Crime takes its toll on midnight mass

THE escalating crimes of murder, kidnapping and robbery have now reached the Catholic Church which has had to reschedule its Easter masses. The regular midnight mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is no more. Instead, the mass is now ending at 12.20 am allowing devout Catholics to return home earlier than expected. Saturday night’s mass got underway at 9.30 pm. Despite the threat of the criminal elements, the churchgoers went out as usual. While the Cathedral decided to take its mass to midnight, many parishes around the country opted for earlier masses, ensuring that their safe return home before the criminals ventured out.

While mass was in progress, the police mounted a roadblock on the Audrey Jeffers Highway at Mucurapo. At the Cathedral, Archbishop Edward Gilbert officiated at the mass which got underway at 9.30 on Saturday night. The mass which commemorated the end of Holy Week and the 40-day period of repentance and fasting for Catholics, ended at approximately 12.20 am yesterday. The service began with a candlelight vigil and saw several persons renewing their vows for the sacrament of baptism and confirmation before the large gathering. Those present were also called to affirm their faith in the church which entailed a renewal of vows before the Archbishop.

During his homily, Archbishop Gilbert called on the congregation and Catholics at large not to forget their commitment to the church and their faith. The head of the Archdiocese reminded those present of the meaning of Easter, and explained that it meant the beginning of a new life. Their new lives, according to Gilbert, should make them more energised in the Holy Spirit. Gilbert also asked that members of the church get deeply involved in the commission of the church. At the end Archbishop Gilbert thanked all present for taking the time to attend the lengthy service.