Beloved Catholic Faithful,
On behalf of the bishops of the Antilles Episcopal Conference, I congratulate the Seminary of St John Vianney and the Uganda Martyrs as it celebrates the 61st anniversary of the construction and opening of the current building. As the Psalmist reminds us, “Unless the Lord builds a house, those who build it, build it in vain” (Psalms 127:1).
On this anniversary, we are grateful that the Hand of God inspired the vision, the architecture, and the actual construction of the building, especially the creative imagination of the building, Brother Bruno OSB.
This magnificent building, located on the holy grounds of Mount Saint Benedict was built by the faith, the courage and the human and material resources of the Benedictine Monks, the people of the Archdiocese of Trinidad and Tobago, and benefactors. We, therefore, give thanks to God for inspiring these visionaries and pioneers who placed their faith in action.
However, the building is not just a building of concrete and steel. This building secures 61 years of accumulated faith stories, stories of both priests, religious, and the laity whose religious formation blossomed within its holy walls.
These faith stories of joys and sorrows contributed to the growth and development of the Church of the Caribbean.
Within those walls many seeds of hope, faith, and love were planted. These seeds were carried by the Spirit of Caribbean wind and sea to every corner of the region and world to build dioceses, nurture vocation, and transform societies.
As the Seminary celebrates this momentous milestone, I convey my good wishes to the Archbishop Jason Gordon, the rector, staff, and students of the Seminary. May God continue to build, not only buildings, but a strong faith foundation for generations to come.
Most Reverend Gabriel Malzaire
President
Antilles Episcopal Conference
