The Diocese of Georgetown, Guyana hosted a meeting of the Association of Diocesan Priests (ADP) from the Province of Port of Spain from August 26 to 29. This gathering, the first since the Covid-19 pandemic, brought together clergy from hosts Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, and Suriname at the Catholic Life Centre in Brickdam.
The Province of Port of Spain encompasses a diverse region, including the Archdiocese of Port of Spain (Trinidad & Tobago), and the Dioceses of Bridgetown (Barbados), Georgetown (Guyana), Paramaribo (Suriname), and Willemstad (Curaçao). The annual meeting served as a vital platform for strengthening bonds, sharing experiences, and fostering leadership within the brotherhood of the priesthood.
Throughout the four-day event, daily Masses were celebrated at the historic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, providing a spiritual backdrop to the proceedings.
The gathering’s theme, echoing the words of a well-known hymn quoted by Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB, Georgetown in his closing homily, emphasised unity, and purpose: Stand together for what you believe, work for what must be done.
Fr Harold Imamshah, Chairman of the ADP of the Province of Port of Spain, in his reflections on the meeting, highlighted the sense of hope and sacrifice witnessed among the attendees.
He noted the presence of both established leaders and future ones, as well as the dedication of missionaries serving in languages not their own. The meeting provided a unique opportunity for priests to share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations in a supportive environment.
An important focus of the discussions was the concept of a synodal Church, with key characteristics of listening and dialogue in parish and diocesan life. Priests shared their struggles and successes, including the challenge of serving multiple churches with limited clergy and the need to foster greater lay responsibility and contribution in parish life.
The meeting also addressed the critical issue of vocations, with participants considering how to contribute to vocational efforts in the face of declining numbers. They reflected on the evolving role of priests and what God might be calling future clergy to in these changing times.
Amidst serious discussions, the gathering was marked by moments of fraternity, laughter, and shared liturgies. The priests found strength in their connections with each other, as well as with families and lay members of their communities. They acknowledged the vulnerability that comes with interconnectedness but celebrated it as a source of communion and collaboration.
The memory of early diocesan priests who paved the way for current clergy was honoured, providing historical context to the ongoing mission of the Church in the region. Participants also reflected on the contributions of Asian and African missionaries, both religious and diocesan, to the universal Church.
The meeting concluded with a powerful reminder of the priests’ calling to unity and purpose, echoing the hymn’s words: “Love each other in all that you do, till all my people are one.”
As the priests returned to their respective dioceses, they carried with them renewed energy, deepened fraternal bonds, and a strengthened commitment to their vocation.
This gathering in Georgetown not only honoured the rich history of the Catholic Church in the Caribbean but also looked forward to addressing the challenges and opportunities of ministering in the modern world.
The success of this meeting underscores the importance of regular gatherings for clergy, providing essential support, inspiration, and collaborative opportunities as they continue their mission of service and spiritual leadership in their communities.
Assisted generation using Claude.ai
