Catholics converge on UWI for conference

This statement was the theme for Friday’s formal opening of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal’s 15th annual Caribbean conference at JFK Auditorium in the University of the West Indies.

The three-day conference brought together hundreds of Catholics from 20 countries including Trinidad and Tobago, USA and Suriname.

The event began at 9 am with Holy Mass, which was officiated by Dominica’s Bishop Gabriel Malzaire. Following Mass, there was a procession of Flags of the 20 nations participating in the conference.

Archbishop of Port-of-Spain, Edward Gilbert, then formally opened the event. In his message, Gilbert made numerous references to the Holy Bible with regards to faith.

"We all have personal struggles, but when we fall back on the certainty of faith, we can move on, the certainty of faith is what holds us together," he said.

He also emphasised the need for Catholics to be educated in their spiritual life.

"They must be taught how to develop a personal relationship with God, and they have to learn to pray," Gilbert said.

He said it was discovered that persons under the age of 45 have a very fragile sense of Catholic identity.

He drew reference to his finding that many people have belonged to as many as five churches before they reach 45.

"The religious life of people under 45 is not yet settled. They are still searching for meaning," he added.

Father Anthony Ozele of the USA, Father Ian Taylor and Father Trevor Nathasingh also spoke at the forum.