Security guard blanks St Peter’s procession

Following the procession from Church Street in Carenage and upon arrival at Pier 1 yesterday, Webster told the priest that entry was denied because no prior arrangements were made by the church to use the facility.

He explained that under the new IPSO (International Port Security Organisation) Code for all ports which was introduced last year to combat anti-terrorist activities, he was unable to accede to their wishes.

Fr Guiseppi said he was unaware of the new law and then asked Webster for a telephone number for his commander to which Webster claimed he didn’t have. The priest negotiated with Webster, but it is was all in vain.

The disappointed clergyman then prayed with the fishing community and told them that in spite of the hindrance they must continue on their walk with God and then asked God to take the keys from off their chains.

Heading back into the village someone remarked, "Satan busy but where there is a will there is a way," and indeed it happened as the fishermen themselves pulled up in their boats to take the flock to the barge where the traditional blessings proceeded as normal despite albeit later than scheduled.

At the end of the journey at sea, Fr Guiseppi told the gathering, "We had trouble in getting Pier 1 and God decided to do his thing. That is what happens in our lives. If we put our hands in God’s care, God will find a way.

"And the way usually comes out better than if you plan it. Today I just want you all to remember that when you go back to your homes that no matter what problems we have if we put ourselves in God’s hands, God will find a way.

"Look and see what happened and look and see how God moved behind the scenes. We want to say thanks to all who associated with God and helped God."

Earlier Fr Guiseppi’s message to the Carenage community was to understand that the power to change society is within our hands as a people and that we should find that strength within us. He added that if we wait on politicians or the police or other people to do it, it wouldn’t be done. About the crime situation in the area, Fr Guiseppi said, "It is very bad in our area like in every other area and we have to decide as a people that we don’t want to live that kind of life and do something about it. Scripture gave us an example of St Peter’s way.

"St Peter was in prison and the church was under persecution and the church decided we are going to pray so we have to realise that as Christians we need to take things in our hands," Fr Guiseppi added.