Zealous priest and dedicated bishop laid to rest

Mendes’ niece, Charlene Roberts, said he was called "uncle-father" because he was a man who was loving and attentive with his family. Scores of people were at the Cathedral to celebrate the life of Mendes, former auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Port-of-Spain, who died last Friday at age 79. Also in attendance were the Bishops of Grenada, Sidney Charles; Georgetown, Francis Alleyne, and retired Anglican Bishop Clive Abdullah.

Gilbert said he knew Mendes before and after he became ill and saw the changes which took place. On four occasions he gave Mendes the Sacrament for the Sick.

The Archbishop said he "marvelled" at the way Mendes still took part in the long liturgies of Holy Week and ordinations at the Cathedral. Although Mendes could not stand for long periods and his vision deteriorated, "he was always there, always present in faith." Gilbert said he had a right to stop and rest but did not because his conviction and faith moved him forward. Mendes never complained about his illness and always promptly responded to the Archbishop’s requests for information, consultation and recommendations. Gilbert recalled Mendes’ sense of humour. Mendes always sat to the right of Gilbert in the Cathedral and one day after he (Gilbert) returned to the Bishop’s chair after delivering the homily, Mendes said in a staged tone, "that was a bit long."

Mendes also took note of the duration of homilies at the Marian Devotions in Laventille. Gilbert said, "At 20 minutes he would look at his watch. If the speaker wasn’t done in 20 minutes he would begin to go ‘uh hum.’" Mendes did this in a "nice way" so no one got upset. In her eulogy, Mendes’ niece, Charlene, described her uncle as the greatest man she ever knew.

He was someone family members confided in and from him they received words of advice and comfort which made them feel "so much stronger." Charlene, whose pet name for her uncle was "lover boy," said he loved to sing and his salads were always popular at family gatherings. "He married all of us and baptised all our children. We would not have it any other way."

Charlene said Mendes also had a special bond with his great-nieces and nephews.

Family members and six priests, representing the various spiritual orders, accompanied the body to the crypt. They were; Frs Tom Lawson, Abott John Pereira, Gerard Farfan, Reginald Hezekiah, Clyde Harvey and Monsignor Urban Peschier. Mendes’ sisters—Cecilia, Teresa, and Philomena sang Abba’s "I have a dream," one of Mendes’ favourite songs, as his body was taken into the crypt for burial. He was entombed above Archbishop Flood.