Hallowed Be Thy Home

The roof of Saint Benedict’s Church, Georgetown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, has long been in need of restoration. Wear and tear over the years, fallen ash from the volcanic eruptions of LaSoufriere (four years ago this month), and effects of two hurricanes under the Redemptorist watch have taken a toll. Fundraising efforts have been in the works for some time. A Creole fest was held in October, the annual Harvest gathering in November, and a BBQ on National Hero’s Day–a holiday commemorating the life of legendary Garifuna Chief Joseph Chatoyer–was held by the church on March 14. He died on that day in 1795 leading a revolt against the British colonial government. More events are planned; not revolts but fundraising activities. 

In addition, a feverish letter-writing campaign was initiated in September of last year by the parish finance council. Correspondence was sent to many local businesses, as well as to migrated parishioners in the United Kingdom, United States and other island-nations in the Caribbean. Efforts have proven quite successful. Hence, work began after services on Ash Wednesday. 

At the outset, a persistent problem had to be addressed. Bees! A multitude of them. They were in residence, and busy at work, within the walls of the church structure. The first three weeks were thus focused on their excommunication. Now, the scene is clear and all that is left from the bees is a good supply of honey! 
As the project continues, so do regular Masses and services, albeit elsewhere. Fortunately, the parish has three mission churches: the others in Bellevue and Sandy Bay. The church communities in both places have opened their hearts in welcome of parishioners from Georgetown. 

Since the church there was given up for Lent, so to speak, the annual parish mission was held in the two other mission churches. Planning this year included a bit of a twist in that no guest preacher was invited. Parishioners (from all three missions) planned and implemented the week with guidance from the Redemptorist community. 

One highlight of the mission was watching a spiritual movie. Brother Gerard did a fine job, along with the youth of the parish, in selecting a good topic which inspired a lively discussion thereafter. The entire week, which also included praise, worship, prayer and reflection, as well as exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Reconciliation and Eucharist, was an enriching one. Many persons left with a hunger for further collaboration in mission and ministry. 
In the spirit of Lent, the mission led to new life. Rebirth and resurrection are on the horizon. The church is rising again – visibly in Georgetown, where progress on the roof has been steady, and in the hearts of parishioners who are grateful for spiritual and structural renewal. The doors of the Georgetown church will reopen in good time, and with them a hallowed home for the community. One that leads with hope to the eternal dwelling celebrated with great joy and wonder during the coming weeks.