Christmas toys blessed on Holy Innocents’ day

TOY guns, including caps guns, laser guns and army-type weaponry, were noticeably absent yesterday during the traditional blessing of toys at Our Lady of Perpetual Help RC Church, Harris Promenade, San Fernando. Instead, board games, Barbie dolls, radio-controlled cars, action figures and cuatros were among gifts proudly presented by children during the Feast of Holy Innocents’ service. The occasion symbolises the mass slaughter by Judaen ruler, Herod the Great, of male children born after the birth of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of St Matthew. In a marked departure from previous services, parish priest Fr Allan Ventour engaged the children in an animated discussion on the meaning of Christmas and their wishes for the Yuletide season.

One youngster, in echoing the concerns of the entire nation about the escalating crime rate, said his wish was for the safety of his parents. Another wanted “God’s blessings” for his ailing grandmother. Ventour said Christmas is the celebration of God’s love as demonstrated in Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. He reminded the children that their gifts were an expression of their parents’ love for them. Ventour told the children to promise Jesus that they would not “mash up” their toys. After the service, the congregation of children held aloft their presents to receive the blessings of holy water. Old Year’s night vigil and mass service are scheduled to begin at 11 pm at the church.