Saint Lucia
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June 2004 |
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MCA Rally and Mission Fair by Sr. Paula Andrew, SJC The idea of a MISSION FAIR originated in a search for novel ways to foster mission awareness among children. The venture was a most appropriate one, coming as it did in the 150 th year Celebrations of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny in St. Lucia. Without intending it to be so, all the countries chosen were countries in which Cluny Sisters serve as missionaries – France (Laborie MCA), Spain/Africa (Soufriere MCA), Ireland (Ave Maria Girls' RC MCA), India (Banse MCA), the Philippines (Micoud MCA), Dominica (Bexon MCA) and St. Lucia (Dennery MCA). MCA Leaders and members found the Mission Fair most rewarding. It was encouraging to see the family spirit that prevailed throughout the days of preparation and display. Group leaders, family and friends spent a rainy Saturday setting up displays only to return early next morning in pouring rain for the Rally Mass and Mission Fair. The children's comments speak for themselves. It was a joyous day! In several ways, the wider community was involved. Leaders and members expressed appreciation for help given by school principals, teachers, nurses, parents and parish priests, especially Fr. Joseph Raj, Laborie and Fr. Jesus Obias, Micoud for information supplied about their native lands. The experience of joy, friendship, co-operation in a common venture, learning and understanding the lives of children near and far, formed a bond of unity as children of one family in the Spirit of Christ – a mission they will hopefully remember as daily they spread the Good News. Missionary Childhood Association Rally and Fair Hilanda Leon, The sixteenth of May, 2004 was a happy day for the Missionary Childhood Association. That Sunday, things were hectic for the missionaries from Dennery because of the rain, but we made it to the Cathedral just in time for the Church Service. The Archbishop was the main celebrant at the Rally. We sang hymns like ‘We are an Easter People', ‘Oh, Jesus Thank You', ‘This Little Light of Mine' and many other Christian hymns. The Readings and the Gospel were quite educational because we learnt from them. At the Ave Maria Girls' School, we took photographs with the Archbishop, Sister Paula, the acolytes and the missionaries from Dennery. Later we had a hearty meal. After lunch, we had missionaries from all over St. Lucia coming to view our exhibits about the St. Lucian culture and we went around to view theirs as well. Some of the various cultures were French, Spanish, European, Filipino, Dominican, African and Indian. For our St. Lucian culture we had a display of eats like guava cheese, gooseberry jam, tamarind balls. One of our missionaries presented the St. Lucia's national lunch dish. For clothing we had the national costume which was worn by Amelia. We also had clothing made from the madras fabric. Later all the missionaries came together to present their cultural song or dance. Every culture had a good demonstration. Dennery sang the song “St. Lucia”. We left the Ave Maria Girls' School at approximately three o'clock in the afternoon. What a day it was! I could describe it as … A Fascinating Day. Rita Pierre, The Missionary Childhood Association helps needy children all over the world. Last Sunday's Rally helped to remind me of my mission as a member of the Association and it reminded me of how fortunate I am. It was altogether a joyful experience. Preparation for St. Lucia's booth reminded me of the state of St. Lucia's children. I enjoyed making book marks, putting up charts, doing research to find out about children in crisis and children's happy moments in St. Lucia. Not only did I enjoy making preparations I also enjoyed managing the booth. I got to make new friends and educate others about my country. The Rally exposed me to different cultures through presentations made by other groups especially Soufriere. They presented “Espana” (Spain), a country that I would like to travel to someday. After my day of learning we got together to praise the Lord. It was fun! For the fair, each M.C.A. group had to display something on one country in the world. My M.C.A. group from Soufriere displayed Spain. We put up very informative charts and I learnt to count from one to ten in Spanish and much more. At the fair, I learnt a lot about the different countries. I learnt about their languages, culture, history and foods. The entertainment was great, I especially enjoyed the dancing Nun and the tap dancers and the delicious treats in the Spanish booths. Anyway, I am looking forward to next year's fair. Muchas gracias. Chresilda Cox, The Rally was a very good experience for me because it helped me to participate in the Mass better, especially when it was Eucharist (Communion) time. I enjoyed the Rally and Mission Fair. I hope there would be more of those activities for children like me. Digna Degazon, I went to the 10.00 a.m. Mass with the M.C.A. members. The Service started with a song, then prayers. Father then told us about God our Father. It was time for collection. We sang a song while the girls collected the money. I was chosen to be part of the offertory procession. I was happy because I love doing things like that in Church. The Mass ended about 12 noon. We were all taken to the Ave Maria Girls' School to start our activities for the afternoon. Before starting we ate our lunch and after lunch the other children were giving out things to everyone. We did many exciting things like: making new friends, dancing and playing games. I enjoyed dancing in the Ave Maria Girls' School grounds. The things I love most were the Quadrille dance and the Mass. I learnt about other countries and the food they eat. The day ended with prayers at 3.00 p.m. and everyone then went home. Feliza Joyeux, The best group at the M.C.A. Rally I liked was the Irish group. The thing I liked about their group was the dance. From their group's information I learnt many different things. I learnt that tap-dance is one of the most popular dances in Ireland. On display were many photographs of Sisterss and Brothers; they were from Ireland and had worked in the Caribbean. In all I learnt a deal of information. Study Day for Lay Carmelites  Carmelite Tertiaries of the three local chapters attended a study day at the Corpus Christi Girls Vocational School on Saturday 15th May 2004. Members from Castries, Gros Islet and Anse-la-Raye met to pray, and study the life and legacy of the great Carmelite leader, St. Simon Stock, whose feastday falls on 16th May. After the chanting of the Divine Office, the group's Spiritual Director, Sr. Teresa Dominic Desir, O.Carm, gave a talk on this famous Saint of Carmel who served as General of the Order during 13th century England. She spoke of the Saint's zeal and profound prayer life, and of the two outstanding marks of Carmel that have come down to us through him: the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and the hymn, "Flos Carmeli". With these sacred tools at his disposal, ( Photo: Sr. Teresa Dominic Desir, O. Carm ) "the Order grew in this time of great grace", under his direction, and new Carmels were founded in England and Europe which survive to this day. The Tertiaries were also treated to TV presentations on Carmelitethemes, with question and answer sessions to help clarify various points. After lunch a second talk by Sr. Teresa Dominic focused on the Scapular which was explained as an "outstanding gift of the Mother of God to her Carmelite children -which is a signal to rouse the faculties of our soul to sentiments of piety". These sentiments soon spilled over into a Marian Sing-along in which the Tertiaries sang lustily of the glories of their Queen and Mother. The Presidents of the three chapters then gave reports of involvement in the Carmelite apostolates in St. Lucia. The St. Teresa of Avila chapter (Castries) is involved in helping the Marian Home. The St. Elias chapter (Gros Islet) is involved in helping the Corpus Christi Day Nursery , and St. Therese of the Child Jesus chapter (Anse-la-Raye) is involved in helping the Corpus Christi Girls Vocational School. Sr. Teresa Dominic thanked the Tertiaries for their help in the work of the Sisters, and encouraged their further involvement in the apostolates. The day ended with a Holy Hour in the Marian Home Chapel, with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the recitation of the Scriptural Rosary , and Evening Prayer. Rosemarie Cooper The New People A Pentecost Play with music Stories have always had the power to touch the human heart. It is not an accident that Jesus was the great “storyteller.” Drama is story in many dimensions. When drama is entwined with dance and song, story can become dynamite! It was with such an experience we were treated, those of us who were present at the gala opening of “The New People” on Friday 28 th May. The musical was held at the Emile Vrignaud Auditorium of the Parish Centre, a venue which is fast becoming the base for productions of the Cathedral Junior choir. Under the guidance of choir mistress, Ms. Deborah Bushell, “ The New People” is the third production by the choir. Only last year they had put on “Sam: The story of the Good Samaritan” ( directed by Gloria Severin and Florita Nicholas) and six months later the Christmas play “No Room in the Inn.” For this production they were assisted by another director, Ms. Alphia Emmanuel, who has a background in choreography as well as costume and set designing. The production was a rich catechetical experience for both performers and audience. Unraveling the Pentecost story from the cure of the cripple at the beautiful gate (Ac.3) to Paul in prison in his own lodgings in Rome (Ac.28), we were all reminded in song, dance and drama of the birth pangs of the Church. The 35 members of the cast would have known of the apostles, but entering into their interaction in the play must have brought a deeper understanding of life in the early Church and the struggle of conversion as in the case of “Saul to Paul.” Other persons whose names might have meant nothing before, must certainly now be more familiar, such as Demas, Barnabas, Onesimus, Philemon, Tychichus, Festus. Deborah Bushell deserves abundant praise for the yeoman work she has been doing with the young people. It is an amazing experience to see once shy and timid children blossom into adolescence with so much confidence, talent and potential. The set design was professional and the choreography striking. The entire crew is richly deserving of applauds. The only down side to the entire production was the lack of support of the young people's effort on the part of the worshipping community. At the time when youth is “an endangered species” we should be doing all we can to support those young persons who are into positive and creative activity. “The New People” was a fine production deserving much better support. Vocations Drive Marchand by Alyson Chester
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