Features

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 […]

Christie steps into the bright light

Christie Balcombe’s love for music began at an early age. As a child, she would sit before the image of the Sacred Heart and sing daily […]

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 […]

Tune-in to Trinity Radio

By Lara Pickford-Gordon Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter:@gordon_lp Trinity Communications Network (TCN) will this month relaunch its internet radio station Trinity Radio based at the Living Water Community […]

Special Christmas Q&A with our nuns

Confession time!!! When I was young, everyone thought I would become a nun when I got older, even me. I spent some of my early years […]

Series: Youth reflect on 2020

By Annisha Solomon 2020 started with a bang! Family time, followed by a birthday Mass and Stations of the Cross were all I could hope for. […]

Series: Youth reflect on 2020

By Koreen Simon St Anthony’s, Point Fortin The cloud that COVID-19 brought over 2020 was thick, yet in the midst of this cover, peeked short rays […]

Series: Youth reflect on 2020

By Antonio Timothy This year 2020 has been an interesting year for me. Despite the many challenges like mental fatigue due to online classes, and the […]

Catholics answer “What has been the best part of 2020 for you?”

Antonio Timothy, St Charles Borromeo, Tunapuna: This year 2020 has been an interesting year for me. Despite the many challenges like mental fatigue due to online […]

Migrants’ memories of Christmas, New Year

Many persons from diverse backgrounds have come to our shores and made this land their home. They have brought culture, traditions, skills, some of which have […]

Santa’s cause is about love

What’s it like portraying Santa Claus? LARA PICKFORD-GORDON sat down with a familiar face about the spiritual side of playing ‘St Nick’. As a Christian, permanent […]

Christmas conversations

Over this year, the Catholic News was fortunate to have interviewed several Catholics who are involved in God’s work, in one way or another. The Editorial […]

Eucharistic celebration explained Pt 4: Mass & Mission

Msgr Michael de Verteuil, Chair of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission concludes a series of articles looking at some areas of our Eucharistic celebration. Over the last […]

Christmas 2020 for a Catholic Olympian

Writer and copyeditor Simone Delochan contacted Olympian Andrew Lewis (AL) to find out a little about the traditions in his family he most enjoyed and how […]

Fr Alan Hall celebrates 10th anniversary & an expanding priestly journey

On December 18, 2010 Fr Alan Hall made final vows and entered the priesthood. A decade has passed but he does not know “how ten years […]

Eucharistic celebration explained Pt 3: Active participation

Msgr Michael de Verteuil, Chair of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission continues a series of articles looking at some areas of our Eucharistic celebration. “Mother Church earnestly […]

20 years of GRACE  

GRACE music ministry celebrated 20 years in October.  Members are thankful for the blessings through the years including the family which has been formed. Two longstanding […]

Connell simply served his Church and country

Brian Connell, senior altar server at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, died November 23 at the age of 64. His daughter Candace delivered the eulogy […]

Prayers and support continue despite Payge’s exit on The Voice

By Kaelanne Jordon Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @kaelanne1 Though Paige Roopchan’s, stage name ‘Payge Turner’, time on the NBC’s competition The Voice came to an unexpected end […]

Darrion Narine: Begin with one step and watch it transform your life

Doing a Google search on 25-year-old Darrion Narine is a bewildering experience, given the gamut and range of involvements of this young man. Catholic News reached […]

Time, worship, and Advent

Msgr Michael de Verteuil, Chair of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission explains what the Church proclaims in this current season. He returns to his series of articles […]

Stecia-Marie Fletcher: A woman of faith and science

By Lara Pickford-Gordon Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @gordon_lp T&T’s Stecia-Marie Fletcher recently graduated from the University of Toronto with a PhD in Medical Biophysics. The research which […]

God guides Jameke towards a life worth living

Catholic News writer, Renee Smith, sat down with first-time author, Jameke Brown who recently completed the deeply reflective book –A Life Worth Living Who or what […]

Ruddis’ superpower was the gift that keeps on giving

Ruddis Conyette died October 18 at the age of 76. His funeral was held October 23 at St Peter’s RC Church, Pointe-a-Pierre. His daughter, Dr Liane […]

A prophetic parish – the voice of the forgotten COVID-19 children

By Fr Donald Chambers In recently published articles in a Jamaican newspaper, there was a testimony and some statistics suggesting that Caribbean societies risk forgetting its […]

Let’s prepare for Mass

The start of another liturgical year is a good time to remind of participation in the Sunday Mass. Here Fr Roger Paponette, parish priest, San Raphael […]

Advent 2020 – patient waiting in the new normal

By Delia Chatoor The word ‘advent’ means ‘coming’ and it has generally been associated in the Church as a time of great expectation, preparation and waiting. […]

Movement in worship

Msgr Michael de Verteuil, Chair of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission continues a series of articles looking at some areas of our Eucharistic celebration. In the previous […]

Eucharistic celebration explained Pt 2: Our processions

Msgr Michael de Verteuil, Chair of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission continues a series of articles looking at some areas of our Eucharistic celebration. For last week’s […]

Priests dream for the Archdiocese in 2021…

For Vocations Awareness Week 2020 (Nov 8–13) a few priests were asked by Generation S’ what was their dream for the Archdiocese in 2021. Fr Mikkel […]

Two new books

Allyson JM Roberts penned the book Turning a New Leaf during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic March to June 2020.  As all activities […]

Eastern Catholicism in a Western community

They’re here: sisters and brothers from around the world, in Trinidad & Tobago to work and live, and are now part of the evolving face of […]

Spaces dedicated for ‘cremains’

Last month, the Catholic News carried a report on why the ashes of deceased relatives should not be scattered.  As the Catholic Church continues to acknowledge […]

Peter St Hillaire asks God to “shake up” his life

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @kaelanne1 Peter Clinton St Hillaire recalls that he has always felt a close connection and a desire for God; albeit […]

Archdiocesan Aspirancy House: A place to explore your vocation

This week (November 8-13th) the Archdiocese is promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious. The annual Vocations Awareness Week activities through the year are intended to […]

Till we meet again ‘Poto’

Cathedral parishioner Marie Lawrence died October 19 at the age of 81. Tricia Hudlin-Cooper delivered her eulogy at the funeral. It has been edited for length. […]

Pope Francis shares reflection for 4th World Day of the Poor 

This edited reflection on Pope Francis’ message is taken from the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization (www.pcpne.va). “Stretch out your hand to the poor” […]

Eucharistic celebration explained Pt 1: The entrance procession

Msgr Michael de Verteuil, Chair of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission begins a series of articles looking at some areas of our Eucharistic celebration. Movement and gesture […]

A children’s story, a tribute to father

Miranda Dookran, is a professional with work experience in addiction counselling, victim and witness support, skills training, teaching, sports administration and events management. She is a […]

Marguerite was a pillar at St Patrick’s, Legion of Mary

St Patrick’s, Newtown parishioner Marguerite Rosario Escalante died Sunday, September 27. She was 96 years old. Fellow parishioner Beatrice Beddoe-McShine pays tribute. On Sunday, September 27, […]

Golden anniversary for Anglican Bishop Clive

Born in Woodbrook, Port of Spain in 1927, Clive Orminston Abdulah was ordained an Anglican priest on June 27, 1954 and spent the first 16 years […]

Message from Pope Francis for World Day of Vocations 2020

As the Archdiocese of Port of Spain starts Vocations Awareness Week November 8 – 14, we ask faithful to reflect on this message by the Holy […]

Giving God a chance

By Jameke Brown, aspirant After experiencing the power of God through the Holy Spirit in 2010, I always felt a call to serve Him in a […]

Generation S to launch volunteerism programme

Called to be a ‘YESSER’! “I ask the Church to continue to promote vocations. May she touch the hearts of the faithful and enable each of […]

Sharla Elcock—Advocating for better

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @kaelanne1 “If you understand how government and politics operate, you would realise that they affect every aspect of your life. […]

A family ritual for grieving

By Fr Roger Paponette, Parish priest, San Raphael Jesus reminds us in the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be […]

A St Patrick’s family farewell  

By June Johnston As I began writing this, I was struck by the words of this newspaper’s own advertisement—“We know nothing is considered normal at this […]

Olympian Andrew Lewis: Forget fear, live with positivity

By Simone Delochan Email: copyeditor.camsel@catholictt.org When Europe began going through its first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, Olympian Andrew Lewis was in Spain training, […]

Machel gives back to Siparia Boys’ RC: Donates tablets for students

Friday, October 16 was a day which will be remembered with joy and gratitude by the Acting Principal Maria Daly-Worrell, staff, and pupils of Siparia Boys’ […]

Questions and Answers on Fratelli Tutti

Is the Pope proposing to build an immanentist inter-religion that eliminates the specificity of faith? On the contrary, the Pope sets out to address the concrete […]

Helping the visually impaired achieve their full potential, 25 years on

By Ottrisha Carter This October the organisation of Persons Associated with Visual Impairment (PAVI) is celebrating its 25th anniversary. This non-profit organisation, established in October 1995 […]

Message of His Holiness Pope Francis: Here am I, send me

Message of His Holiness Pope Francis Rome, Saint John Lateran, 31 May 2020, Solemnity of Pentecost   Dear Brothers and Sisters, I wish to express my […]

Sr Elizabeth our ‘dou-dou’ was a gift

Sr Elizabeth Blanc OP died on Republic Day, September 24. She was 87. The Eucharistic celebration of the life of Sr Elizabeth took place on Thursday, […]

Speak Lord, Terez is listening

Within the Archdiocese of Port of Spain, there are many young people who are living their Catholic faith daily, while being actively engaged in a plethora […]

Youth are missing more than anything else… their friends

The Catholic News has been looking at the impact of virtual learning on the different groups involved. You can see the previous articles: “In the new […]

Comforting music for COVID-19 times – ‘If I can help somebody’

If I can help somebody is the title of the 14-track CD with accompanying video from 80-year-old Andre Walker, a parishioner of Bourg Mulatresse. “It is […]

Thank you, ‘Dee’

Dennis Thomas Alkins celebrated his 94th birthday on Friday, October 9. Tony Romero submitted this article to wish this “man of God” a happy birthday on […]

CAST participants graduate, reflect on living in a time of pandemic

Ottrisha Carter, a participant in the Communications for the Archdiocese Specialist Training (CAST) programme shares her experience. SIGNIS Caribbean had joined up with Audioworks Ltd, Trinity […]

A quick key to Fratelli tutti

Shadows over the closed world (Ch 1) are spreading everywhere, leaving injured people by the roadside, cast out and discarded. The shadows plunge humanity into confusion, […]

Remembering Fr Seignoret at St Mary’s

Fr Herbert Seignoret CSSp, 89, died Saturday, August 29, 2020. He was a former parish priest of St Mary’s RC Church, Mucurapo and St Peter’s RC […]

The Epic Four-Year Journey of Mrs Creese-Lee

Teaching may be a job for some, career for others, but for a special few it can be an epic journey. This is the story of […]

La Brea remembers ‘Brother Mac’

Fitzgerald Jeffrey died September 19 at the age of 69. His funeral Mass was to be held Saturday, October 3. Besides being a former Member of […]

Women, let’s talk Perimenopause

BOMA-TT hosted an insightful discussion online on the topic of perimenopause on September 10. Many women are not fully aware of what this phase in life […]

Promoting Christian relationships in the home

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @kaelanne1 How can the domestic Church practise or promote Christian relationships within the home? This was the question addressed during […]

Standing apart – the Carthusians

By Nathan Boynes In a noisy, busy, and increasingly virtual world, there exists a religious order which stands apart. The Carthusian Order diligently guards its silence […]

Rebuilding community in Sea Lots

By Lara Pickford-Gordon Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @gordon_lp The Eternal Light Community’s (ELC) project in Sea Lots will provide education and skills to persons and develop the […]

The domestic Church and feedback

By Fr Donald Chambers In his homily on September 2, 2020, Archbishop Jason Gordon incisively pointed out that adolescents and young adults have unresolved issues because […]

Protecting the dignity of ALL women: an imperative for the whole of humanity

By Rochelle Nakhid Coordinator, Ministry for Migrants and Refugees, Living Water Community “Every violence inflicted on women is a profanation of God, born of a woman. […]

Still hoping for a brighter future

Today is World Day of Migrants and Refugees, celebrated by the Catholic Church since 1914. In his message Pope Francis has chosen the theme: Forced like […]

Inmigrantes Venezolanos – los peregrinos del Mar Caribe

By Andreina Briceño Ventura-Brown Los desplazamientos forzados de los venezolanos hacia Trinidad y Tobago han aumentado significativamente debido a la inestabilidad socioeconómica que presenta el país. […]

Forced to flee

Welcoming, protecting, promoting, and integrating internally displaced persons The following is the message from Pope Francis for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees being marked […]

Rosary Monastery upgrading altar bread-making equipment

The Holy Rosary Monastery in St Ann’s, Port of Spain is in the process of modernising the equipment to be used to produce altar bread. The […]

Dedicated senior teacher remembered

By Tracy McKenzie Principal, Cipero (St Francis of Assisi) RC School The staff and students of the Cipero RC School mourn the loss of our beloved […]

Remembering ‘Aunty Babsie’

The Editor: Congratulations to those four women in the local Church on their reception of the Papal Award. They have made us proud. May God continue […]

Marc Chandler: Working to change the system

“A system plagued with corruption” was how 22-year-old Marc Chandler viewed politics. While pursuing a course at university, he began to understand how politics should work […]

Goodbye to ‘Sister Barney’

Barney Belmar died September 8 at the age of 84. The Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny pay tribute. Barney Cecil Belmar (January 27, 1936 – […]

The Season of Creation Challenge 2020 is on!

Participants from schools, youth groups and parishes are invited to reflect and create on this year’s theme Jubilee for the Earth. The four categories for creative […]

Leela Maria-Goretti Ramdeen

Leela Ramdeen is an Attorney-at-Law, Education Consultant, and Episcopal Delegate/Chair of the Catholic Commission for Social Justice. She was born in Trinidad on June 16, 1950 […]

Rhonda Mary Maingot

For over 45 years, Rhonda Mary Maingot has dedicated her life to the advancement of God’s work in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. As a […]

Deborah Christiana de Rosia

Deborah Christiana de Rosia’s Christian foundation to be of service to people, Church, and country, was well established from her childhood home. It was there she […]

Sr Ruth Bridget Montrichard SJC

Sr Ruth Bridget Montrichard is a Sister of St Joseph of Cluny since 1968. She was born in Trinidad, on October 8, 1941 and is a […]

Featured artiste: Romero Gowrie, Spoken Word Poet

Lara Pickford-Gordon snwriter.camsel@catholictt.org The Independence edition of #wearehere took place Sunday, August 30, on the St Dominic’s Penal Facebook page.  The live call-in programme hosted by […]

Reopening the wells of life

By Fr Donald Chambers In the Queen’s Park Savannah, there are numerous wells identified by the Water and Sewage Authority (WASA), in dark and light blue […]

Holy Mass is a love-response

By Fr Ako Walker CSsR COVID-19 has unfortunately brought with it the suspension of the duty/obligation of physical Mass attendance in many dioceses around the world. […]

Who’s your favourite saint?

By Lara Pickford-Gordon Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @gordon_lp Have you ever heard of Bruno of Cologne, Agatha of Sicily, Hugh of Cluny, José Sánchez del Rio? They […]

BLM and our sacred images

By Janelle James I am truly grateful to the Catholic News for its coverage of opinions relating to Black Lives Matter (BLM). I read with interest […]

The challenge of RACE

By Msgr Christian D Pereira For many years people of our great nation were guided by an unwritten convention, namely, we should not speak about or […]

The impossible dream becomes a reality: First Virtual WWME Weekend

By Rev Malcom & Lynn Joab Canadian/Caribbean Ecclesial Team Couple, Worldwide Marriage Encounter The August 28–30 weekend marked an inflection point in the history of the […]

An Independence #wearehere

A ‘Trini’ living in the United States said the spiritual support given by the local Catholic Church virtually was like a “lifeline” as she worked while […]

Aidaneed Foundation-supporting mobility

Catholic News writer, Simone Delochan interviewed the Aidaneed Foundation who believe all persons deserve the best quality of life, opportunities for engagement and overall participation in […]

Fashioning a future

Kelvin Dubrie once had to choose between learning a skill or earning more money; he chose a future. Dubrie, a driver with the TT Prison Service […]

Adrian on the run

By Jamila Cross athletesdiscovered@gmail.com Imagine playing football from five years old, and having family members who were former Intercol standouts for Presentation, and St Mary’s College, […]

We need to take off the blinders…

With still no end in sight, the highly infectious, deadly, global novel coronavirus naturally continues to command much of our attention. All of us are vulnerable […]

CatholicTT Registry FAQs

The Archdiocese of Port of Spain has dedicated the month of August as CatholicTT registry month but do not worry you still have ions of time […]

Kindness: Giving Support to Families with Differently-abled Children

By Dr Krystal-Jane Verasammy At first glance, it may seem obvious what ‘kindness’ means. It may mean different things to different people. The true definition of […]

New and exciting partnership for Living Water Community

Cylo Tracking Limited is excited to partner with the Living Water Community to provide additional safety for their vehicles. Cylo Tracking Limited rewarded Living Water Community […]

Happy students make better learners

By Lara Pickford-Gordon Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @gordon_lp “Certainly, we are born with different brain capacities through our genes but every single human brain has an incredible […]

Amica House receives minibus

The ANSA McAL Foundation presented a minibus to the Amica House Children’s Home of St Augustine on August 6 in Port of Spain. The children’s home […]

Why you should study Theology at the Seminary

Theology, simply put, is the study of God in Christ and of God’s relationship with human beings and the world. If you believe with your heart […]

Forming a listening domestic Church

By Fr Donald Chambers “Listen, anyone who has ears” (Matthew 13:43) The ear is an organ of the body responsible for capturing sound waves and channelling […]

Trinity Tv’s Virtual Telethon airs in two days

Trinity’s virtual telethon beginning 2–6 p.m. Sunday, August 16 is promising an incredible line-up of artistic talent to entertain viewers and thank them for their ongoing […]

Worldwide Marriage Encounter – We’re coming to you!

Rev Malcom & Lynn Joab, Canadian/Caribbean Ecclesial Team Couple, Worldwide Marriage Encounter On June 27, 2020, the World Council of Worldwide Marriage Encounter (WWME) launched the […]

Ten-year old chef in the making: Meet Jael Robinson

During the lockdown 10-year-old Jael Robinson did not give in to boredom or wiling away hours staring at a device or television. He kept his hands […]

CTC – Spreading the light of the Transfigured Christ

By Lara Pickford-Gordon Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @gordon_lp The Companions of the Transfigured Christ (CTC) celebrated 20 years Thursday, August 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration. A […]

Archbishop to Companions of the Transfigured Christ: Be obedient to God’s Word

There is a generation of Catholics who “don’t quite get” that Jesus Christ is God, said Archbishop Jason Gordon at a Mass to celebrate the 20th […]

CTC – Spreading the light of the Transfigured Christ

The Companions of the Transfigured Christ (CTC) celebrates 20 years today Thursday, August 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration. The founders look back with grateful hearts […]

Look out for Trinity TV’s Virtual Telethon

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Trinity TV has been the life-sustaining pulse for our local Archdiocese and has given spiritual sustenance to tens of thousands globally through […]

Sister Marie Thérèse – A life of service

Veteran journalist Andy Johnson read Sister Marie Thérèse Rétout OP – Her story from France to Trinidad and Tobago as told to Rhona Simone Baptiste. In […]

Kathy-Ann’s final revelations

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @kaelanne1 For Kathy-Ann Mackay, her journey in art has been like “a groaning” deep within her. It was not something […]

Praying for an end to human trafficking

A young woman is branded with a barcode tattooed behind her neck. A man shows his back scourged from beatings; a tearful girl with bruises over […]

Finding Church in the new normal

By Fr Robert Christo, Parish Priest, St Dominic’s RC, Penal and Vicar for Communications The Lord’s presence dwells in real and concrete families, with all their […]

Our implicitly racist language

Some of the language/rhetoric which have become commonplace locally carry racial undertones particularly towards Afro-Trinbagonians. “Allyuh too wicked”; “He was a good boy”; “Trinidad is not […]

Elections 2020 – a Catholic perspective

By Sr Renée K Hall OP The year 2020 will go down in the annals of our history books as the one that presented unprecedented challenges […]

75th anniversary of the use of nuclear weapons… what’s at stake

By Delia Chatoor This August 7 and 9 will mark the 75th anniversary of the use of nuclear weapons on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and […]

Thanks Kay, for helping make the Marriage Encounter dream a reality

By Rev Malcom and Lynn Joab, Canadian/Caribbean Ecclesial Team Couple, Worldwide Marriage Encounter  On July 13, the Caribbean Catholic community in general and the Worldwide Marriage […]

Patience, Active Patience

Former AEC General Secretary Rev Mike James reflects on the political impasse in his homeland, Guyana. This is an edited version of the Catholic Standard editorial, […]

Singing with a steel band

Founding member of the Assumption Folk Chorale, Nigel Boos remembers singing with one of the nation’s top steel bands one Christmas season. 1970 was the year […]

Difficult and important conversations

By Fr Dexter Brereton CSSp These days, I find myself grateful to God even in the midst of the controversy and confusion in the wake of […]

Seminary says goodbye to Dr Johnston

Generations have benefitted says Archbishop By Lara Pickford-Gordon Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @gordon_lp Bishops, priests, religious and lay people from the Caribbean have all benefitted from Dr […]

Well done, “Nursey”

Eulogy of Margaret McShine whose funeral was Saturday, July 4  at the chapel of Clark & Battoo, Park St, POS. This was streamed live by her […]

Fond memories of Sr Rose

Sr Rose de Notre Dame OP died July 17, 2019 at the Convent in Guadeloupe. She was interred in the vault of the Dominican Sisters, Abymes, […]

Fr Rochard’s golden jubilee

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @kaelanne1 “Thanks for the support!” This was the response from Fr Garfield Rochard to faithful who sent their greetings/well wishes […]

Pray this Psalm for comfort when you are grieving

No matter your grief, let God give you his comfort. Tragedy will inevitably come in our lives, though it can occur though various forms. It leaves […]

Topic Thursdays – Coping with job loss

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @kaelanne1 As millions around the world are coping with job loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, one mental health clinician […]

Domestic Church and shame

By Fr Donald Chambers In my last article (CN June 28), I reflected on the domestic Church as the primary space for the formation of conscience. […]

Memories of the Assumption Folk Chorale

Founding member Nigel Boos reminisces about a choir that, in its heyday, attracted young Catholic musicians and singers from across the island. My brother, Fr John […]

Coping with Sahara dust allergies

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @kaelanne1 If you’re an allergy sufferer like me, you’d probably stocked up on allergy medicine and resigned yourself to staying […]

Challenge for the Deaf community during COVID-19 pandemic

While the wearing of face masks and observing social distancing have been necessary to curb the spread of COVID-19, it has also presented a real challenge […]

The Mission of the Church to the Poor

By Terrence and Loanna Caesar The Church’s Mission is to carry out and continue the work of Jesus Christ on Earth. The Church does this by […]

Parenting and marijuana use

At the Catholic Commission for Social Justice’s symposium on ‘Marijuana and Cannabinoids: Health, research and regulatory considerations’, Vandana Siew Sankar-Ali, Assessment Manager, Children’s Authority presented on parental marijuana […]

Drug use in prisons

One-third of convicted persons in T&T prisons were incarcerated for drug offences. A researcher from The University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine found that […]

Honouring and understanding our past

By Msgr Christian D Pereira The evolution of any nation requires recognition of its origins and an appreciation of all that is great and noble of […]

A turning point in my life

By Patricia Gafoor-Darlington As I was looking through the Catholic News late last year, I saw the advertisement for a weekend retreat, for widowed, separated, and […]

The domestic Church – key to formation of conscience

By Fr Donald Chambers In my last article (pg 17, CN June 14), I reflected on the home-like ambience and experience of the workplace, the home, […]

Our Daily Bread Café & Bookshop —A Catholic space for all

By Renée Smith Email: comms.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @rsmith_cntt Earlier in the year, if you found yourself in the heart of San Fernando, Our Daily Bread Café & […]

“Widespread use of cannabis amongst the young population makes it a public health issue”

“Widespread use of cannabis amongst the young population makes it a public health issue.” —Professor Andrea Cipriani, NIHR Research Professor of Psychiatry at the University of […]

A celebration of ‘Life’ in a pandemic

Every year the Catholic News features a dad for Father’s Day, who is outstanding in his commitment to his role of husband and father. This year, […]

Celebrating 50 years—The Bentley Potter School of Dance

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @kaelanne1 “Something wonderful!” This is exactly how Averil Potter summed up the last 50 years of Bentley Potter School of […]

Simply ‘Amazing Grace’

Grace Catherine Walker nee Petty died April 26 at the Eric E Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mt Hope. Her daughter, Michelle, remembers her mother. Grace was […]

How is ‘the domestic space’ recalling us home?

By Fr Donald Chambers With the advent of the recent social distancing practice, some argue that the ecclesial soil is fertile for the growth of the […]

Around Marine Square in 1919

Corpus Christi 2020 will be celebrated very differently from previous years in Trinidad and Tobago. Its significance however is in no way diminished — even a […]

Difficult and important conversations

By Fr Dexter Brereton These days, I find myself grateful to God even in the midst of the controversy and confusion in the wake of George […]

What would nature say to us?

By Lara Pickford-Gordon Email:snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @gordon_lp The COVID-19 pandemic was seen by many as a time for nature to recover as humans retreated to their homes […]

Re-opened for business – Our Daily Bread Bookshop & Cafe

By Renee Smith Email: comms.camsel@catholictt.org Earlier in the year, if you found yourself in the heart of San Fernando, Our Daily Bread Café & Bookshop (ODB) […]

E-learning brings benefits for Nelson St Boys’ class

By Lara Pickford-Gordon Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter:@gordon_lp Nelson Street Boys’ RC teacher Shaquille Julian didn’t wait for the announcement of the COVID-19 lockdown to start planning e-learning […]

Pentecost—The Holy Spirit can enter any closed doors

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @kaelanne1 Pentecost is a significant feast in the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church. This year’s celebration, on Sunday, May […]

FLU reaches out in Maloney

As we attempt to navigate our way through the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maloney Family Life Unit has embarked on a few methods of outreach so as […]

FLUs meet online, discuss works of mercy during COVID-19

The Archdiocesan Family Life Commission (AFLC) met online on April 30 with representatives of  parish Family Life Units (FLUS) and persons interested in parish family ministry […]

Living the Domestic Church

In observance of International Day of Families on Friday, May 15, the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission (AFLC) Spiritual Adviser Fr Matthew Ragbir and Mental Clinician Crystal […]

Free consultancy to SMEs with a Catholic ethos

By Lara Pickford-Gordon Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter:@gordon_lp   How can a business continue after losing months of downtime, carrying sizeable debt, and losing customers because of the […]

Our seen and unseen kinship with creation

It has taken COVID-19 to show us how interconnected our world is! From China to T&T, the virus has spread from person to person. We have […]

COVID-19: Human development on course to decline this year for the first time since 1990

Concerted action with a focus on equity could still limit the impacts of this unprecedented crisis: closing the digital divide would reduce by more than two-thirds […]

Etiquette for online meetings: 10 things you should know

It has become necessary for us to change the ways that we engage in most of our activities, especially since social distancing has become part of […]

Learn how to compost

To celebrate Laudato Si’ Week (May 16-24) and the 5th anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, Catholic News’ Agriculture columnist Rayanna Boodram outlines how to […]

One-week Laudato Si’ Online Youth programme

Catholic youth 18 to 25 years in Trinidad and Tobago, and Grenada have been invited to participate in the Laudato Si’ Online Youth Programme this week, […]

Laudato Si celebrates 5: Prophetic and Relevant as Ever

This year, Pope Francis’ encyclical on care for our common home- ‘Laudato Si’ commemorates its five-year anniversary. For 2020 Catholics around the world acknowledge ‘Laudo Si […]

Discussion on family life by Archdiocesan Family Life Commission

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @kaelanne1 In observance of International Day of Families, Friday May 15, the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission (AFLC) celebrated Mass together […]

About Retrouvaille

Retrouvaille, (pronounced Retro-Vi) is French meaning ‘rediscovery’. It began in Québec, Canada in 1977 by a group of concerned and caring couples, priests and psychologists who […]

Five things to do for your mom on Mother’s Day

This year’s Mother’s Day is shaping up to be quite a challenging one! While the pandemic will undoubtedly impact Mother’s Day celebrations, it should not stop […]

Mother’s Day profile: Elena Villafana-Sylvester, chief executive officer, (FEEL)

Elena Villafana-Sylvester is no stranger to a gruelling schedule balancing work and parenting. The COVID-19 pandemic has meant longer days and working on weekends to help […]

The monastic cell of marriage and family life

By Fr Donald Chambers During my formative years, my mother was not an active parishioner except for Sunday Masses. As a home manager and wife, however, […]

Creating a cyber-safe home

In his 2016 message on World Communications Day, the Holy Father said the Internet could be used to “build a society which is healthy and open […]

Teens talk about COVID-19 and online schooling

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @kaelanne1 While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently reports that the risk of exposure to COVID-19 is low […]

Seizing $$ prospects despite COVID-19

By Lara Pickford-Gordon Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @gordon_lp The outlook in many aspects of life is uncertain with COVID-19, but personal finance is one area that cannot […]

Vocations begin at home

This Sunday is World Day of Vocations. The Santa Rosa Parish Vocations Committee prepared a newsletter for Vocations Month (May 3–24) in the Santa Rosa/Malabar Cluster. […]

Pope: Rediscover the beauty of praying the rosary

Letter of his Holiness Pope Francis to the faithful for the month of May 2020  Dear Brothers and Sisters, The month of May is approaching, a […]

5 Family Conflict Resolution Tips

With families in lockdown during COVID-19 isolation, conflict and tensions can escalate. Dialogue Solutions (www.dialoguesolutions.org) — a provider for Mediation and Arbitration Solutions—has provided these five tips […]

Virtus training for parish Migrant Ministry coordinators

The Archdiocesan Family Life Commission (AFLC) hosted a Virtus online training using Zoom on April 7. Participants were coordinators of parish ministries for Migrants and Refugees. […]

Sr Hazel Alphonse – The Holy Will of God

I am Sr Hazel Alphonse, the youngest of nine children, five brothers and three sisters. I was born in St Lucia. My upbringing in a devout […]

Fr Trevor Nathasingh – A miraculous call

My journey of faith began when I was about 19 years and had just finished secondary school. My parents decided that it was time for me […]

‘Day of Prayer and Discernment’ on Zoom

By Sr Lystra Long OP The first Zoom online conversation with religious sisters from the Archdiocese of Port of Spain took place on March 22. The […]

A wish granted

Susie and Pascall Metivier, together with their three daughters and three grandchildren, hosted the Vocations Cup at their home for one week. They got a pleasant […]

Bored? How about a trip around Trinidad and Tobago…7 Local Websites Worthy of Your Time

So the lockdown has been extended for another two weeks and many have taken to Facebook and other social media platforms in their downtime. Beyond the […]

Self-Regulate says the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @kaelanne1 One of the things that can help persons cope during this COVID-19 lockdown is to be kind to someone […]

Dignity… Courage… Devotion to Jesus

Leonora Garcia died on April 10, a day before her 91st birthday. Her Funeral Mass was held April 16. The following is her eulogy. Leonora Helena […]

Reaching youth during COVID-19 —The Art of Accompaniment

By Renée Smith Email: comms.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @rsmith_cntt The postponement of social gatherings unfortunately has prevented young people from physically gathering, sharing, and learning about the faith. […]

On the frontline with modern-day saints

By Fr Martin Sirju “What the world needs more than ever is saints.” So said Fr Henry Charles many years ago. The pandemic has provided us […]

Hand of God seen in FOCUS mission to T&T

It may have been God’s immaculate timing as a group of university students from all over the United States was able to visit Trinidad and Tobago […]

Theological reflections on COVID-19

By Lara Pickford-Gordon Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @gordon_lp How do we make sense of COVID-19 as individuals and Church? The Caribbean Theology Conference Today (CTCT) held a […]

Cloister, Community, Hospitality

By Fr Donald Chambers In my first article (CN, April 12), I reflected on the COVID-19 pandemic as a forced exile—an unexpected, disorienting, traumatic circumstance within […]

An Earth Day unlike any other

Today, Wednesday, April 22, marks the 50th celebration of International Mother Earth Day—a unified response to an environment in crisis. The theme of this year’s Earth […]

Determine what tomorrow looks like for you—Clinical traumatologist says

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @kaelanne1 Clinical Traumatologist Hanif Benjamin has observed that depression has already set in for some persons due to the COVID-19 […]

Pornography and COVID-19—there are better options!

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @kaelanne1 Fight the New Drug’s (FTND) Jerome Alexander has observed since COVID-19 quarantines began worldwide, people are finding creative ways […]

Sewing generosity

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @kaelanne1 Dominican Sisters of St Catherine of Siena have taken up needle and thread in response to “flattening the curve” of […]

My take on ‘Jesus Christ, Superstar’

By Simone Delochan Email: copyeditor.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @SimoneECDel   Every Lent for the past four years, I do this strange thing: I return to the 1973 film […]

Coronavirus, Crucifixion, Resurrection

By Tony Magliano tmag6@comcast.net   The coronavirus is not a punishment from God. It is not a severe chastisement dealt to a world that in so […]

Rite for Prayers on Passion (Palm) Sunday

A table is prepared with a crucifix, the Bible, a candle and, if you have, a palm leaf. The candle is lit. A song may be […]

Sr Raphael was more than just a devoted teacher

Sr Raphael of the Holy Face Chandleur SJC died March 13. Her Funeral Mass was March 19. Archbishop Jason Gordon officiated. Bishop Emeritus Malcolm Galt CSSp […]

Society of St Vincent de Paul prepares

By Lara Pickford-Gordon Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter:@gordon_lp The Trinidad and Tobago Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) is collaborating with the Foundation for the Enhancement and […]

Lessons learned outside the classroom from coronavirus

Grenada-born Sr Julie Marie Peters SSM is a member of the General Council of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, a Franciscan religious congregation. She serves […]

Pope will give special blessing on March 27, usually reserved for Christmas and Easter

On March 22, after praying the midday Angelus, Pope Francis made two calls to prayer. The first is for an Our Father, prayed together by all […]

Learning to meditate in Lent

“Meditation is a discipline and you will appreciate this for yourself as soon as you try it.” Laurence Freeman OSB If you’re like me, you’re probably […]

Working from home with your children? Plan, plan plan…

Feelings were ambivalent when schools were declared closed in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. There was relief, for some worry at child supervision, and for […]

Strengthen the ‘house church’

In the dryness of the “desert” and fasting from the Eucharist, Archbishop Jason Gordon is asking Catholics to remember the desert as “privileged space” where God […]

Your health is in YOUR hands

You’ve got to hand it to some people – a bar of soap. Senior writer Lara Pickford-Gordon writes on why we must maintain hygienic practices, now […]

Being alone and the VIRUS

By Vicar for Communications, Fr Robert Christo Beloved friends, We continue to reflect on the profound impact of the COVID-19 outbreak worldwide and most recently right […]

Our seminary today

Rector Msgr Cuthbert Alexander gives an update on the Seminary of St John Vianney and the Uganda Martyrs. Just before the seminary turned 75, in 2018, […]

Memories of Fr Dermot

Diego Martin/Petit Valley parishioner Greer Lum Lock (nee Kelly) remembers Fr Dermot Brennan OP I first met Fr Dermot Brennan, OP when I was working as […]

Leaders discuss ‘The Four Signs’

The Evangelization Commission in collaboration with the Catholic Youth Commission held a Leaders’ retreat on February 15 – 16 at Mount St Benedict Retreat House on […]

Listen to the music, see the grandeur of God

Established in 1946 by Helen May Johnson as a celebration of classical music, the Trinidad and Tobago Music Festival (TTMF) is one of the oldest national […]

Dean of the Seminary: Come study with us!

By Lara Pickford-Gordon Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter:@gordon_lp There’s a lot to learn at the Seminary of St John Vianney and the Uganda Martyrs (SJVUM) and course offerings […]

Men and fathers, take pattern from St Joseph

Gran Couva/Tabaquite parish priest Fr Meenuga Prabhudas MSFS shares his thoughts on St Joseph, whose feast day will be Thursday, March 19. According to the chapter […]

Why Lent is a fitting time to return to Confession

Lent is almost over. Have you made it to Confession? The Sacrament of Penance, (commonly called Confession) Fr Michael Makhan said, is an invitation for everyone. […]

How to maintain your protein intake if you’re fasting from meat for Lent.

By Kimberly Suraj, Registered Dietician, Dragonfly Nutrition During the Lenten period, many Catholics fast from eating meat. While all meats such as beef, pork, lamb, chicken, […]

History making Trini Physicist places God at the center of her universe

When Kalisa Villafana found out she was about to create history by becoming the first black woman to graduate with a PhD in nuclear physics at […]

Fighting the ‘new drug’ – a woman’s perspective

It’s accepted that men make up the majority of consumers of pornographic material however, women do access pornography, and become addicted. Senior writer Lara Pickford-Gordon put […]

The interesting life of Sam, a first Corinthian

Samuel Modeste died on February 6. He was 71. His Funeral Mass was held at St Joseph’s RC Church, Mon Repos, San Fernando on February 13. […]

Why is Lent purple?

When looking around at your church, you may have noticed that some things look different during the Lenten season, perhaps the first being the use of […]

Carnival, our people’s cleansing

Presbyterian Minister Rev Clifford R L Rawlins gave a public lecture on ‘The Theology of Carnival’ at St Crispin’s Anglican Church, Woodbrook on January 30. The […]

It’s Celebration Time

Our parish of St Benedict’s RC, La Romaine recognises, appreciates, applauds and validates, the stewardship of Matthew Findley who holds the position of Church Sacristan. The […]

Stop! Don’t click that link…

What’s the new drug? Pornography. Really. Senior writer Lara Pickford-Gordon finds out more about this insidious ‘drug’ that’s affecting the minds – and hearts – of […]

Pope: shut off cellphone, open Bible for Lent

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Lent is a time to remove all distractions and bitterness from one’s life in order to better hear God and those who […]

Carnival – let’s look again

Carnival is here again, its ubiquitous rhythms infecting every corner of the land at this time. At Carnival the nation become schizophrenic – bad vs good, […]

The spiritual connections in 1917

Vicar for Communications, Fr Robert Christo reflects on the movie 1917 which captured Best Cinematography, Best Sound Mixing and Best Visual Effects at the 92nd Academy […]

Go teach, sing calypso

Catholic News contributor Felix Edinborough aka The Pierrot Grenade interviewed veteran calypsonian The Mighty Chalkdust a few weeks ago, long before his appearance at another Calypso […]

Catholic university students say ‘Pick a Side’ for Lent

Come out and support the Catholic Students Movement (CSM) as they host their 41st Lenten Production ‘Pick a Side’. CSM’s Lenten Production is a family event, […]

Bethesda training begins

Much has been happening at Bethesda – For Persons with Disabilities. We are now a registered not-for-profit Catholic organisation. Also, thanks to the Catholic Bible Institute […]

The Injustice In TnT’s Justice System

What exactly is the meaning of a just society? Attorney-at-law and Chair of the Sentencing Commission of Trinidad and Tobago Gregory Delzin sought to answer this […]

Rachel’s Vineyard: A psychological and spiritual journey for healing after abortion

Rachel’s Vineyard weekend retreats are a beautiful healing opportunity for any woman or man who has struggled with the emotional or spiritual pain of an abortion. […]

The link between pleasure and social change

By Dr Margaret Nakhid-Chatoor Overthinking, re-thinking and/or the failure to think through current policies, strategies and interventions in the economy, in education and in our health […]

A Valentine’s Day tradition from St. Francis de Sales

He encouraged the picking of a “heavenly” Valentine to whom you should give a spiritual bouquet. St. Valentine’s Day has a long and rich history, and […]

Pope Francis: Cooperate in the education of future generations

Pope Francis has observed that the “educational compact” between families, schools, nations and the world, culture and cultures, is in “crisis”, and indeed in a state […]

Talk Tent 2020 after Carnival

Fans are in for a treat as the Annual Talk Tent opens its doors at Queen’s Hall, St Ann’s, from Thursday, February 27 to Saturday 29—three […]

Healing journey begins at the Mount

New Beginnings is the name of the weekend retreat organised by the Ministry to the Separated, Divorced and Widowed (SDW) of the Archdiocesan Family Life Commission. […]

Addressing global mental health needs

By Delia Chatoor ‘Shifting vulnerabilities’ was one of the sub-themes examined at the 33rd International Red Cross Red Crescent Conference (IC) held in Switzerland from December […]

Communicating Gender Justice

By Kaelanne Jordan Email: mediarelations.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @kaelanne1 Each news report “wreaks” havoc on gender issues. Gender issues can be volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous at times […]

‘No man left behind’ – men’s conference in March

NO MAN LEFT BEHIND! This is the pledge that over 1,200 men, young and mature, will make on Sunday, March 22 at the Centre of Excellence […]

Pass the pigeon peas please!

It wasn’t difficult to persuade Senior writer LARA PICKFORD-GORDON to pay a visit to the annual Pigeon Peas Festival. Here’s her perspective. Pigeon peas doubles? Pigeon […]

5 Ways Jesus Dealt With Difficult People

How to accept the inconvenient, the incongruent and the bothersome How should we deal with difficult people?Some people in our lives may be difficult simply because […]

Are intercessory prayers really useful?

If God is aware of what we need before we ask Him, what is the purpose of intercessory prayer? We all know that a prayer is […]

Teaching emotional intelligence

By Renée Smith Email: comms.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @rsmith_cntt The Archdiocese continues to ensure the developments surrounding Catholic Education in Trinidad is ideal from now to 2049. The […]

Using her gifts, the right way

Simone Francois-Whittier has built her career over a decade working in the Foreign Service. She also qualified to practise law and was in private practice. Her […]

COR – simply beloved

It was so fitting that the 40th Anniversary Mass for COR (Christ in Others Retreat) in Trinidad and Tobago was held on the weekend of the […]

Let’s study sacred scripture

By Delia Chatoor It can be argued that for any Christian to be deeply grounded in the Church and Christian belief, there should be the study […]

Logos Hope – not just about books…

Story and photos by Lara Pickford-Gordon Email: snrwriter.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter:@gordon_lp Booklovers gravitated to the Logos Hope popularly called the ‘book boat’ during the vessel’s January 2 to […]

The herb ain’t organic – Marijuana Psychoses

“When you smoke the herb, it reveals you to yourself.” That’s a quote from Jamaican musician Bob Marley, well known for seeking musical and spiritual inspiration […]

Lessons from a wisdom teacher

Vicar General and Cathedral Administrator Fr Martin Sirju remembers his rector at the Seminary, Fr Henry Charles. Seven is the number of perfection, of fullness, richness. […]

‘Sa Va Yon’ in aid of Cyril Ross

What do former Miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam, former national cyclist Michael Phillips, former Attorney General Garvin Nicholas, soca performer 5Star Akil (Akil Borneo) and Deacon Derek […]

Creative expressions: What next?

The Call on Canvas initiative, a collaborative effort with Generation S, the Catholic Youth Commission and Catholic Media Services Ltd (CAMSEL), has undoubtedly drawn out the […]

The fires ‘down under’

Since August 2019 to now, the major international news networks have reported that acres of land in Australia have been burning. Former Catholic News Editor JUNE […]

Venezuelan bishops: crisis morally unacceptable

The bishops of Venezuela have issued a New Year message addressing the situation there. The message dated January 10 was headed ‘Carta Fraterna de los Obispos […]

What did Jesus say about forgiveness?

This is probably one of the most difficult teachings of Jesus to incorporate into our lives. Many of Jesus’ teachings are easy to get behind. Loving […]

Migrants seeking the sacraments

A catechetics programme is being organised within the North Western Migrant Ministry (NWMM) to cater to the demand from migrants to access the sacraments. Fr Harold […]

Remembering the Japanese martyrs

Cardinal Kelvin Felix paid tribute to the memory of the first Catholic martyrs in Japan on October 7, 2019. He had been invited by the Interreligious […]

The Eucharistic pathway of Mother Mary Ellerker

Neila Todd, a Tertiary of Carmel (lay Carmelite) looks at the life of the foundress of the Corpus Christi Carmelites as the Congregation marks another anniversary […]

Healing family life

Why does your family have secrets? Why are you closer to some family members than others? How did your mother and father handle conflict? Is there […]

Expressing the Call in your heart

What do apples, plastic aprons, broken clay pots and acrylic paint have in common? They were all a part of the Call on Canvas Art Class […]

Let us rebuild society

By Raymond Syms Email: editor.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @RaymsCN The Church is swimming against a “tidal wave of culture”, says Archbishop Jason Gordon, but as believers it is […]

Championing the Good News in Santa Rosa

By Renée Smith Email: comms.camsel@catholictt.org Twitter: @rsmith_cntt How have you been sharing the Good News lately? With a smile, a shout? With joy? When something exciting […]

Celebrating Catholic faith online

The University of Dayton’s (USA) online Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) programme is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2020. The university has provided 20 […]

Photo meditations vol 2

Seeing God in all Things, a second volume of photo meditations by Sr Annette Chow SJC, has been published to end 2019. The meditations first appeared […]

5 Simple biblical ways to find inner peace in 2020

Scripture has guidance for a new year. If you asked for peace on earth and didn’t get it this Christmas, you can at least foster a […]