The blazing color of red – bright red was the predominant clothing of thousands of Roman Catholics from across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique as they joyfully paraded from various points in the St. Andrew Parish and march on to Progress Park to celebrate Pentecost Sunday.
Led by His Lordship, Bishop Clyde Harvey the event brought together the Church’s leadership and an estimated gathering of just over 4000 Catholics to celebrate what is considered the birthday of the Church under the theme “Live Church, Build Community and Serve Country”.
The playing field decorated with a construction of several tents along with an open air alter to accommodate His Lordship, the Bishop and priests and deacons and alter servers along with section for a mass choir created a magnificent environment of singing, preaching and brotherly love.
The homily was preached by Father Dan Duru, an African Priest who is based at the Brichgrove R.C Church. His 45-minute presentation in-cooperating the three readings called upon Catholics and Grenadians in general to use the individual gifts given to them by God to benefit not only themselves but also their respective communities.
Reference was made that through this baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire, the apostles became more knowing, and had a greater understanding of the mysteries of the Gospel, and were more qualified to preach it to people of all nations and languages.
He made reference to the gifts and graces, noting their purity, and our responsibility to be a light and a people of peace and love.
Father Dan challenged all and sundry to let this Pentecost be a renewal and a commitment to the work of our Lord Jesus Christ who inspired a new part for all of us.
Reflecting on the life of Jesus Christ, the Priest said he makes men pure and holy, purges from the dross of sin, error and superstition; and enlightens the minds of men, and gives them knowledge of divine and spiritual things; and fills them with zeal and fervour for the glory of God and Christ, and the good of his church and interest.
The gathering listened attentively with intermittent cheers of approval of his message.
The more than six hours of Pentecost activities also featured a documentary highlighting the history of the Catholic Church in Grenada as well as its many ministries serving the people not just Catholics but all people.