Monsignor William John-Lewis, the Delegate of the Apostolic Administrator in the Diocese of Roseau, has expressed joy and anticipation at the appointment of Father Kendrick Forbes as the new Roman Catholic Bishop for the diocese.
“The initial reaction for myself and pretty well everyone is joy,” Monsignor John-Lewis revealed in an interview with Dominica News Online. “We have waited over two years to have a bishop. So that is the first thing. It means, of course, a lot of work ahead for all of us.”
Father Forbes, who will turn 49 in August, is coming from the Bahamas and while some may have hoped for a bishop from or the Diocese of Roseau, given its status as one of the oldest dioceses, or the Eastern Caribbean, Monsignor Jno Lewis emphasized the universality of the church.
“The church is very wide and the church is universal,” he explained. “Nonetheless, we’re very happy to have this very young person…to be our next bishop.”
Two Dominican priests have been elevated to the position of Bishop in the Catholic Church – Bishop Joseph Oliver Bowers who was ordained in 1953 and did most of his ministry as Bishop of Accra, Ghana and Cardinal Kelvin Felix who was ordained Archbishop of Castries in 1981. However, neither of them served as Bishop of Roseau.
When asked about the process of choosing a bishop, Monsignor John-Lewis explained that it involves consideration of years of ordination, pastoral experience, educational background, and emotional maturity. The church is universal, and people are asked for their opinions on potential candidates. These candidates are then shortlisted, and a final selection is made.
Monsignor John-Lewis said he had the opportunity to speak with Father Forbes and planned to meet with him via Zoom to discuss expectations and potential challenges. Father Forbes brings with him 19 years of experience as Vicar General of the Diocese of Ashdod and Nassau, and has served as the rector of the cathedral. His wide pastoral experience and educational background make him well-suited for the role of Bishop.
In their conversation, Monsignor John-Lewis advised Father Forbes on the importance of listening, learning, loving, and leading. “I think he’s a man of enough experience in all of that, and I’m sure that he will do well,” he said.
