Online Catholic Opinion (Jamaica)

Jamaica has been plagued with a slew of tragedies and devastations that are hard to bear. When we consider the daily occurrences of domestic violence, scamming, drug dealers ruining lives because of selfish grasping for wealth, gruesome, horrific murders and gangs snuffing out innocent lives for whatever reason, we must wonder or worry if Christian love is but an ideal about which we can only dream. To complicate our existence, the Covid pandemic set us back over the past two years, and the steep rise in the price of so many basic goods has left many destitute and hungry. The faith of the people is being severely tested for what may be lack of hope. Notwithstanding that sad scenario, Christians must keep on being signs of contradiction.

The Catholic Church and its members, indeed all Christians, must persevere in faith to show compassion, reconciliation and healing. How can we do this? First, through prayer. Jesus used the parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow to underscore the necessity “to pray always without becoming weary[Luke, 18; 1-5] Then to confront the crises with action. We can’t just stand by the wayside taking pictures with our cell phones and posting them on social media. That’s not the answer. We Catholic Christians must be active in building values and

wholesome attitudes especially through our schools; we must extend material help, including basic food packages, to those in need; we must callon the state to increase assistance to the poor not just financially but also through community development and social programmes. We must defendall these lifeissues.

Why should we continue in apathy or lamentation whilst so many suffer in anguish. Rather, as Christians, we are called to live according to Jesus’ great commandment of love given us in John’s Gospel: “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you so should you also love one another.” [John,13; 34] It’s time to stand up in confidence, blessed and strong by the might of our Father and Lord Jesus Christ inwhosenameweareassuredthat we do the right thing. Each of us as Catholic Christians must be active in countering the many crises that Jamaica faces. Ourfaithdemands that action.●

Introduction: p2

Synod on Synodality: p2

Women as Deacons: p3

Ordinations: p4/p5

Ministry to non-Catholic Schools: p6

First Communion p7

Confirmations: p8

Kids Page: p9

St. Michaels College Offers:p10

Pro Life Issues: p11

Changing of the Bail Act: p12

Gladstone Wilson College: p13

Blessing of Fishing boats: p14

Memorials: p15

Report: 2 million Jamaicans can’t afford healthy food Click here for more...

Harvest Celebration at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, Montego Bay

Forum

the Future of Denominational and Trust Schools in light of the Patterson Report"

The New Online Catholic Opinion

Up to recently, Catholic Opinionhasbeenthepremiere voice of Catholicism in Jamaica for more than a century. For several years, increasing costs have limited publication of this important medium.

Virtual technology offers the cost effective opportunity to make a new beginning. Catholic Opinion resumes monthly appearance with this issue. It will be circulated on all social media platforms to as many addresses as our parishes, schools and institutions can provide. You are invited to share Catholic Opinion with all your contacts.

These are exciting times in the Jamaican, Caribbean and universal Church because of the process of synodality. Essentially this sacred act of discernment urges all of us to prayerfully listen to the inspiration and working of the Holy Spirit. Catholic Christianity has an enduring message for this Nation. The beliefs as well as the social

teaching of our Church must always be explained and promoted. Inclusion requires communication so our Bishops encourage all to send news, views, pictures and suggestions as contributions to this venture. St. Michael’s College in association with the communications commissions of the three Jamaican dioceses are the publishers and invite you to be incontact via:

stmtc2909@gmail.com

Tel# 876-927-1259 or876-977-4206

Advertisement of goods and services, educational and other opportunities, memorials, obituaries and celebrations are solicited.

Jamaican Catholicism encompasses many who live abroad as well as those so closely related in the Caribbean through the Antilles Episcopal Conference. This effort is for them too as it will be to keep us abreast of the happenings of the worldwide church and especially to share the wisdom of our Holy Father Pope Francis. ●

FOR A SYNODAL CHURCH: Communion…Participation…Mission

At the direction of Pope Francis, the Universal Church embarked on a Synodal Process which has sought to move it as institution away from the hierarchical structures of the past to one in which all the members see themselves as having a say in the direction and operations of the Church.

Fundamental to this process, organized around the themes of Communion, Participation and Mission, is a renewed emphasis on the process of listening. That is, listening to the faithful, valuing what they had to say and bringing them into the process of discernment which guides our wayforward.

This process was undertaken in all dioceses of the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) and the results of these consultations, which took place mainly at parish levels, have been put together and submitted to the AEC. The AEC will then make the submission to Rome for consideration by a special Synod of Bishops to be held in October 2023 who will advice the Pope onthe wayforward.

The change to listening in a special way to the lay faithful, threw up different perspectives on where we stand as a Church community and where many think we should be heading. Some of the major themes that – not unexpectedly –were prominent in the comments that came

from our congregations were concerned with the connection between our faith and our daily lives, the role of the laity and particularly, the role of women in leadership in the Church, the importance of the Eucharist, the social teachings of the Church and the engagement of Youth.

All of this was set against the profound impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on how we worship, on how we were in contact with each other and on the vision that each of us has on how we go forward as a Church in these changed circumstances.

Each month, we will be taking a closer look at some of what was revealed in our dioceses from this important, ground breaking process and updating you, where possible on the differentstagesthatmaybetakingplace.

Parishes will soon receive their submitted diocesan synthesis reports, as we await also the AECfinal report for Rome. In the meantime the process continues and parishes are encouraged to continue the process with their parish reports and begin to implement the necessary needs whicharevital toparishlife.

Here we must congratulate the diocesan and parish teams which worked and will continue assiduously in continuing the process for a Synodal Church.

Please staytuned totheCatholic Opinionfora continuation. ●

Click button for videos

What yuh think?

The near-extinct sacrament?

How many of us Catholics still go to confession? Well, maybe a few do on a regular basis and others when there are special penance services for Lent or Advent. However, compared with years ago, far fewer Catholics seem to utilize this sacrament. And yet conversely it seems that more members of the congregation seem to take communion these days compared with decades past. Not judging, but does this mean that we are

less mindful of the epistle caution: “anyone who eats this bread drinks this cup of the Lord unworthy is guilty of sinning against the Lord” (1 Corinthians 11:27)

Indeed, this is a phenomenon that seems to exist elsewhere, since I heard a priest in the USAina talkonTVraisethat very issue concerning his parish. On the other hand, cultures like the Filipino still make full regular use of the sacrament.

Cont’d on page 11

Monkeypox party warning

Officials caution against close contact, urge citizens to recommit to health protocols amid new threat!

Bishop Persaud Endorses Catholic Opinion

Pope Francis createda new commissionin 2020 tostudy(yet again) the questionofa female diaconate in the Catholic Church. In 2021, he amended the Churchlawsso that women maybe BiblereadersatMass, serve at the altar and distribute communion practicesalreadycommon in manycountries,including Jamaica. It was stressedthat these werelay ministries, “fundamentallydistinctfromthe ordainedministrythatis

Jamaican Women Instituted as Readers

Archbishop Kenneth Richards hands Mrs. Pamela Thomas a Bible as he Institutes her in the Ministry of Reader at St. Jude’ s Church, Newark Avenue, Kingston, on March 27, 2022. Her husband, Glendon Thomas was similarly Instituted. Deacon Peter Espeut, their formator (in dalmatic) is at right

On January 10, 2021 Pope Francis changed Canon Law to open up the Ministries of Reader and Acolyte – previously restricted to men – to women. In most countries, women and men have long served as lectors and leaders of Sunday worship in the absence of a priest or deacon, and even have been commissioned for those roles. The formal Institution of women as Readers and Acolytes is official recognition of their specific vocation to leadership in their communities.

On January 23, 2022 Pope Francis Instituted six women as Readers at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. In February 2022 in the Archdiocese of Kingston, and in March 2022 in the Diocese of Montego Bay, a total of six women were Instituted as Readers. These are the first women to be instituted as Readers outside of the Vatican.

This is a small but significant step in recognizing the important role women can and do play in Church leadership in Jamaica. ●

July 1, 2022

The three Roman Catholic Dioceses in Jamaica: Archdiocese of Kingston, Diocese of Montego Bay and the Diocese of Mandeville have for a number of years produced the “Catholic Opinion” a quarterly printed Newspaper. We are now launching this production via the internet –which means it will only be available on line. The printed format will no longer be produced.

This is an attempt to make available to the faithful and sisters and brothers in the wider community of Jamaica Catholic teaching, as well as other aspects of our Catholic Faith and traditions including the Sacred Scriptures. There will also be from time-to-time commentaries, from a Catholic perspective, on issues affecting our nation.

I am very happy to join my voice with those of Archbishop Kenneth Richards and Bishop Burchell McPherson in recommending the On-Line Catholic Opinion to you. It is our hope that this will continue to be a resource for you as you seek to deepen your relationship with God and the Church.

God bless this new venture.

Most Rev. John D. Persaud Bishop of Mandeville

OnSaturday,June11,2022,AaronA.C.Bohr,ayoungmanwithJamaicanroots,wasordainedapriestoftheSocietyofJesus.Agraduate ofOccidentalCollegeinCalifornia,wherehemajoredinHistoryand EastAsianStudies,hedidgraduatestudiesattheUniversityofChicago, theUniversityofSt.Thomas,FordhamUniversity,andtheUniversity ofSantaClara,obtainingmaster’sdegreesinsocialscience,Education, PhilosophicalResourcesandDivinity,respectively.

Congratulations to our dear Deacon, Joseph Lucas, on graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology!

Ordination to the Diaconate of Br Noel Comia Garcia, MOP from the Philippines and Br Saran Tirkey, MOP from India last May 15, 2022 - Most Rev. Joseph E. Harris, Pontifical Commissary ordained two Brothers of the Missionaries of the Poor to the office of deacons. From l-r Fr. Gregory Augustine CSsp, Deacon Ronald Thwaites, Deacon Saran Tirkey MOP, Rev. Joseph E. Harris CSsp, Br. Noel Garcia MOP, Archbishop Kenneth Richards Fr. Hayden Augustine MOP, Fr. Maximo Mendina.

Archbishop Richards and Archbishop Dufour flank newly ordained Deacon Joseph Lucas

It was a proud moment of pure joy and humility, seeing Deacon RICARDO PERKINS SJ awaiting Ordination to the priesthood

The prayer of consecration for Fr’ Ricardo Perkins, SJ at Holy Trinity Cathedral

HIGHLIGHTING EXCELLENCE

Dinham

Tiana Dinham joined Mt. Alvernia High School in 2013 as a seventh grader who spent the following seven years of her tenure continuously proving herself to be an exemplary young lady who manifests a spirit of excellence both academically and socially. She is the proud recipient of thirteen

Special Workshop for Maths teachers.

A special initiative of the Archdiocese is the holding of a one-week workshop for Maths teachers in Catholic Primary schools across the island, to be held at St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College, from Monday, July 25 to Friday, July 29, 2022. The facilitator for the week is Dr. Dionne Cross-Francis, an expert in the field of Primary MathematicsEducation.

scholarship awards to various North American universities.

Tiana wishes to pursue a career in medicine at the University of North Carolina. We salute her as a young lady who has personified the values of St. Francis of Assisi, the motto of her alma mater and the spirit of the founders of Mt. Alvernia HighSchool

CATHOLICS IN NON-CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

How many of you young Roman Catholics attend non-Catholic high schools? How many of you have something to report? Any Roman Catholic come first, second or third in their class? Any Roman Catholic who is head boy, head girl or prefect? Any Roman Catholic in a non- Catholic school got any special award?Wewouldliketohear.

Whataboutthedifficultiesofbeinga Roman Catholic in a non-Catholic school? When theEnglish conquered Jamaica from the Spaniards in 1655, the Roman Catholic Church was banned for 136 years from 1655 to 1791. This partly explains our small numbers in Jamaica. But we must learn to defend our faith even in difficultcircumstances.

What about the questions that others ask about our doctrine and other things? What about the way you handle it? Are you able to handle it? We would love submissions on these topics.

Did you know that many of our priests and religious sisters in the Catholic Church did not attend Catholic schools? Icannot tell you an exact number, but there are quite a few.

Father Gerard Reid, former Vicar General of the Diocese of Montego Bay, attended Manchester High School. So many of our priests went to Excelsior such as the late Father Kenneth Ramsay, Father Clifton Harris OP (pastor of St. Thomas

Aquinas and a formal provincial of the Dominicans in the Caribbean also attendedExcelsior.

And there are more. A former principal of Immaculate Conception High School, Sister Angela Harris attended St. Hugh’s High School (owned and operated by the Anglican High School for girls.) I mention these things just to encourage you. I am a Jamaica College past student, and Noel Wilkins, former Archdiocesan Education Director attended Kingston College. What better way to learn our Catholic faith that when you are questioned by others, whetheratschoolorotherwise.●

By Michael Burke

Tiana

Grade 6 students of St. Robert Bellarmine Prep School, Chapelton, Clarendon, give praise to God through dance at the recent Thanksgiving Mass at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in MayPen, Clarendon.

His Grace Archbishop Kenneth Richards along with Fr. Howard Thompson (Pastor), Teachers and the Confirmation group at Stella Maris Church

First Holy Communion recipients at Stella Maris Church on June 19, 2022.

Bishop McPherson and Confirmation candidates, St Joseph’s Sav-la-mar

Fr. Kamil (right) and Deacon Devon Crooks (left) with baptismal candidates

Baptism and First Communion at St. Martin de Porres

The feast of Corpus Christi was celebrated in a special way by St. Martin de Porres parish, when one young person, Neisha Parkes, was baptized and she and eight others received their first intinction Communion from the pastor, Fr. Roger Graham. The other eight were: Mika Oldacre; Amoy Dale; Daniel David; Cameron Griffiths; Demario Redwood; Brittney Rider; Amerah Shaw and Taejaun Thompson. This was the first in years that so many received their first Communion. The previous Sunday, Archbishop Emeritus Reese had heard their first Confessions. They had been prepared by Catechists Sharon Hayles and Keriann Williams. After Mass, the new communicants were treated to gifts and breakfast by the Women’s League.

Fr. Roger Graham baptizing Niesha Parkes

Ryan Antony (centre) celebrates his First Communion with his family at St. Paul of the Cross Cathedral, Mandeville.

Newly-baptizedShalom seemsquitehappy, beingheldbyMom,Nerissa Nebit-Boothe.AtHoly RosaryChurchinKingston

Fr. Roger Graham and the first Communion group, St. Martin de Porres. (above)

ST. MICHAEL’S THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE HAS NEW NAME!

The Board of St. Michael’s agreed in May to rename the institution St. Michael’s College. This is in recognition that it has moved beyond offering programmes in Theology alone to offering a Licentiate in Philosophy and a degree in Guidance and Counselling. St. Michael’s Seminary continues

STUDYAT ST. MICHAEL’S COLLEGE UNDERSTAND YOUR FAITH MORE DEEPLY

GETAUWI B.A.DEGREEAS YOU PREPARE FORACAREER

by the Rev. Peter Espeut, Dean of Studies

Michael’sCollege

(SMC) – formerly St. Michael’s Theological College – is a Catholic Tertiary educational institution conveniently located adjacent to the Mona Campus of the University of theWestIndies(UWI)andtheUnited Theological College of the West Indies (UTCWI). Most of its programmesareofferedon-lineusing the Zoom platform, so anyone can study at SMC from anywhere in the world!

We offer four degree programmes leading to fully accredited UWI degrees:

TheBA(Guidance&Counselling): This is our newest programme, training persons for jobs as Guidance Counsellors in schools, as well as Youth Counsellors and Family Counsellors in church communities and civic organizations. This Bachelor’s Degree (90 credits) may be pursued full-time (3 years + 1 semester)orpart-time.

The BA (Theology) (90 credits) may be pursued full-time (3 years) or parttime,withcoursesintheology,biblical

studies, philosophy, liturgy, ethics, pastoral care, and electives from the UTCWIandtheUWI.

The Licentiate in Philosophy (LPhil): (60credits)maybepursued full-time (2 years) or part-time. Students pursue a full philosophy programme.

The MA (Theology)(36credits)may be pursued full-time (2 years) or parttime. Currently, it offers a concentration in Guidance & Counselling.

With 2 CAPE subjects, students enter directly into the BA or LPhil programme; with 5 CXC subjects, students do a preliminary year to obtain CAPE. A first degree is required to enter the Master’s Programme;qualifyingcoursesmaybe required.

SMC also offers courses and programmes in lay formation with no entryrequirements..

The Continuing Adult Religious Education Programme (CAREP): This is for those who do not have a lot of time, but who wish to go deeper into

Accommodation for UWI & UTECH students.

their Catholic Christian faith. Participants can register either in September or January. Courses are offered on-line in the Old and New Testaments,TheologyandLiturgy - one course per semester in the evening over twoyears.

Church Leadership. This offers practical training in skills to enhance worship and to build up church communities, according to the needs defined in the Archdiocesan Strategic Pastoral Plan 2020-2030

ShortCoursesonMattersof General Interest:Throughouttheyear,short6 -week courses are offered on-line on topicsofgeneralinterest.

Phone: (876) 927-1259 or (876) 977-4206. Mondays to Fridays 9am -5pm OR

E-mail: stmtc2909@gmail.com

Further details:

Web-site:https://stmtc.edu.jm/

St. Michael’s College is offering single-room accommodation for UWI & UTECH male students at reasonable monthly rates: $28,000 per room ($35,000 for rooms with own private bathroom) and a few double rooms at $20,000 per person monthly. Apply at the College (ph. 876-927-1259; email: stmtc2909@gmail.com )

to be a part of the institution.

St.

PRO LIFE ISSUES

U.S. Archbishop Shelton Fabre has an insightful statement on the matter of pro-life issues. He says “For centuries, the Catholic Church has proclaimed a rich social teaching based upon a deep respect for the sacredness of every human life, including life in the womb. This thread of the dignity of human life is woven into all of our moral and social teachings, including our advocacy for programs and initiatives that confront the sin of racism, lift people out of poverty, end capital punishment, support persons with disabilities, address gun violence, repair a broken immigrationsystem, fosterthriving families and care for our common home, the Earth. We believe that the deliberate decision to end a life in the womb is not the answer for women, children or families.”

And he cites Pope Francis: “Yet this defence of unborn human life is closely

each and every other human right. It involves the conviction that a human being is always sacred and inviolable, in any situation and at every stage of development. Human beings are ends in themselves and never a means of resolving other problems... It is not progressive to try to resolve problems by ending a human life. Evangelii Gaudium, 213-214).

However, Pope Francis points to other issues in defence of life. The death penalty, gun control, support for families, and immigration are also life issues, he has said in relation to the USA. We need to also be affirming and promoting these other issues, including poverty relief so that people can live with dignity and decency. It is our Catholic Christian duty. ●

The Abortion Debate

(proving scientists wrong).

UPCOMING EVENT..

That every human being has a right to life is universally accepted. Thescienceofembryology tells us that a new human individual comes into existence when sperm fuses with egg. These two propositions form the basis on which many people declare that abortion is morally wrong, and should be illegal.

For someone to defend abortion as morally acceptable, they must either prove that the unborn child does not have therighttolife(thenwho does?), or that the foetus is not a human being

The approach of most few pro-abortion advocates is to ignore the issue of when human life begins, and to argue that the welfare of the mother is paramount, and supercedes everything else. A woman has a right to choose what happenstoherownbody, they argue. Of course, the foetus is IN the woman’s body, but is NOT PART ofthe woman’s body (different DNA).

But of course every woman has a right to choose what happens to her own body: she can choose to have sex or not. And if she chooses to have sex, then there will be consequences. People of good will must help women to face the consequences of their

choices, not to avoid them: if we reallyare pro -life, wemust assist them to bring their children into the world, and to care for them once they areborn.

Our church does this every day in different ways, but we can highlighttheworkofMustard SeedCommunities.

And what if the woman did not choose? What aboutrapeandincest? Rape and incest – which are serious evils and are bothillegal –donotgive rise to guilty children who must be killed. The children so produced are innocent, are created in the image and likeness of God, and also have the right to life. Women and girls who have suffered rape and incest need our ministry, and loving care is offered right here in Jamaica.●

By Peter Espeut

“Mary, Model of the Synod” is the theme of this year’s Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Dunsinane, which takes place at the National Marian Shrine in Dunsinane, Manchester on August 6, 2022 from 9am to 3pm. The main speakers will be Mrs. Grace Baston, and Mr. Noel Wilkins, and the main Mass celebrant will be the Most Rev. Kenneth Richards. In order to assist us with meal planning, we are asking persons who are attending to purchase a lunch ticket in advance by July 22, 2022. The cost for lunch is $450. Persons residing in the Mandeville Diocese can do so through their priest. Others can contact Miss Lauradeanne Brown at lbrown@mandevillediocese.org

Theevent will also belive streamed.

What

yuh think ?

(Cont’d from page 2)

I wonder to what extent this deterioration in Jamaica is partly the result of the discontinuation of the confessional booth – a physical structure where anonymity was facilitated by the priest being behind a mesh. The current face-to-face direct interaction may lead some persons to avoid what could be the embarrassment of identity. Maybeweneedtoreverttousing the confessional booth and encouraging greater use of the sacrament. Not many church websites mention confession times. Resuming fixed times for confession may also help, rather than “by appointment.” When lastdidyougotoconfession? ●

WomenasDeacons?

(cont’d frompage3) church. St. Phoebe is named as deacon in the Bible (Rom 16:12). Both the Council of Nicea (A.D. 325) and the Council of Chalcedon (451) mention the ordination of women to the diaconate. Chalcedon states, “No woman under 40 years of age is to be ordained a deacon,” thereby suggesting that older women deacons were permitted. As late as the 11th century, the right of the diocesan ordinary to ordain women deacons was confirmed by three consecutive popes. Pope Benedict VIII wrote in 1017, “We concede and confirm to your successors in perpetuity every episcopal ordination not only of presbyters but also of deacons or deaconesses.” (Anna Keating: “‘God may be calling us’: the women who want to be deacons.” in America, June, 2022.)

“Two subcommittees of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s (CDF) International Theological Commission reviewed the question over 10 years. In 1997, the first subcommittee reportedly found no problem with restoring women to the ordained diaconate. However, the CDF prefect at the time, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, refused to promulgate their report. He named a new subcommittee, which produced a much longer report five

years later. That 2002 report concluded that, while male and female deacons did not perform the same tasks and duties, there is a clear distinction between the diaconate and the priesthood. Therefore, they wrote, the question is up to the magisterium to decide.

So, the question was left to Pope John Paul II, who did nothing. In 2005, he was succeeded by the CDF prefect who dismissed the first ITC subcommittee’ original findings.

The former Cardinal Ratzinger, then Pope Benedict XVI, did not further investigate the issue of women in the diaconate. However, in 2009 he codified the catechism’s teaching, which is consistent with the teaching of the Second Vatican Council. Now canon law affirms the diaconate is not the priesthood.” (Phyllis Zagano: “New women deacons commission to meet with unclear agenda.” In National Catholic Reporter, 31 August, 2021.)

Isn’t it time for women to be formally ordained as deacons? They are an overwhelming majority of the faithful and we need more support for our dwindling number of priests. •

Longest living Pope

Statement by the Catholic Church on the issue of changing the Bail Act

The Catholic Church in Jamaica consistently advocates for the dignity of the human person created in the image and likeness of God, and for the consequent promotion of justice and human rights. We are appalled and outraged at the incidence of crime and violence. Crime is to be denounced and the guilty punished. Not withstanding, the Church is extremely concerned at recent indications by the Government that it intends to remove bail discretion from the judiciary for those charged with murder. Consideration for bail is a constitutional right in terms of the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. Currently, persons charged with murder or treason or treason felony or firearm possession may be granted bail only by a Parish Court Judge or higher judge. The Court is empowered to look at

the totality of the circumstances in deciding whether bail should be granted. Few persons charged with murder do in fact get bail, and this often after some years in jail awaiting trial. There are claims that persons charged with murder are often being given bail. However, no evidence is produced to substantiate such claims. If there is such evidence, we call on the police or the State to produce it so that the public can see the truth for themselves.

It is not surprising that the removal of bail consideration would be seen as an attack on the independence of the judiciary as an equal arm of the state. In effect, it would justifiably be seen as an assault on the civil rights and liberties of individual citizens and opens the door to even

more abuse of power. We insist that the hard-won Charter of Rights not be tampered with to facilitate bail removal. We fear that the intention indicated by the Government could be heading us in the direction of a police state. We therefore call on the Government to leave the Bail Act as is, with decisions left up to the Judiciary.

In furthering the interest of justice, we support the efforts of the Chief Justice for speeding up the handling and determination of court cases, and we include in this speeding up trials for those charged with murder and gun crimes. The current lengthy delays in bringing matters to trial impacts the effect of denial of bail. Why can’t we have trials within three months of charge? •

Pope Benedict XVI just celebrated his 95th birthday, making him the longest living Pope in the two thousand year history of the Church. He retired 9 years ago and keeps in relative seclusion.

The dawning of a new era of boys’ education in Western Jamaica

by David Soares, Principal

A dream…..a vision……has come to pass and the Monsignor Gladstone Wilson College is now a reality on the educational landscape of Western Jamaica. The last all-boys’ school to be established inWestern

Jamaica was founded in 1896 and although still a bastion of education, the Western population and needs are growing so there is now a need for another high qualityall-boys’ school.

The vision began with Dr. Horace Chang and soon the Roman Catholic Diocese of Montego Bay spearheaded by Deacon Ronald Thwaites was invited to collaborate in this effort. The launch of the Monsignor Gladstone Wilson College piqued the interest of many and the school, though in the midst of a pandemic, opened its doors in September 2020 with, initially eight Sixth Form students but which dwindled to three as the nuances of virtual learningtookitstoll.

A renewed and re-energized drive to attract students started this year has borne tremendous fruit. Meetings with Primary and Preparatory schools have resulted in Registration of Grade 7

students seeing a fourteen-fold increase and there is heightened interest and anticipation among parents of prospective high school Boys.

Why this interest? Monsignor Gladstone Wilson College is based entirelyon the STEM/STEAM concept. It is true that other schools follow a STEM/STEAM curriculum, but they are transferring from a modern educational paradigm that embraces a common core of information that all students verify with standardized test scores. Monsignor Gladstone Wilson College on the other hand, will begin in First Form to create critical thinkers, provide students with unique opportunities for teamwork, help students to develop Project Management skills and impart to the students 21st Centuryskills.

Additionally, the smaller classes will afford for more individualized attention for the students and a healthier environment to initiate, build and maintainfriendships.

The success of Catholic schools has not only been measured by academic performance and professional competence but also in the formation of the human person to reflect the love of God and neighbour. The Monsignor Gladstone Wilson College is the institution of the future, and the future is now. ●

Fr Roger Graham celebrates his 13th anniversary of priestly ordination. We pray God's blessings on him today as he continues to offer pastoral care to his church parishes.

Ordination of Patrick Muchiri as a Deacon on May 13, 2022 at Immaculate Conception Church, Stony Hill, St. Andrew.

Dr. Selbourn Hemmings (Board Chair) Speaking at Gladstone Wilson College

Blessing of Fishing Boats

It is a long-standing Catholic tradition globally for fishing boats to be blessed annually on June 29, the Feast of St. Peter the Fisherman; but not in Jamaica – which has relatively few Catholic traditions. This year Archbishop Kenneth Richards asked all priests and deacons to visit the fish landing sites in their parishes to bless fishing boats and to interact withthefisherfolk.

Along with members of the church community dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus in Greenwich Town, on June 29 this year Archbishop Ken visited the Greenwich Farm Fishing Beach – one of the largest inJamaica.

Assisted by Pastoral Administrator of Holy Name, Deacon Peter Espeut, AB Ken

held a service of praise and worship on the beach in the shade; several fisher folk and customers joined in. Afterwards, the Archbishop and the Deacon blessed boats, fishing gear, and fishers, along with their shops and gear sheds. As the group walked along the beach, the fishers would not let them pass unless they received their blessing!

There are numbers of children at the beach every day. As part of their evangelization thrust, Holy Name Church plans to recommence the Sunday School under a shed on the beach which was interrupted by a serious surge of cases during the COVID-19 pandemic.●

by Peter Espeut

Archbishop Kenneth Richards leading a prayer service on the Greenwich Farm fishing beach on the Feast of St. Peter the Fisherman 2022.

Archbishop Kenneth Richards blessing fishing boats at the Greenwich Farm fishing beach.

“We are called to be a Church that promotes the culture of care and compassion towards the vulnerable.”

– Pope Francis

memorials

Sr. William Margaret Young OSF, founder of Hope Health Clinic.

Sr. William Margaret devoted herself to the life and mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany for 68 years. She taught at the Elementary level at Marymount Academy, Highgate, Jamaica, and Junior High at Immaculate Conception High School, Kingston, Jamaica. She then studied nursing in the USA and the School of Public Health Nursing, Kingston, Jamaica, earning her Licenses of

Rev. Deacon Francis Tulloch was born August 5, 1940, in Kingston. He grew up as a member of the St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, where he and his brothers were altar servers. He attended St. George’s College, then went overseas to study Law, He practiced Law for some years in Jamaica then the Bahamas. On his return to Jamaica, he became active in politics on behalf of the People's National Party (PNP).

He first entered parliament in 1972 and represented different constituencies over the years Tulloch served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism (1993-1995) and Minister of Tourism (1997-1999).

He answered the call to serve as a deacon in

Practical Nursing, Registered Nursing and Midwifery.

Sister dedicated the remaining years in ministry to health care, working at St. James Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay, Jamaica; as well as in the USA. In 1975, she founded Hope Health Clinic in Montego Bay, Jamaica, focusing on primary and preventive medicine for the poor and marginalized. She retired in 2005. She passed away in May, 2022.

the Roman Catholic Church, being ordained in the Diocese of Montego Bay on November 7, 2009. Although it may have been a surprise to many, the call to ministry was as a result of a lifelong practice of his Catholic faith and his concern with contributing to “build[ing] the church and God's kingdom in very similar ways to what [he] tried to do as a politician.”

He made invaluable partnerships with organisations such as Food for the Poor and was able to procure homes for homeless. He established a basic and kindergarten school in Cambridge, in 2014; it is named the St. Mary’s Basic and Kindergarten School.

Hon. Guiseppe Pino Maffessanti, J.P., OJ CD was born in 1933 to Italian parents. He migrated to Jamaica in 1951 and entered the construction business. Over time, he built several houses and then hotels, mainly in the Ocho Rios area. In 1960 He started the construction company, Maffessanti Brothers Ltd. In 1962, he moved to Montego Bay and was instrumental in developing many sub-

Sr. Magdalen Marie Newton OSF passed away last month after decades of service. She entered the Franciscan order in the 1950’s. She taught at Mt. Alvernia High inMontego Bay and then at Alvernia in Kingston. She spent her retirement years at the Franciscan House at Immaculate Conception

He died on June 23, 2022, leaving four sons, two daughters and several grandchildren. His was a life of Catholic Christian service and humility.

divisions in St. James. Over the years, he was a major benefactor of several charities, including the Church’s Good Shepherd Foundation. He was also a great supporter of Catholic Opinion. He was awarded the Order of Jamaica (OJ). Pino was married for 65 years to his wife, Daniela, had 3 children; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

school. One of her former students at Mt. Alvernia had this to say: "She was a 'disciplinary Saint' - always joyful and made us little kids feel that learningwas fun and not terror [like other teachers]. Don't know how I would have fared if she were not there - an early blessing in life for me."

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"Among the ritual acts that belong to the whole assembly, silence occupies a place of absolute importance” which “moves to sorrow for sin and the desire for conversion. It awakens a readiness to hear the Word and awakens prayer. It disposes us to adore the Body and Blood of Christ” -Pope Francis