FLANKED by elders of the Arima Carib community, a young
member shakes a chac chac as he rides the van
bearing the statue of Santa Rosa de Lima as it is driven
in procession through Arima's streets.
Carib community members, including leader Ricardo Hernandez-Bharath
(bearer at right), carry the statue from Santa Rosa church. Raymond Syms
photos
Hundreds of Arima Catholics were joined last Sunday by indigenous peoples from other Caribbean islands to celebrate the patronal feast day of Santa Rosa de Lima.
Diocesan Administrator Fr Christian Pereira was chief celebrant at the 9 a.m. Mass at Santa Rosa church; concelebrants were parish priest Fr Leo Donovan; assistant, Fr Rupert Romany; and Malabar parish priest Fr Joseph Hefernan.
Preaching the homily, Fr Pereira said it was his "special joy and privilege" to be present, as Carib blood flowed through his veins since his Arima relatives were Carib descendants.
He described the feast as important not only to Arimians, but the entire country and the local Church. A prayer was offered for the soul of deceased Archbishop Pantin; last Sunday would have been the archbishop's 71st birthday.
Carib Queen Valentina Medina, community leader Ricardo Hernandez Bharath, Carib elders and youth sat in the front pews near the revered statue. On the opposite side were Mayor Elvin Edwards and his wife; Arima Member of Parliament, Minister Dr Rupert Griffith; and former mayor Rose Jannierre.
Indigenous peoples from Suriname, Guyana, Venezuela, Dominica, St Vincent and North America made up members of the large congregation as the annual commemoration coincided this year with the start of the Third International Indigenous Gathering, being held at the Carib Centre.
Surinamese contingent sing in Arawak language.
Santa Rosa Parish Youth Arts members performed a dramatisation of the life of the saint. They were followed by the Surinamese contingent, dressed in colourful wear and feathers (see photo) singing in the Arawak language as they performed The Cross Sign - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The colourfully-adorned statue was then carried out the church for the procession, which seemed much larger than last year. There were fears of reduced numbers because of heavy early morning showers, but this did not materialise.
The procession wound its way along the usual route: Sanchez, Queen, Broadway and Woodford Streets, then around the park and back into the church where Benediction was conducted by Fr Romany to close the formal celebrations.
Many stayed back afterwards to socialise over refreshments and light entertainment.