As the local Christian community gathered for Ash Wednesday services to usher in the start of the Lenten season, Vicar General of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese, Monsignor Martin Sirju, reminded that while fasting and prayer are central pillars of Lent, charity remains the most urgent call at this time in the nation’s life.
He shared some important tenets with students gathered for the 9am Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
“The first thing that Jesus says to us this morning in the Gospel is not about fasting, and it is not about prayer. The first thing he talks about is alms giving, being charitable. Alms giving externally, in giving people things, but also alms giving of the heart, making the heart a place of alms giving, a place of mercy.”
The Vicar General of the Port of Spain Archdiocese noted that many students in the city are coming from households where parents may currently be unemployed.
“This, I think, is very important because our country is going through what is commonly expressed as structural adjustments, and whenever countries go through structural adjustments, harsh measures are taken, and the poor are always the ones that feel the burden the most.”
Monsignor Sirju also issued a wider call for compassion and support within society.
“That means that in these times in which many families are constrained economically and in other ways, those who are better off, not should, but are obligated to help those who are in a bad condition, and that is very important for the season of Lent.”
Students attending the morning Mass included pupils from Nelson Street RC Boys’ and Girls’ Schools, as well as Bethlehem RC Boys’ and Girls’ Schools.