A little child leads them

Hundreds of guests were welcomed by Joy Dumas, chairman of the organising committee. They came from the entire diocese to support the fund-raiser in aid of the refurbishing of The Wall of Remembrance in the Garden of Peace in downtown Port-of-Spain and the Labybrinth, which were opened about three years ago. These are two peaceful sites in the middle of the city, on the Cathedral grounds, where persons from every walk of life can spend a quiet moment at any time of day.

Dr Alan Patrick introduced the two speakers, Canon Claude Berkley, rector of All Saints Anglican Church and former president Sir Ellis Clarke. They spoke on “Love, Fellowship, Sacrifice and Rejoicing” in their own individual styles.

Canon Berkley pointed out that we do not often seem to care that Jesus died for us. “That sacrifice which was made on the cross is a story of love and redemption, even though we do not deserve it. Since we are all in the circle together joined at the heart, that means we can do wondrous things in God’s name everyday and everywhere to celebrate Jesus.”

He went on to chide that we have a great victory already won for us but we do not claim or activate it because we are distracted. “Through Jesus we can address family life, crime and violence and nation building. Let us celebrate Jesus because he receives us as we are with no condemnation…All over the world he receives us as we are.”

Sir Ellis believed that love lies at the centre and radiates these other qualities of fellowship, sacrifice and rejoicing. “The love of God for us and the attempt on our part to love Him, the love between husband and wife, parent and child, and other human beings who are very close to one another, can fall into so many categories. Although sometimes we use love where we mean another four letter word.”

Quoting from a song Sir Ellis emphasised: “Love is patient and love can wait.” The programme included the Police Band, soloist Eddie Cumberbatch, five-year-old tenor-pan soloist Walker, blessings from retired bishops Clive Abdulah and Rawle Douglin, Dean Colin Sampson, Rev Dr Knolly Clarke and Bishop Calvin Bess.