‘So much evil and violence’

Archbishop Edward Gilbert said the presence of “evil and violence” is so prevalent in the life of the nation today, that hope is the only  way out. “The message of hope promised in Jeremiah is certainly now needed when the presence of so much evil and violence is so evident in the life of the nation,” he said. His comments were made in the foreword of a booklet handed out to those who attended yesterday’s 30th Annual Rally Catholic Charismatic Renewal at the Grand Stand of the Queen’s Park Savannah.

Gilbert, who did not speak at the rally, referred to the theme of peace within the booklet, stating it was not God’s plan for disaster but a “future full of hope.” Another Roman Catholic priest, Fr David Khan, also called on the members of the congregation to make significant changes in their lives in a bid to deal with the escalating crime situation in Trinidad and Tobago. “We have a troubled country, and we need a change of heart. The struggles that we see are signs of the times. Catholics are failing to go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Are we waiting to see more crime, suffering and signs of the times?” said Khan.

The priest chided Catholics for failing to go to confession and he felt that this was contributing to the lawlessness in society. He reminded the Catholics present that they must do all in their power to turn their lives around and devote more time to prayer and family life. The packed Grand Stand of more than 10,000 people were also told by Fr Wilfred John that the escalating violence and soaring murder rate in Trinidad and Tobago can engender fear, hopelessness and despair. At the rally a special prayer for TT was recited,  “Give ear, O my God and listen; open your eyes and see our ruins and the country that bears your name. When we present our petition before you, we rely not on our deeds but on your mercy.”