Parents told: Play more dominant role in child training

Scores of tiny tots accompanied by their parents turned up to get their toys blessed at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception yesterday in recognition of Holy Innocents’ Day. The mass began at 9 am and although the turnout was not as large as last year, no child brought toy weapons such as guns or knives. Instead, most turned up with stuffed toys, remote controlled cars and motorbikes and dolls. Officiating at the mass was Monsignor Cuthbert Alexander, who urged parents to play a more dominant role in training their children in the right way. “The love you show to your child will register deeply in their consciousness and will remain with them as they grow up,” he said. Meanwhile, at the Trinity Cathedral on Queen Street, Christmas stories both filled with light and darkness were told, as children gathered for the blessing of their toys.

Boys with firetrucks and racing cars played with their toys, while the girls hugged their baby dolls and stuffed animals tightly. The story of baby Moses and the birth of Christ was also told to the children. Although the church was not packed to capacity, Dean Colin Sampson delivered a few stories on the meaning of Christmas and why children blessed their toys on this day. Dean Sampson reminded parents and children that the blessing of the toys reminds everyone that Jesus is their greatest gift. “The biggest gift of all is Jesus and we must let him become our all in all,” said Dean Sampson.