev Franklyn Andrews and Rev Brian de Freitas were ordained by Archbishop Anthony Pantin. Charles, this […]

Business Spotlight: Curepe Agri and General Supplies

The Curepe Agri and General Supplies store offers a wide range of products and services for household gardens and larger agricultural spaces. They sell flowers and […]

Business Spotlight: Cocoa Pod Chocolate Shop

With a vision to helping make Trinidad and Tobago the Mecca of chocolate in the world, the Cocoa Pod Chocolate Shop is a research and development […]

Business Spotlight: Cocobel

Cocobel Chocolate’s 100% locally made, artisanal, single origin chocolate has been pioneering Trinidad’s artisanal fine chocolate-making industry since 2008. Cocobel Chocolate is made from world-renowned, “Fine […]

Business Spotlight: IFarmTT

IFarmTT LTD is a 100 per cent local agri-tech company pioneering Vertical Farming and Controlled Environment Agriculture which is a technology-based approach towards crop cultivation to […]

Business Spotlight: Fresh Farm

Located in Talparo, Fresh Farm provides all-natural eggs to groceries around the country. Soon to be providing all-natural chicken, Fresh Farm has developed a system of […]

Business Spotlight: New Earth Organic

Established in September 2008, New Earth Organic is the first organic store in Trinidad, and the only store devoted entirely to organic products. They offer delivery […]

Business Spotlight: The Plant Doctors Hydroponics/Aquaponics

Pioneers in selling all inputs and advising in hydroponics/aquaponics, The Plant Doctors’ objective is for farmers, householders and other interested persons to engage in different systems […]

Planting Time

Sandy Samnarine Division Manager-Agri, Lawn & Garden FT Farfan Limited Despite your religious persuasion, Corpus Christi in Trinidad is the single most popular day for planting.  […]

The Future of Business and the Earth – ESG Who?

By Dominique Heffes-Doon Integrated Communications Lead, Camsel Member of Laudato Si’ Media Pope Francis in his encyclical and open letter to humanity on the environment, Laudato […]

Managing your emotions

Here are a few effective ways to understand and gain control over your emotional life: Pause and Pray–Get in the habit of briefly pausing and praying […]

Living a Christian life on the job

Sometimes, our jobs can be enlivened by the people we work with. Other times, they seem to get on our last nerve. Jerome Alexander is the […]

Faith and farming – Cornelius Campbell, Paramin farmer

How did you get started? I used to work in a hydraulics place. I started in garden first, but it was kinda difficult financially I say […]

Eco-Agriculture

We are particularly excited about this supplement’s theme: Eco-agriculture. According to Green Peace, eco-agriculture or eco-farming “combines modern science and innovation with respect for nature and […]

Bathol Pallai: A Legacy of Agriculture

There is often a dilemma at the passing of a person who was very well known to all, as to what was their legacy. This thought […]

Caring for and treasuring our elderly in the time of pandemic

By Kaelanne Jordan Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, older adults have been disproportionately affected. We have all heard the warnings from the health authorities […]

The path to another life

By Richard Thompson “Many people begin, but few finish. And we, who are trying to behave as God’s children, have to be among those few. Remember […]

Celebrating our spiritual fathers

Every year Father’s Day comes knocking at our door and how do we celebrate? This year we celebrate the lives of four priests who give of […]

A family of musicians

By Kaelanne Jordan Music is a common thread in the Roberts’ household. Kern has been involved in a church choir his whole life playing drums, even […]

“Getting to Know” Series: Meet Angelo Kurbanali

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Angelo Kurbanali is the Content Creator at the Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the Archdiocese, known as the Catholic Youth Commission […]

‘A Time for Hope & Healing’

On Saturday, May 14, the Billings Ovulation Method Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BOMA-TT), in association with the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission (AFLC), invited those affected […]

The saint of ordinary life — Josemaria Escriva

By Fr Mark Georges, Opus Dei On June 26, the Church celebrates the Feast day of St Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei (Latin for […]

‘Auntie Sylvia’ could well cook

Sylvia Allen died on April 14, 2022, at the age of 102. The funeral Mass was held May 17 at the Santa Rosa RC Church, Arima. […]

Finding God again

By Daniel Young Faith is a subject that we can all relate to. Some of us see faith as a state of always being perfectly in […]

Pew to Pavement Q&A with Cindy Narine

The Catholic News is excited to launch our new online series ‘Pew to Pavement’ and who better to kick off this venture, than a true champion […]

Our Mt Tabor experience

Many people, when they hear ‘Couples for Christ’ (CFC), they immediately think that it is an organisation only for couples – but I assure you, it […]

The benefits of breastfeeding

The Supermarket Association of Trinidad and Tobago issued a media release May 13 assuring that based on feedback from its suppliers there is no issue with […]

‘Error 404’: Recruitment process – Tips and Traps

The recruitment process is a two-way street, neither being the easier path to tread. In this two-part series, we’ve put together our lead recruiters’ experience with […]

Working with young men reaps rewards

By Lara Pickford-Gordon, snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org We encounter the divinity in our brothers and sisters through their acts of generosity and kindness; it can come in different guises. […]

Living with and overcoming PWS

Simone Callender writes about a rare genetic disorder affecting her daughter known as Prader-Willi Syndrome. World International Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Day was marked on Friday, May […]

The beautiful fragments that make us whole—Happy Indian Arrival Day!

Originally published May 30, 2019 “Break a vase, and the love that reassembles the fragments is stronger than that love which took its symmetry for granted […]

God @ Work: The Catholic Mission

The Catholic News has added another facet to its integral living thrust with the introduction of its business supplement. With a specific theme every month, get […]

Getting to Know…Annalisa Ramsahai and the Franciscan Institute

Everyone is in the circle By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Annalisa Ramsahai is the Regional Programme Coordinator for the Franciscan Institute for Personal and Family Development, a […]

Dis Rosary Ting

By Alvin Peters Hear dis. Ah have someting to tell yuh but finish yuh drink fus. I paying for de next rounds. Doh get vex, eh. […]

Wedding venues

After having completed the formal joining to become husband and wife at your parish church, the next step of the wedding reception marks the full stop […]

So you’re getting married – What do you have to do?

On one, practical level there are certain documents you must have. The first one of these is the Marriage License, sometimes referred to as ‘the banns’, […]

Make your wedding day special… keep it simple and sacred

General Manager Kathryn Tardieu and her husband Fitz share their advice for couples on their wedding day. The preparation leading up to the big day Kathryn […]

New perspectives for wedding planning in a pandemic

By Simone Sant-Ghuran www.trinidadweddings.com www.facebook.com/trinidadweddings www.instagram.com/trinidadweddings As if wedding planning wasn’t stressful enough, add a pandemic into the mix and you could have a reason for […]

Wedding planning basics – getting started!

By Simone Sant-Ghuran, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, TrinidadWeddings Chances are, that unless you’re in the event management field or accustomed to throwing huge parties, your wedding will […]

Financial foundation for newlyweds

By Finbar Garcia, LUTCF, FSS, MFA ‘Dollars and Sense’ monthly columnist   For many couples, during courtship, financial discussions are not the main part of relationship […]

Theology of Work

By Mark Carmino, Catholics in the Workplace Contrary to what we may sometimes think, work itself is not punishment for the sin of Adam and Eve. […]

Humility is key to leadership

Derek Hudson became Non-Executive Chairman of Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago in December 2020 (a position he still holds). Prior to this, he was President of BG […]

Catechists renew body, mind, and spirit

It started off as an overcast Saturday (May 14) morning with the sun peeping through. I had made a commitment to attend the ‘Renewal of Body, […]

Roving CFS: learning spaces for vulnerable children

By Darrion Narine, CCSJ/AMMR Programme Coordinator Life has taken many twists and turns over the last two years and for many it has been difficult. Children, […]

Children learn about the nation’s heritage in ‘The Most Magnificent’

By Dixie-Ann Belle As they fly their kites, play football, and eat sno cones around the Queen’s Park Savannah, the average Trinidad and Tobago child might […]

Listening and Journeying Together-Laudato Si’ Week 2022

This year, we join the Catholic communities across the globe in celebrating Laudato Si’ Week from May 22– 29, 2022. The theme, Listening and Journeying Together, […]

Kitchener, culture and spirituality

Aldwyn Roberts, better known by the stage name Lord Kitchener (or ‘Kitch’) was born April 18, 1922, in Arima. To ensure his legacy remains relevant, the […]

A bit of Jose – de Jesus, he certainly was

Jose Salazar died April 15, Good Friday. His funeral Mass was April 22 at his home parish, St Anthony’s RC Church, Petit Valley. Salazar’s eulogy was […]

‘Final Easter’

‘Final Easter’ was the chosen title of the April 19–28 Holy Week Art Exhibition at Arnim’s Art Galleria LTD, Port of Spain, featuring the work of […]

The first stone

By Matthew Woolford Harper Lee once wrote, “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy… That’s why it’s a sin to kill […]

Saving our youths

By Senator Hazel Thompson-Ahye Founder and Chair, Child Rights and Restorative Justice Organization   Why are we, as adults, so reluctant to intervene in young people’s […]

Selfless Ann

Angela O’joe-St Rose delivered the following eulogy for her mother, Ann O’joe (November 22, 1934–April 21, 2022). Ann Pascall, Ann O’joe, Annalina, Mummy, Ms Ann, Mammy […]

A tribute to Latchmie – my role model, mentor, mother

By Camille Ramdial-Cumberbatch My mom, Latchmie Ramdial, was the queen of our family in Cocoyea, San Fernando. The musical icon, Sundar Popo sang, “A mother’s love, […]

Motherhood is balance

Last November, Associate Editor Simone Delochan interviewed entertainment entrepreneur Candace Guppy-Sobion about her call back to faith and motherhood. Freelance writer Daniel Young spoke with Sobion […]

St Mary’s College student saves life of a stranger

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org When faced with a sudden life-threatening situation would you risk your life to save a stranger? Fifteen-year-old Gregg Alejandro Mannette is among […]

Moms, relieve the stress – time for a massage

By Heidi Gibbon, Aesthetician Aesthetics is my side job. I am also a mother of three lovely children, so I understand the time constraints of balancing […]

The Little House on the Corner

By Matthew Woolford Within recent months, I have fallen in love with Rosary Monastery, St Ann’s. This ‘Little House on the Corner’ was, to my eyes […]

Fatima boys reflect on successes at Carifta Games

By Lara Pickford-Gordon Snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Athletes of Fatima College can hold their heads high having competed in the 49th Carifta Games, April 16–18 at Independence Park, Kingston, […]

Catholic Principals Association President dies

The Principal of Petit Valley Boys’ RC, and President of the Association of Catholic Principals (ACP) Gregory Johnson died suddenly on the morning of Thursday, April […]

On Synod fatigue

From The Office of Youth Ministry Synod. Synod. Synod. Hopefully, you have heard this word hundreds of times. By now you might even be tired of […]

Awesome Father – a ‘love letter’ to T&T and God

Story and photos by Dixie-Ann Belle Educator, poet and children’s author, Charisse J Broome is on a mission: to help reshape the literary world of the […]

Memoir: Sister Marie-Thérèse Rétout OP

Dominican Sister Marie-Thérèse Rétout arrived in Trinidad on February 9, 1952, at the age of 30. During the 70 years she spent in the Republic of […]

Andrew Lewis: A New Way Forward

By Daniel Young Andrew Lewis has long made Trinidad & Tobago proud with his representation at the Olympics. He spent many years dedicated to the sport […]

Thank God for the blessing

Nikel Baptiste, 19 years is thanking God for his recent success earning a scholarship for his performance in the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exam (CAPE). One hundred […]

The adventure of Otto, the inquisitive octopus

By Angela Pidduck Cynthia Sheila Ellis has dedicated her first publication Inquisitive Otto, the story of Otto the Octopus, to: “Gabriella, my five-year-old grand-daughter: a beam […]

FEEL continues to assist

The Foundation for the Enhancement and Enrichment of Life (FEEL) was “busier than ever” during the Covid-19 pandemic achieving a milestone in 2020, with about 65 […]

Top Three Things To Know About Maundy Thursday.

Commonly known as Holy Thursday, ‘Maundy Thursday’ is celebrated the Thursday before Good Friday in Holy Week. For many Catholics and Christians alike, it is a […]

A mother’s strength; Misilla pushes through pain of losing her baby

By Klysha Best Nothing can be more traumatic for a mother than to lose a child. When that child is mere months old, the suffering and […]

From the Paschal to the synodal

By Fr Donald Chambers Palm Sunday marks the end of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem together with His disciples, and the beginning of His Paschal journey – […]

Hope springs eternal

Natasha Babwah-Tim Kee shares her thoughts and reflections for the Lenten season Personal and world events that impact our lives can sometimes lead to feelings of […]

Joseph lived, in spite of

Joseph Chow died March 21, 2022, at the age of 37. His father, Alfred, delivered the following eulogy at his funeral Mass at Our Lady of […]

Michelle Borel: Inspiring others to see the greatness within themselves

By Klysha Best So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the words of GOD. (Rom 10:17) These are the words that motivational speaker Michelle […]

Open schol winner looks forward to possibilities to be revealed

Nineteen-year-old Navita Rampersad had mixed feelings about her success in getting an open scholarship in Environmental Studies, but she is looking forward to the possibilities to […]

SEA student with Leukaemia shows strength

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org While most students writing the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) Examination hope of attaining bragging rights for securing their first-choice secondary school, […]

Scholarship winner, Anjuli Ramnathsingh says ‘Balance is key to life’

The Ministry of Education announced the recipients of national scholarships March 16. A total of 100 scholarships were distributed based on the results of the Caribbean […]

Actor and antagonist

By Fr Donald Chambers Pondering today’s gospel reading of the woman caught committing adultery (Jn 8: 1–11), I sense three protagonists and one antagonist on the […]

What kind of disciple are you?

Part 5 of a series of articles for the Lenten season by Msgr Michael de Verteuil, Chair of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission I remember reading, but […]

Lent 2022: It’s not too late…

Natasha Babwah-Tim Kee shares her thoughts and reflections for the Lenten season Faith and trust are one in the same. “Faith is inseparable from trust; it […]

Sister Martha lived for God and others

We remember Sr Martha Helena Lloyd O Carm. This is an edited version of her eulogy delivered April 15, 2021 Sr Martha was a righteous person. […]

Synod through Lent: Lesson in a visit to the zoo

By Fr Donald Chambers “. . . with a little boy to lead them” (Isaiah 11: 6) Recently, I had a light bulb moment. I finally […]

FAQs about Lent

Part 4 of a series of articles for the Lenten season by Msgr Michael de Verteuil, Chair of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission Q: Why is Lent […]

Filled with joy doing what God has called me to

The Church needs priests. This month-long series featuring four young priests and their respective journeys to answering the Call, concludes with FR PETER ST HILLAIRE. Whenever […]

‘The Pursuit of Greatness’

On Saturday, April 2 at 7.30 p.m., Chandelier Productions will open its 2022 Concert Season at Queen’s Hall with ‘The Pursuit of Greatness’, under the musical […]

Lent 2022: “Communion is… community”

Natasha Babwah-Tim Kee shares her thoughts and reflections for the Lenten season Two weeks ago, I attended my parish’s week-long Lenten retreat and was very excited […]

Sr Dominic had an indomitable spirit

We remember Sr Dominic Xavier Sandy O Carm. This is an edited version of her eulogy delivered in 2020. Sr Dominic Xavier has touched lives in […]

Those unwanted brown spots

By Heidi Gibbon, Aesthetician Maintaining a healthy skin tone is crucial to ageing gracefully. Over my 20-plus years in the skincare industry, this issue of tone […]

What to make of the metaverse

Human ingenuity is alive and well, thanks be to God! In the last century, and especially the last few decades, our technology has begun to assist […]

Pigeon peas ice-cream? Get ready for Pigeon Peas Festival 2022

All over the world, there are festivals of one kind or another. India is reputed to be the country with the most festivals, and Nigeria has […]

What is a Marian Consecration?

By Kathleen N. Hattrup – published on 03/18/22 The consecration of Russia and Ukraine will take place on Friday, March 25, feast of the Annunciation. “Pope Francis has […]

Synod through Lent: “Convert to become fruitful”

By Fr Donald Chambers The word ‘conversion’ appears ten times in the synod handbook, Vademecum. Its frequency is a critical clue to a primary fruit which […]

For a fruitful Lent

Part 3 of a series of articles for the Lenten season by Msgr Michael de Verteuil, Chair of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission The first weeks of […]

The synodal journey – a gift for our catechists

By Fr Donald Chambers The spirit and guidelines of the Synodal journey (2021–2023) is without doubt a gift to all, including catechists – teachers or formators […]

Called to spread the passion

The Church needs priests. This month-long series features four young priests and their respective journey to answering the Call. This issue, FR KENWYN SYLVESTER When asked […]

Do you need Me Time? Check out our ‘She Shed’

By Charlene Gowrie MSc LLb, BSc and Sophie Barcant, BA (Psyc), B Ed My friend called, “Hey, I need to decompress, what are you doing later?” […]

Agnes was an example of synodality

Agnes Charles died peacefully on Monday, February 21, three months short of her 94th birthday. Her funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, February 26 at her […]

Synod through Lent: “Transfiguration moments”

By Fr Donald Chambers The Gospel of Luke (Year C) is an idyllic synodal gift to the Church because Luke crafts Jesus’ ministry as a journey, […]

A season to check in on ourselves

Part 2 of a series of articles for the Lenten season by Msgr Michael de Verteuil, Chair of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission Lent is basically about […]

The Church needs priests: “A leap into adventure”

The Church needs priests. This month-long series features four young priests and their respective journey to answering the Call. This week: By Fr Kwesi Alleyne I […]

Women’s Day Feature: Hazel Thompson-Ahye

Today, March 8 is International Women’s Day, a global observance celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It is also a call to […]

Temptations as pitfalls

By Fr Donald Chambers Imagine you are a member of a group on a hiking trail. On the trail, you bump into huge rocks, running streams, […]

Pray to the Mother of God for Ukraine

As escalations continue in Ukraine, let us pray to the Virgin Mary and ask that her intercession may bring peace. Prince Yaroslav the Wise consecrated Kyivan […]

We think we know people you know…We don’t!

– Journeying with youth in a synodal Church From The Office of Youth Ministry On February 5, 2022, the Office of Youth Ministry held its quarterly […]

Conversion, then evangelisation

By Fr Donald Chambers The coronavirus pandemic has severely occasioned the diminishing participation in Church life and attendance. Like the education system losing some students with […]

Life challenges…love endures

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Saira Joseph-La Foucade offered up her unborn child to be a priest after the first ultrasound revealed she was having a boy. […]

Eye See Cannyval

You jumping up for dee cannyval?  As for Eye, Eye cyah miss dat, Eye must take pat, bot Eye following dee popula cannyval root.  Eye starting […]

Ageing gracefully

By Heidi Gibbon, Aesthetician As much as we would like to stay young forever, ageing is inevitable. There are many different factors that contribute to ageing, […]

The mas – good and bad

“An artist is a priest, and by the same token, a priest is also an artist” – Peter Minshall, January 2022 Dr Sharon Syriac concludes her […]

Remember it is Spirit-driven

By Fr Donald Chambers As I write this article, many dioceses within the Antilles Episcopal Conference, from Hamilton, Bermuda in the north, to Belize City/Belmopan, Belize […]

The mas – joy and unity

Dr Sharon Syriac reviews Fr Robert Christo’s thesis, ‘Interpreting the Mas Portrayals of Peter Minshall as Food for the Christian Religious Imagination’ She’s Bacchanal lady Sweet […]

Mercy – the other side of love

How to still be a loving person in difficult relationships without becoming angry and bitter? Fr Robert Christo, Vicar for Communications said, “The minute that you […]

Together again …but letting go

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org As Love Endures Pt 2: Hannah (not her real name) has a volatile relationship with her mother. They get along, however, the […]

Nearness, charity for those who suffer

Following is an edited version of Pope Francis’ message for the 30th World Day of the Sick (February 11, 2022) issued on December 10, 2021, Memorial […]

Intentionally listening to the other

By Fr Donald Chambers On August 18, 2021, I posted a personal blog entitled ‘Conversation, Conversation, Conversation’ (belovedreflections.org) about the fruits from a weekend conversation with […]

Diabetes and DEMM

By Petra Bridgemohan Retired public health Optometrist For people living with diabetes, please do not add to pandemic stress of public health systems. With most of  […]

The mas – an expression of FREEDOM

Sharon Syriac reviews Fr Robert Christo’s thesis, ‘Interpreting the Mas Portrayals of Peter Minshall as Food for the Christian Religious Imagination’ During this pandemic, amidst mass […]

As Love endures…

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org A true understanding of what love is comes in the trials of life, the willing vulnerability, expanding our hearts beyond our own […]

The spirituality of tension

By Fr Donald Chambers “My heart was burning for home. For a moment I felt like crying out, but . . . my mother’s voice came […]

Live your life…and forget your age!

By Jacqueline Adams, Attorney-At-Law Starting a new career at the age of 70 raised a few eyebrows. I suppose that sort of behaviour violates the norm […]

Young people of faith, be bold

Ten questions with Jonathan Bhagan, Attorney-at-Law Tell us about yourself. I was born in October 1989. I am 32 years of age. Presently, I am an […]

‘Error 404’ What do we do when our career path does not load?

A letter to your younger self was the turning point for the reflection of the virtual session conducted by the recruitment firm, JobsTT & Progressive Recruitment […]

The ‘Color’ of contemplative music

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Color Music Ministry is an evolution that is still taking place. The Catholic group started as a church choir providing music […]

Dora Gibbons, family matriarch, turns 100

Prayer, faith, family and an active lifestyle are what Dora Margaret Gibbons (née Oliver) attribute to her long and prosperous life. Born on January 24, 1922 […]

The story of Sister Victoria

Victoria Virués was born 95 years ago in Chiclana de la Frontera, a town in Cadiz, in southern Spain. She lived through the Spanish Civil War […]

OUR BEAUTIFUL CHURCHES: St Patrick’s RC Church

Trinidad & Tobago has many beautiful churches, all having a rich history. Senior writer Lara Pickford-Gordon visited a few and writes on the St Patrick’s RC […]

Accept what God gave you!

By Heidi Gibbon, Aesthetician “I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made.” (Ps 139) Are we obsessed with our […]

A ‘little Eden’ by the Cathedral

Story and photos by Lara Pickford-Gordon Vicar General Fr Martin Sirju has been sharing his gardening exploits on the Cathedral’s Facebook page. His joy evident as […]

Out of the ordinary…

By Alvin Peters I placed the last of the Christmas decorations in the box. I stood, stretched my back, and looked around. The joyous, festive look […]

Sunday of the Word of God: The ritual for the celebration of the Word of God

Enthroned in the family home Family gathers in a suitable room. The head of the household enters the room with the Bible, accompanied by a vigil […]

Sunday of the Word of God: Recommended ritual for all Masses

This Sunday, January 23 is the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.  In preparation for the celebration of the Sunday of the Word of God, the Archdiocesan […]

Making a garden… from household garbage

What may be considered garbage after one-time use can become a receptacle in your home garden for 2022. Form Four Presentation College, Chaguanas student Dimitri Siewnarine […]

Nutrition for those eyes!

By Cherice Bronte-Tinkew R.D. “Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law” (Ps 119:18). Our eyes are organs which allow us to […]

Called to the stage

Scott Rochard, 25, would have had a career in neuroscience, if not for a chance encounter on the dance floor. He shares how he discovered his […]

OUR BEAUTIFUL CHURCHES: St Ann’s RC Church

Trinidad & Tobago has many beautiful churches, all having a rich history. Senior writer Lara Pickford-Gordon visited a few and writes on the St Ann’s RC […]

Healthy family life in uncertain times

By Alicia Hoyte, MSc Clinical Psychologist Parenting in a pandemic has left us feeling vulnerable, uncertain, and anxious about the long-term impact on our children and […]

Matelot twins make community proud

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Jenniah McLaren has made her family, her school, and the Matelot community proud. The 12-year-old pupil of the Matelot Community RC placed […]

Dear St Peter…

By Matthew Woolford Granny Myrtle was just over five feet tall at her peak, but she was a giant of a woman! During my childhood, she […]

A visit to the ‘Brown Cow’

The Brown Cow is doing its part to develop tourism in Tobago through the plate and palate. Senior writer (and food lover) Lara Pickford-Gordon visited the […]

In 2022, choose your crew wisely

By Dr Margaret Nakhid-Chatoor, Psychologist/Educator From the reports circulating on social media about the pandemic, both negative and positive, it seems that we are in for […]

Urbi Et Orbi – A Christmas message from the Holy Father

Following is Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world) Christmas message delivered on Christmas Day, December 25, 2021, at midday in Saint […]

Catholic News kids answer: “What are you most looking forward to this Christmas?”

Some parents say that the reactions of their children at Christmas are part of what makes the season festive for them. So, we asked the children […]

Dealing with grief and loneliness at Christmas

By Dr Gerard Hutchinson The dictionary definition of grief describes it as an experience of intense sorrow or sadness after having experienced a loss. This feeling […]

Keeping fatherhood in Christmas

By Richard Thompson Looking back over the years, my adulthood has always challenged my true self-worth, whether I was a sales representative, manager, or director. I […]

Here’s to healthy skin

By Heidi Gibbon, Aesthetician Don’t be fooled by the perfect skin you see on social media, magazines and even Zoom calls. We’re imperfect humans, and this […]

Determined to celebrate

By Golda Lee Bruce For most of my life I was fortunate to have my two grandmothers. I often talk about my mother’s mother with whom […]

A Marian role as Advent focus changes

By Msgr Michael de Verteuil, Chair of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission Mary is an important companion in our lives. In Advent, she has a special role […]

People of Praise Food Bank & Life Centre opened

The People of Praise (POP) Food Bank and Life Centre was officially opened Friday, December 3. The POP community has been active in that ministry for […]

 Creating outdoor spaces for Advent and Christmas

By Kevin Allister Garcia We have arrived at the fourth week of Advent, where we light the fourth candle on our Advent wreath known as the […]

The Incomplete Mission

By Alvin Peters Father Stephen gathered his parishioners for a mission. He wanted them to see the church as much more than just four walls. He […]

Our Beautiful Churches: The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

By Lara Pickford-Gordon “It holds a special place as a landmark in Port of Spain,” said Architect Rudylynn De Four Roberts of our Mother Church, located […]

November Members’ Exhibition till December

You still have time to visit The Art Society of Trinidad and Tobago’s November Members’ Exhibition. The event opened November 26 at the ASTT’s headquarters in […]

Advent explained by ‘Fr Mike’ – Enter into the joy of the day

By Msgr Michael de Verteuil, Chair of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission The third Sunday in Advent is sometimes referred to as Gaudete (rejoice) Sunday. You will […]

To Sir, and Miss, with love

By Matthew Woolford The first time I met Mr Neil Williams was as my Form 1 Dean of Discipline and Studies at St Mary’s College, Port […]

DIY: make a sacred space for Advent

By Kevin Allister Garcia Last week, we went through the steps of preparing an Advent wreath as we journey through this season of preparation to celebrate […]

A time of Hope when all seems hopeless

Simone Maria, a Trini-born UK blogger, shares her post at the start of the Advent season. Today is the first Sunday of Advent. A time of […]

Believe- Once Upon a Star

‘Believe- Once Upon a Star’ Christmas concert is on at Queen’s Hall December 2–5. This year’s production will celebrate the Christmas star, according to a release […]

Jesus Explosion XIX – ‘Preach the Word’

From the Jesus Explosion Committee Jesus Explosion XIX is set for Sunday, December 12, coinciding with the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This year, the […]

Advent explained by ‘Fr Mike’ – Keep the season…

By Msgr Michael de Verteuil, Chair of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission Advent has a hard time, almost swallowed up by Christmas and its preparations. But the […]

Anti-violence youth campaign launched

‘I Have the Power to End Gender Based Violence (GBV)’ is an awareness campaign featuring a collection of six video-based messages with solutions to address and […]

Fight against pancreatic cancer

By Dr Olivia Dalla Costa As a physician, I have always been passionate about helping patients with cancer. Being on the Board of the John E […]

DIY: Make your own Advent wreath

By Kevin Allister Garcia The Advent season is one of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to the significance of our Lord’s birth and to […]

The everyday sacredness

The monastic life has taken on the extraordinary responsibility to pray for the Church constantly throughout the day and be a symbol of Christ’s stability in […]

Using time well

By David Isidore There is a playwright and musical director who chose to portray his work in an unorthodox manner. He chose serious and boring topics […]

A special place for Jean

Beryl Jean Sue Wing passed away peacefully in her sleep in Boston, Massachusetts, USA on October 21, 2021, after a brief illness. She was born in […]

Christ is alive in our youth

From The Office of Youth Ministry On Sunday, November 21, the youth of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain came together, online as well as in-person, […]

Advent – season of spiritual growth

Happy new year! Liturgically speaking that is. Msgr Michael de Verteuil, Chair of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission reminds us of the significance of Advent. The liturgical […]

Caribbean Theology Conference reflects on significance of Covid-19 pandemic

From the CTCT Secretariat The 21st Conference on Theology in the Caribbean Today (CTCT) took place from November 8–12, 2021. Because of the circumstances of the […]

Christmas cards to bring smiles

Thinking of a Christmas card to send to a family member or friend? Look out for the Catholic Media Services Ltd’s (Camsel) Christmas cards portraying a […]

Discipleship and Leadership Seminar

There were more than 300 participants logged into last Saturday’s ‘Discipleship and Leadership Seminar’ hosted by the Archdiocese’s Office of Pastoral Planning and Development (OPPD) and […]

Sisters together again

Reader Lauren Pamponette pays tribute to her mother, Elizabeth and her aunt Theresa, both of whom died on October 30, 2021. Theresa ‘Lila’ Singh, also known […]

PORN. THE TRUTH

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org “Its convenient nowadays, I wish I could stop. I really do, but porn is the worst drug. I quit smoking, drinking, […]

Don’t lose sight because of diabetes

By Petra Bridgemohan, Consulting Optometrist The Bible records many stories of Jesus healing the blind. Were they diabetics? As a former public health optometrist, I always […]

Nutritional management of Diabetes during the pandemic

With World Diabetes Day held last Sunday, November 14, registered dietician Kimberly Suraj has some timely advice for persons living with diabetes in these pandemic times. […]

Your king, your friend

By Alvin Peters There appeared to be a great divide between the king and his specially invited guests. He had hoped that this would be the […]

Virtual tea with the SVP

The Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) held a Virtual Tea Party Extravaganza on Saturday, November 6, and Sunday 7. Patrons collected their tea boxes […]

Fr Anton adjusts from accountant to priest

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org For persons discerning a vocation to the priesthood, there is the dilemma that “God couldn’t be calling me to leave a […]

Diabetes and you

Did you know that about 34 million children and adults have diabetes in the United States? Trinidad & Tobago has its own challenges with this health […]

“Honouring the legacy of grandparents” at Café Jobee

Welcoming, hospitable, and vibrant. This is exactly how Jonathan Serrette describes the newly opened Café Jobee (pronounced Jo-bay), a family run business located at 60 Eastern […]

Creating the right space for a quiet place

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit […]

God’s call to motherhood

Copy editor/writer Simone Delochan concludes her interview with Candace Sobion. Part 1 HERE “This is the story I think God wants me to tell.” Attending Mass […]

What if you think you missed your calling in life?

By Fr. Michael Rennier Everyone has a vocation, and it isn’t always a simple, one-time decision. Iused to dream of being an artist. As a teenager, […]

Our Beautiful Churches: St Vincent Ferrer RC, Moruga

By Rudylynn De Four Roberts I was asked to visit this church and advise regarding restoration works. I had not been to Mourga since I was […]

‘Maus’ was born to drum

My name is Michele Browne, née Telfer, oldest sibling but also one of the shortest, hence Peter’s greeting “Hi, big little sis”. Peter was literally born […]

Precious Blood celebrates 50 years of renewal

Arima’s Precious Blood Prayer Group celebrated its 50th anniversary in October. Core members submitted the following article which traces their history. “This cup is the New […]

Voice of the aspirants

At Aspirancy House, St Joseph, young men begin discerning if they are being called to the priesthood. The current group share their thoughts. I am where […]

The men set apart

By Alvin Peters Father Matthew closed his eyes and put his face into his hands. He felt the stubble on his cheeks. He hoped to collect […]

Audrey celebrates a century of life

Audrey McLean, a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and aunt was born November 11, 1921, to Hazel and Nettie Wharwood. She will celebrate her 100th […]

Like vintage wine, Jocelyn turns 90

Steeped in family religious tradition, Dr Jocelyn Hezekiah’s 90th birthday celebration began with a celebratory Mass on October 13. Family friend, Fr Leslie Tang Kai, travelled […]

Turning trash into treasure

By Kaelanne Jordan in Tobago mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Even the Pope agrees — recycling is good for the environment. In Laudato Si’- On Care for Our Common Home, […]

Allyson’s openness to life was phenomenal

By Christine Gonsalves Allyson Pantin:  July 2, 1947 – October 18, 2021 I first met Allyson over 30 years ago when we were brought to a […]

Take this counter-cultural Catholic trend to heart this November

November is the perfect time to practice the ancient devotion of memento mori. Anyone who has lost a loved one can tell you that our modern […]

Party done, answering God’s call

Copy editor/writer Simone Delochan interviews Candace Sobion who tells a deeply personal story of how God called her back to faith and to motherhood, in the […]

‘I knew I wanted to be a Religious Sister’

Holy Faith Sister Juliet Rajah celebrated her 25th anniversary as a religious sister last Sunday with Holy Mass at St Theresa’s RC Church, Woodbrook. Archbishop Jason […]

Which saints are honoured on All Saints Day?

As the name states, November 1 honors “all saints,” those canonized, and those unknown to the world. One common misconception about All Saints Day is that […]

The heavenly, angelic order…

The orders of the angels are not listed in the Bible but are referred to in scripture. Pseudo-Dionysius, a Christian philosopher of the late 5th century […]

Seeking closure

“Closure has to come from within, you have to close that door yourself” emphasised Ceirid Sampson, Bereavement Counsellor, as she spoke to participants at a workshop […]

Drink water. Repeat…

By Heidi Gibbon, Aesthetician Water is known as the elixir of life: 70 per cent of the earth is covered with water and we are literally […]

Dealing with your infatuations and repulsions

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org There’s a saying in T&T, “my blood don’t take to…”. The repulsion felt towards another person can be our psyche pointing us […]

Church History: Smallest Chapel in the Archdiocese

Where St John’s Village in St Augustine ends is where St Michael’s Village begins. There’s a road sign that welcomes you to the village, but it’s […]

Praying, playing for God and the people

INTERVIEW BY LEISEL JOEL-GEORGE Pierre Leiba is a violinist and mechanical engineer. He was born in Jamaica and started playing the violin at age six under […]

Promoting a positive view of people

Written by members of the World Youth Alliance, Trinidad and Tobago Chapter More than 40 years after the theory of ‘overpopulation’ was first placed on the […]

Short Story: “A rainbow of hope”

Ottrisha Carter, a parishioner of Coryal released a collection of short stories titled, Creeping towards a New Dawn, in 2020. The five stories narrate the lives […]

‘Rise Up’ – nine-year-old sings song of hope

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Francis ‘Julong’ McComie, nine years, released his first single ‘Rise Up’ August this year. It has been getting airplay and positive reviews […]

Our praying mothers

Where would many of us be without our praying mothers and grandmothers? As this Marian month of October draws to an end, reader Claire Baptiste testifies […]

Our Beautiful Churches: Sacred Heart RC

Dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, pre-Covid Ash Wednesday at Sacred Heart RC, Richmond Street was standing room only, as workers from around the city […]

An eye-opener

By Fr Wilfred John, San Fernando The name of the book is Fighting the Big D. In this neat, easy to read book of 74 pages, […]

What’s it like ‘Fighting the big D’

By Raymond Syms, Editor editor.camsel@catholictt.org There’s still somewhat of a stigma attached to issues related to mental health. But the times are changing. The Covid-19 pandemic […]

Catholic Charismatic Renewal celebrates 50 years with Gospelypso/Choir competition

As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations this year, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) hosted a Gospelypso/Choir competition in each vicariate during August-September. The theme was […]

Delivering the gift of smiles

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org What makes you smile? A joke, a warm greeting, or a kind gesture? Well, imagine a costumed character surprising you at […]

How ‘What if’ can you lead you to sin

Which two ordinary words, when combined, can lead to panic, hysteria, and even sin? These two: “What if …?” Novelist Stephen King says that’s the question […]

Supporting children through anxiety and the unknown

By Dr Krystal-Jane Verasammy In typical and atypical child development, September is usually a time of heightened anxiety among children. This may be due to the […]

A woman for all seasons

Former member of the Mary Immaculate Charismatic Prayer Group, Claudette Medina-Charles pays tribute to Edriss Redmond who died August 22 at the age of 96. This […]

Our Beautiful Churches: Holy Rosary RC

At the corner of Park and Henry Streets Port of Spain stands the Church of the Holy Rosary. The Gothic structure stands tall and contrasts the […]

Preparing for difficult conversations

By Fr Donald Chambers If the synod journey consists of conversations among the diversity of individuals and groups of the People of God, to discern the […]

The journey into self

Senior writer Lara Pickford-Gordon wrote this fictional story based on real events. This Sunday is the World Health Organization’s World Mental Health Day. The 2021 theme […]

Want a good immune system? Eat your veggies…and then some

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org There is the view that eating fruits and vegetables to build up a healthy immune system can prevent Covid-19. A good immune […]

Education for all, including those with special needs

By Natalie Mohammed Director of the Down Syndrome Family Network and Special Education Teacher What do you understand when you hear the term ‘special needs education?’. […]

The Sun… and how it affects your skin

By Heidi Gibbon, Aesthetician In Trinidad and Tobago, we struggle with a love-hate relationship with the sun.  On one hand, it makes us feel “sooo good” […]

Emmaus Doubles

By Alvin Peters Do you know what is worse than an angry man? I’ll tell you. A hungry and angry man. That was me last week. […]

Design considerations for those with Alzheimer’s

By Sherette Almandoz Interior Design Consultant   “Hi Mama, afternoon.” “Aye aye, Polo! It’s so nice to see you!” “Mama…who is Polo? I’m Mathew…”   Similar […]

I’ve got X, you’ve got Y – Let’s barter…

By Lara Pickford-Gordon Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org “Cash will always be king but when used with barter, transaction possibilities expand immensely,” says Stuart Henderson who is spearheading the […]

Anchored in the faith

A tribute by Angela Pidduck Sheila Theresa Faustin née Roudette died in Toronto, Canada, on August 15, 2021. She was 94. Her Funeral Mass was held […]

Quality of the conversations on the synod journey

By Fr Donald Chambers Pope Francis has invited all parishes, small Christian communities, lay movements, religious communities, and other forms of communion to embark on a […]

Eucharist as summit

By Msgr Michael de Verteuil Chair of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission In last Sunday’s article, we saw that the Church teaches that the Eucharist is the […]

Working with horses, helping little humans

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Karen Stollmeyer describes herself as a “lifelong” horse lover. She has had a passion for horses since her involvement as a child. […]

Talking vision

By Kaelanne Jordan mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org At age 42, Jeanista Agard began to experience a change that no one saw coming. It was easy to ignore the fact […]

Remember those ‘red flags’ in relationships

Chastity advocate speaks at ‘Love or Lust’ webinar By Lara Pickford-Gordon Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Catholic author and speaker on chastity, Jason Evert said practising self-control during dating […]

‘One day at a time’ – a tea shop surviving in the pandemic

By Lara Pickford-Gordon Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org It’s no secret that the Covid-19 pandemic has forced business closure and increased unemployment. The businesses struggling to survive amid the […]

Eucharist as source

By Msgr Michael de Verteuil Chair of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission The Catholic Church speaks of the celebration of the Eucharist as the source and summit […]

The journey of a young catechist

By Charmaine Thomas and Jade Downer As a Catholic parent, it is a significant responsibility, particularly in these tech-focused, modern times, to ensure that our kids […]

Growing Beyond The Pews

This Adult Faith Formation seven-week series hosted by Andrew Fernandes, Northern Vicariate Catechetical Coordinator was designed, as the name suggests, to help persons to “grow” beyond […]

Blended learning in South/Central

Training of catechists in the South/Central Vicariate was a challenge during the pandemic. However, 50 catechists from both vicariates were able to complete their training online […]

Catechetics in Tobago

The last 18 months have been challenging for us catechists in Tobago, but we have soldiered on! In the Sacred Heart parish (Delaford and environs), First […]

ACO Catechetical Conference 2021

On September 4, 2021, the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office (ACO) hosted its virtual Catechetical Conference with the theme Celebrating the Catechist.  This theme was chosen because of […]

God also calls us to be holistically healthy

Fr Stephan Alexander is on a health and weight-loss journey. He recently created buzz on social media when he debuted his impressive weight loss transformation after […]

Getting youths active to boost their mental health

By Lara Pickford-Gordon Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Lara Littlepage and her colleagues in the teaching fraternity were struggling to keep their students motivated while online. Beyond academic performance, […]

The virtual journey to SEA

As Covid-19 made its way into our country and sent our students home, we were forced to make the transition online. Quickly adjusting our sails at […]

The synod journey – hard pill for some to swallow?

By Fr Donald Chambers Synod or synodality is not an event. It is a journey of the people of God who listen to each other and […]

Real-life experience of synodality

By Fr Donald Chambers In this article, I bring together the main thoughts of my previous articles (CN August 1, 8, 15, 22, September 5) on […]

From Abraham to the Mass

By Msgr Michael de Verteuil Chair of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission God called Abraham. He called him to go to another land and to become the […]

You don’t have to affirm or abandon transgender persons

By Lara Pickford-Gordon Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Anyone who does not support gender dysphoria may be labelled a hater and a transphobic bigot. If  a family member or […]

My home away from home

By Sr Francoise OP I love to think of my years in Trinidad. I met so many wonderful people. I do get letters from my ‘son’ […]

Living and loving St Dominic’s – 74 years of joy

By Sr Catherine-Therese Mc Comie OP My vocation to Religious life was nurtured partly by my many visits to the Belmont Orphanage, now called the St […]

150 years of St Dominic’s Children’s Home

By Sr Arlene Greenidge OP, Manager Since 2008, St Dominic’s Children’s Home (SDCH) has been engaged in an organisational change and transformation process which led, in […]

Preserving the sacred and precious

Relics of St Dominic and others at Dominican reliquary By Lara Pickford-Gordon Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org   Theca Reliquary is the title of a booklet recently published by […]

Life in the village Church

Diane Bertrand in her recently published a memoir, The Gospel According to Diane – Between Vestibule and Altar, chronicles her spiritual journey. She is an active […]

Remembering my friend, Neil

By Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ & AMMR My friend, Neil Macey, 82, died in London on August 14 of Covid-19. He will be cremated on  September […]

Synod and participation

By Fr Donald Chambers In the post-Vatican II Church, many dioceses conducted synods. These assemblies, consisting of elected delegates of the laity, religious and clergy, were […]

Why does the good God allow suffering?

By Shannon Woodroffe Suffering. A word and experience familiar to every human. And although it seems inevitable in our lives, we somehow spend many thoughts and […]

We’re 59 – time for a performance appraisal

As Trinidad and Tobago marks its 59th anniversary of Independence, veteran journalist Dominic Kalipersad reflects on the nation’s history and experiences. Happy birthday to me? I […]

A STORY: The next generation

By Alvin Peters “Father, you do know you’re in a bar, right?” Ronald whispered to him as he and his best friend Jean-Paul or ‘JP’ looked […]

Keeping an eye on work-life balance

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Balance seems to be the best word to characterise Dr Greer Iton-Chams life. Like many, Covid-19 has created a slew of […]

Celebrating our people’s success

Recently, Trinidadian artist Che Lovelace posted on Facebook, that one of his pieces has become part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Contemporary Art […]

Shaping Soul and Civic-mindedness

Editorial Excerpts: 1962 to 1972 Editorial of the August 31, 1963, issue. August 31, 1963 First Anniversary of Independence “On Saturday, August 31st Trinidad celebrated the […]

Our people dream

“With the help of young people and their innovative spirit, we can make the dream come true of a world where bread, water, medicine and work […]

God also calls us to be holistically healthy

Fr Stephan Alexander is on a health and weight-loss journey. He recently created buzz on social media when he debuted his impressive weight loss transformation after […]

Mentorship matters

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Terrence Caesar first got involved as a youth member of the Scouts Association—the largest youth organisation of Trinidad and Tobago— in […]

Nature Sprout – empowering people to grow their own food

By Lara Pickford-Gordon Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Candice Caruth has always been interested in starting a business but did not want it to be dictated by the quest […]

Krogh amps it up

Self-taught Jonathan Krogh has been part of the local music scene for about 20 years, with his custom-built amplifiers and guitars, and later as stage manager […]

The Goodness

By Golda Lee Bruce When I left Trinidad and Tobago three years ago to take up a job in the US, I estimated that I could […]

Reaping for a Cause

Rio Claro farmer Navindra Heeralal would have been just an anonymous farmer tending to his produce farm. However, he was thrust into the spotlight in a […]

Jesus Christ Makes the Difference

A migrant family went to the Jesus Christ Makes the Difference Double B Supermarket at Government House Road, Tobago in May this year to purchase food. […]

The Community Cupboard

Deanna Moon-Leotaud lives Rebeiro Trace, off the Penal Rock Road, with her husband and four children. Looking out from her home she began noticing persons in […]

“Forty years a priest and I would do it again” says Fr Arnold Francis

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org “I loved it and, if it was possible, I would do it all over again.” So said Fr Dr Arnold Francis […]

Sr Reina lived the missionary life, moment by moment

The following is an edited version of the eulogy for Sr Reina Loe Sack Sioe SJC who died August 1 at the age of 93. It […]

New centenarian’s secret to longevity: ‘living in peace, serving God’

One hundred years and going. Carl Sayers Rogers is thankful to Almighty God, and prayers were offered for his life on Tuesday, August 10 at his […]

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. […]

Form 6 student of St Francis Boys’ College eyes Olympics 2024

Competitive runners must keep their focus on the track or road ahead as they move toward their goal. For Genesis Joseph, Upper Six student of St […]

Being present for the children

Contributing writer Ottrisha Carter spoke with Sr Roberta O’Flaherty CHF and Sr Sarah Waterman O Carm on what they’re doing during the pandemic. Sr Roberta O’Flaherty […]

The Holy Spirit and synodality

By Fr Donald Chambers In my two previous articles (CN August 1 and 8) I reflected on two dimensions of the Church’s synodal journey as story-telling […]

‘I will do it all over again’

By Fr Kenneth Vigelandzoon I entered the Seminary in 1989 along with 11 other brothers. We had a full house and a newly installed Rector, in […]

Your child and you—Part 2

By Anna Maria Mora, Counselling Psychologist What can be done to improve communication within the family? I n many cases communication between father and mother needs […]

Your child and you

By Anna-Maria Mora, Counselling Psychologist The pandemic and close living situations for parents and their children may have revealed gaps in the parent/child relationship. Counselling Psychologist […]

A Floral artist who seeks inspiration from God

By Leisel Joel-George You may have noticed a gorgeous floral backdrop while watching Mass via Trinity TV during Easter last year and this year. Perhaps you […]

Seminarians needed: Apply Within

By Neil Parsanlal It was the great ancient Greek philosopher Socrates who uttered the famous statement “the unexamined life is not worth living”. One of the […]

Sr Jeanne – a rough diamond with a heart for the poor

The following is an edited version of the eulogy for Sr Jeanne Williams SJC who died June 30. It was submitted by the Sisters of St […]

Wine won’t prevent Covid-19

Adapted from Verificat, July 19 A message sent to the Consortium through its WhatsApp number asked if tannins, a compound of wine, are beneficial to prevent […]

On nature’s side

Nicholas Mohammed, Committee Member of the Trinidad and Tobago Field Naturalists’ Club writes on the club’s varied activities. On July 10, 2021, the Trinidad and Tobago […]

The Sacrament of Marriage: “I do or don’t?”

“The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward […]

Sr Dominic – like those who ‘fell from the sky’

The following is an edited version of the eulogy for Sr Dominic Savio Walrond SJC who died June 28. It was submitted by the Sisters of […]

Pride in wearing the ‘Convent Blue’

The graduating class of 1959 wishes to convey our congratulations to the principal, staff, and members of the St Joseph’s Convent Past Pupils’ Association on the […]

Art in a Digital World: A conversation with Nicholas Huggins

By Daniel Young Most Trinidadians would be aware of names like LeRoy Clarke and Boscoe Holder as some of the best artists the country has produced. […]

JoJo’s dilemma

By Alvin Peters One of JoJo’s favourite things to do, ever since he was little, was to sit and talk to his grandfather while he made […]

They deserve better

By Kirt Conrad Walrond Many were justifiably incensed by the recent images of our senior citizens standing in long lines or sitting in the pouring rain […]

What’s the point of Marriage?

By Sasha Woodroffe The popularity of marriage has been on a decline for several years. Many persons question the need to enter a contract with the […]

‘Auntie Brenda’ loved to serve

Following is the eulogy for Brenda Gill who died July 5, 2021, written by her sister Carol Gill.   Brenda Catherine Gill was born on May […]

Who were Saints Anne and Joachim?

Who were Saints Anne and Joachim? On July 26, the Catholic Church commemorates the parents of the Virgin Mary, Saints Joachim and Anne. The couple’s faith […]

I am with you always

The following is the message from Pope Francis for the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly being marked July 25, the Sunday closest to […]

Maintain routines to help cope with Covid, says psychologist

As lives and livelihoods are upended by the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important to maintain a routine with work, exercise, and intimate moments. Routine was emphasised […]

This Catholic gymnast will be taking her rosary to the Tokyo Olympics

Olympic gymnast Grace McCallum will carry her rosary as she travels to Tokyo. The 18-year-old is making headlines, not just for her skills at the vault, […]

Covid-19 immunisation does not mean increased ‘flu vulnerability’

Adapted from Verificat, July 8 A WhatsApp video claiming that the Spike protein, which is found in SARS-CoV-2, has the capacity to worsen influenza disease. “One […]

Our Father healed my dad

By Afiya Marcial This Father’s Day was extremely special to my family. You see, at the beginning of May, I received a call advising that I […]

Hope for our elderly

By Sherette Almandoz, Interior Design Consultant In his encyclical Laudato Si’ – On Care for Our Common Home, Pope Francis stressed that in our human pursuit […]

Vaccines do not implant brain nano sensors

Adapted from Verificat, June 21 There is a video circulating on WhatsApp suggesting that vaccines against Covid-19 have the mission to implant nano sensors in the […]

Be careful not to impose a ‘Western vision’ on Covid-19 vaccines

Adapted from I.MEDIA, July 2 In order to ensure widespread vaccinations against Covid-19, world leaders need to be wary of imposing a “Western vision” on health […]

Questions with Fr Martin Sirju: Bringing the marvels of God on to local soil

Fr Martin Sirju celebrated his 30th anniversary of ordination, Wednesday, June 23. Catholic News interviewed the Vicar General to discover what these years have brought to […]

Sisters in Health: Sr Alicson walks in the footsteps of Jesus’ healing ministry

Sr Alicson Hudlin SJ loves nursing. Her enthusiasm for helping people has not dimmed through the many decades of service nor the Covid-19 pandemic. She considers […]

Woodbrook development – the blueprint we want to see

By Dwight Gonsalves Woodbrook resident and business owner Dwight Gonsalves comments on business plans to develop his community The suggestion to make Ariapita Avenue a world-class […]

In times of disaster, REACT

Ravindranath Goswami, President, REACT Trinidad and Tobago Council, lays out the importance of the volunteer organisation during times of disaster. It is not uncommon to have […]

World vaccination campaign is not a biological weapon

Adapted from Verificat, June 17 The portal Latin American Information Agency (ALAINET) has published a paper with the arguments of Geert Vanden Bossche, a German virologist […]

Prayers first, everything else will fall in place – farewell Sheila

A tribute from St Mary’s Mucurapo Girls’ RC to Sheila Adams who died May 14, 2021. Sheila Adams joined the family of Mucurapo Girls’ RC as […]

Reliable, predictable, stable – ‘Winty’

A poem by Vince, in tribute to his friend Ralph Winthrop Maraj who died alone at hospital in October 2020. Winty was a provider; son of […]

Catholic Engaged Encounter continues preparing couples through lockdown

In spite of the Covid restrictions and the peculiar situation in which we find ourselves, CEETT has continued to serve couples who are preparing for marriage. […]

Vaccinations reduce risk of vaccine-resistant variants

Adapted from Verificat, June 16 The portal Latin American Information Agency (ALAINET) has published a paper with the arguments of Geert Vanden Bossche, a German virologist […]

Fr ‘Mannie’ Pierre thanks God for treasures of priesthood

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Fr Emmanuel ‘Mannie’ Pierre celebrates 40 years of priestly ministry today, Monday, June 21. When asked what this significant milestone means […]

Vaccinate despite virus mutations

Verificat, May 31 Many have asked whether it makes sense to continue vaccinating if the virus continues mutating and new variants such as the British or […]

Author Kevin Jared Hosein, proud son of the soil

Simone Delochan copyeditor.camsel@catholictt.org “I thought it was going to be a mid-level publication. I was just writing…It still surprising to me. He [agent] sent it out […]

Catholic during the pandemic: freedom of conscience, or obligation to get vaccinated?

The following article by Jesús Colina was published May 3 by Aleteia and has been edited for length. Aleteia is a founding member of the Consortium. […]

Michael – ‘The Greatest Showman’

Michael Dennis Perkins passed away peacefully at home on the morning of  Tuesday, May  4 after  a  short  illness. Michael’s greatest passion was the church, whether  […]

Helping rescued animals reach their full potential

By Dixie Ann Belle When Elspeth Duncan woke up early one morning and heard a dog crying, her response was typical of her. While someone else […]

Miss Lalla devoted her heart and soul

Solange Lalla died May 22 after a long battle with illness. She entered the teaching service on September 21, 1990 and was appointed to the Arima […]

Walking on the water

By Barnabas Ramon Fortune The priest was getting a bit queer. Frequently he would stop during the celebration of the Mass seeming to be carried away […]

Researchers consider link between Covid-19 and teeth

Adapted from Verificat, May 26 The Spanish Society of Periodontology (SEPA in Spanish) said in April that “periodontitis aggravates the systemic condition of Covid-19 patients and […]

Spike protein cannot be transmitted through the air by vaccinated people

Adapted from Verificat, May 21 A website self-defined as Catholic has echoed the results of a report published by an organisation known as America’s Frontline Doctors […]

On vaccines, ‘no one will make it alone’

Sr Nathalie Becquart, a member of the Congregation of Xavières, serves as Undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops. This is an edited version of an interview […]

How the Sinopharm vaccine works

Adapted from Verificat, April 1 The National Chinese Pharmaceutical Group, known as Sinopharm, has developed two vaccines: Sinopharm-Beijing and Sinopharm-Wuhan. The Institute of Biological Products from […]

Thoughts and memories of our Dad, Prof Courtenay Bartholomew

Prof Courtenay Bartholomew died May 7 at the age of 89. His children pay tribute. Our Dad, Prof Courtenay Bartholomew had, over the last two years […]

A friendship blossoms between ‘Honeybee and Nectarine’

By Dixie Ann Belle When an enterprising little insect called Honeybee leaves her hive for the first time one morning for a day of foraging, she […]

Pope encourages use of #AVaccineforthePoor

Pope Francis is personally encouraging the use of the hashtag #AVaccineforthePoor on Twitter. “I give my heartfelt thanks to all the generous people who by their […]

US Supreme Court has not cancelled universal vaccination

Adapted from Verificat, May 12 Since April, information has been circulating in Spanish, English, French and Italian, affirming that the US Supreme Court has recently cancelled […]

Come and See

“Open your eyes with wonder to what you see, let your hands touch the freshness and vitality of things, so that when others read what you […]

Come and See! John 1:46

Communicating by Encountering People Where and as They Are Dear Brothers and Sisters, The invitation to “come and see”, which was part of those first moving […]

Getting your feet wet

Vicar for Communications, Fr Robert Christo reflects on the Holy Father’s message for World Communications Day 2021. Since 1967, after Vatican Council II, World Communications Day […]

List of serious vaccine side effects fake

From Verificat, May 6 There is a thread circulating in WhatsApp highlighting a list of 24 supposed adverse effects that can appear after receiving the vaccine […]

We need light and hope, paths of healing and salvation

“Receive a cordial greeting from this old man, who does not dance or sing like you, but who believes as you do that injustice and evil […]

Join 1.3 billion Catholics for Laudato Si Week 2021

Laudato Si’ Week 2021 will feature a diverse line-up of Catholic leaders from across the globe, as well as world-renowned speakers and authors as the world’s […]

An unexpected win for former Pres Chag pupil – Xavier Joseph

It may sound surprising to hear a scholarship recipient say he was “a real mess” at primary school and not good at studying or paying attention. […]

Sacred Heart RC – the ‘English Church’

In the heart of the city, on Richmond Street, stands an architectural gem, the Sacred Heart RC Church. The church was completed in 1882, from plans […]

Comparing the risk of thrombosis with vaccines, the contraceptive pill or smoking

Verificat, April 29 An infographic comparing the risk of blood clots after receiving AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccines with the risk caused by smoking, taking birth control pills and […]

Scholarship winner, Chelsea Ragbir says “Compete against yourself”

By Lara Pickford-Gordon snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Earning a national scholarship takes a lot of determination. It would have been even more competitive with the number of scholarships awarded […]

St Joseph’s Convent Scholarship Recipient – Work hard, Pray hard

By Lara Pickford Gordon snwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Giordanne (pronounced as ‘Jordan’) Lovell is the recipient of an additional scholarship and currently pursuing Actuarial Science at The University of […]

Pope spends name-day with poor receiving vaccine

vaticannews.va Pope Francis made a surprise visit to a group of Rome’s poor and homeless people, as they receive their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine […]

The most common, real side effects for COVID-19 vaccines…

From Verificat, April 21 An article from Church Militant website has echoed an interview in which Mike Yeadon, former employee at Pfizer, suggests stopping administering vaccines […]

The future of pilgrimages in the age of COVID

Everyone is familiar with the unprecedented effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the travel industry, especially international tourism. Pilgrimages to Europe, the Vatican and the […]

Korean Church joins the fund to donate the vaccine to poor countries

The Archdiocese of Seoul has launched an appeal to the faithful to join the special fund, created in the Vatican, to give the anti-COVID-19 vaccine to […]

Should paracetamol be taken before vaccination against COVID-19?

From Verificat, April 15 In its immunisation strategy, published on February 26, the Spanish sanitary authorities included paracetamol as a prophylactic treatment for the AstraZeneca/Oxford formulation, […]

Farewell, ‘Alli’

Sr Catherine Therese Mc Comie OP pays tribute to a former Dominican Sister, Allison Hatt, who died January 11 in South Africa. Allison Margaret Hatt was […]

We remember you, Rhea

The following is a tribute to Rhea Margaret Joseph, who died April 4, 2020. The first anniversary of her death occurred on Easter Sunday, April 4. […]

Beloved Sando Boys’ RC teacher retires

By Kevin Jeanville, teacher My first encounter with Wayne Pitt, was in the early 80s, when I was a pupil at Mon Repos RC School. The […]

Fr Martin Sirju and the Easter Chip Chip

By Fr Martin Sirju I got an Easter gift this year—chip chip. For those who do not know what it is, it is a kind of […]

How the AstraZeneca/Oxford Vaccine works

From Verificat, April 3 AstraZeneca Pharmaceutical company and Oxford University have developed a viral vector vaccine. This method uses a vector, i.e. a different virus from […]

About the International Consortium of Catholic Media on Covid-19 Vaccines

In order to help to clarify fake news and misleading information about vaccines against COVID-19, an international consortium of Catholic media, news agencies and world-renowned scientists […]

Dame Louise, exemplary lay apostle

Carmelite tertiary Neila Todd, who knew Dame Louise Horne well, pays tribute. “She hath put out her hand to strong things; she hath opened her hand […]

Fr Anthony Pt 2: Enjoying the ‘detective work’ of history

Fr Anthony de Verteuil CSSp – historian, educator, or both? Senior writer Lara Pickford-Gordon answers the question in Part 2 of her interview with Fr Anthony. […]

St Joseph’s Convent POS – a promising future

St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain (SJCPOS) celebrated its 185th anniversary of establishment on April 5. Over the past 40 years, while the physical structure has […]

When the call to serve came, Sr Gloria was ready to go

By Sr Marie Thérèse Rétout OP and Sr Catherine Therese Mc Comie OP It was in the village of Santa Cruz that Gloria Laurie was born […]

Change in plans

by Alvin Peters The last thing Josephine wanted to do on Easter Sunday was to help others. She had plans: attend Mass, have the traditional Easter […]

Fr Anthony’s vocation evolves

Although retired for some time, Holy Ghost priest Fr Anthony de Verteuil continues to make his contribution to the local Church in these COVID-19 times. Senior […]

St Joseph’s Convent POS – 185 years of service and excellence

St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain (SJCPOS) celebrates its 185th anniversary of establishment on April 5. Here’s a brief history submitted by the school. On January […]

Damned for all time? – Judas Iscariot

By Simone Delochan copyeditor.camsel@catholictt.org Every good story needs a villain but Judas, the great traitor who dies in an ignominious fashion, leaves an incomplete feeling to […]

The Easter bonnet and the Easter sacrifice

By Delia Chatoor My late mother was noted for her elegance and her hats more so at Easter in the good ole days, it was necessary […]

Deacon Kenneth lived his vocation

By Deacon Derek Walcott The Order of Deacon is understood as follows: A man who is ordained as a deacon receives the Sacrament of Holy Orders. […]

Helena was truly ‘Trini to the Bone’

The Funeral Mass of former Catholic News columnist, Helena Kimlin Allum was held at the Church of the Nativity, Crystal Stream,  Thursday, March 18. Chief celebrant […]

Lady Hochoy Home – 60 years of service

“What does love look like? It has hands to help others. It has feet to hasten, to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see […]

Happy 100th birthday, ‘Miss Beulah’

By Leela Ramdeen, former Holy Faith Convent student On Saturday, March 13, Holy Faith Convent, Couva (HFCC) and the Past Pupils’ Association of HFC paid tribute […]

Vaccines are safe

By Msgr Renzo Pegoraro, Chancellor, Pontifical Academy for Life People can be confident that the approved COVID-19 vaccines are safe and ethical, and that receiving the […]

Encounter Jesus through the Queen of Peace

With the kind permission of the Most Reverend Charles Jason Gordon, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain an invitation was extended to Fr. Leon […]

Why we do what we do…

By Lara Pickford-Gordon Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @gordon_lp I’ve heard older relatives remark there was a time when Calypsoes were not played during Lent. Fr Michael Cockburn […]

Remembering Ken

By Bernadette Phillips My beloved husband, Deacon Kenneth Robert Phillips, died peacefully on Friday, February 19, at the Port of Spain General Hospital after a short […]

Fr Kwesi Alleyne: “Pray meditatively”, the Stations of the Cross

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @kaelanne1 According to Aleteia, one of the most powerful ways to enter into the Passion and death of Jesus is […]

A year since Pope Francis prayed for the first victims of Coronavirus

It was January 26, 2020, that Pope Francis spoke for the first time about the “virus that has spread in China.” The pope has played a […]

Supermodel on a mission to bring clean water

As a young child, Georgie Badiel had to get up before dawn every day to walk to the nearest well. Carrying an empty container on her […]

A virtual Life in the Spirit experience

By Racine Grant, LWC member “Can one really feel the outpouring of the Holy Spirit via Zoom?” This question perhaps ran frequently through the minds of […]

Jackie Hinkson paints a reality he sees and feels

Artist Donald ‘Jackie’ Hinkson had intended to have his murals on display at Fisher Avenue St Ann’s February 5 until February 14 (what would have been […]

“Bittersweet” time for some Catholic musicians

The reality that there will be no Carnival this year has proven to be quite “bittersweet” for Catholic musician Enrico Camejo and his family. “It really […]

Caring for the sick, a vocation to love

On Thursday, February 11, the Catholic Church marks World Day of the Sick, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. In his 2021 message, released by […]

Simple acts of mercy on World Day of the Sick and beyond

World Day of the Sick was instituted by Pope St John Paul II May 13, 1992 and celebrated February 11, the liturgical memorial of the Blessed […]

Universal Design

By Sherette Almandoz Interior Design Consultant I sit in my pew peacefully as I take in the morning Mass, until my eye catches the struggle of […]

A story of spiritual awakening while kept hostage

By Raymond Syms Email: editor.camsel@catholictt.org Christmas Day 1997 was a turning point in the life of Marino Restrepo. He was kidnapped for ransom by four armed […]

Economics for the common good

Sr Roxann Neckles SSM, based in Grenada, reflects on the November 19–21, 2020 virtual event, ‘The Economy of Francesco’ (francescoeconomy.org). Exciting, enlightening, engaging, encapsulating, encouraging! These […]

My Reflection Children’s Store celebrates Black youngsters

The My Reflection Children’s Store is exposing children to books with black main characters What does your reading list look like? More importantly, if you are […]

Daddy was the best man I know

Robert Durham died on January 5. The funeral was held January 11 at the Abbey Church, Mt St Benedict. His eldest son, Randy delivered the eulogy […]

The Hill We Climb

Amanda Gorman is an American poet and activist from Los Angeles, California. She’s also a parishioner of St Brigid’s RC Church, Los Angeles. Gorman’s work focuses […]

Breaking My Silence Talent Showcase

The Eastern Vicariate Youth Council (EVYC) hosted its first talent showcase, ‘Breaking My Silence’ on September 26, 2020 at the House of Praise, Upper De Gannes […]

The ritual for the celebration of the Word of God

Enthroned in the family home Family gathers in a suitable room. The head of the household enters the room with the Bible, accompanied by a vigil […]

Popes receive first dose of COVID vaccine

Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI both received the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, reported Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office on […]

Christina Mora’s secret to feeling like 16-years-old at age 90

“I feel like 16!” Christina Mora said with a chuckle. Mora isn’t 16; she’s 90, and celebrated this milestone on her birthday December 25, Christmas Day. […]

‘Rediscover the Saints’ reminds us sainthood is possible

Author/Counsellor, Miranda Dookran reviews Rediscover the Saints by Matthew Kelly In this book, Rediscover the Saints, the author Matthew Kelly challenges both you and me to […]

United Nations follows Pope’s lead in declaring international day

By Delia Chatoor On December 21, 2020, the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) adopted a Resolution proclaiming February 4 as the International Day of […]

COVID didn’t void the Fatima voice

By Laura Ann Phillips Known for imaginative sets, creative costuming and months of musical drills, Fatima College’s annual Gifts of Blue and Gold concert (GOBAG), presented […]

Smiling through the gray

By Juliana Valdez Overcoming adversity was once described to me in this way: “When life bowls you lemons, you have two choices: allow the lemons to […]

Cultural cooperation with all of God’s creation

Greetings of Fr Martin Sirju, Vicar General, on the occasion of the opening of the new location of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Cultural Cooperation in […]

Artisans create “new life” through upcycling

By Lara Pickford-Gordon Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @gordon_lp There are many beautiful things which can be made using materials which might be overlooked or discarded. The Catholic […]

Vatican calls for equitable COVID-19 vaccine distribution

The Vatican’s coronavirus commission and the Pontifical Academy for Life issued a joint statement calling for a coordinated international effort to ensure the equitable distribution of […]

‘Little Mother’ during war and pandemic

By Neila Todd Holy Mother Church declared Mother Mary Ellerker of the Blessed Sacrament, foundress of the Corpus Christi Carmelites, a Servant of God, in the […]