Ridding the world of chemical weapons 

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI  “I ask the Lord that we Christians, and our brothers and sisters of other religions and every man and woman of good will, cry out forcefully: violence and war are never the way to peace.  May the noise of weapons cease! War is always a defeat for […]

Populorum Progressio 50 years on 

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI  “Development cannot be limited to mere economic growth. In order to be authentic, it must be complete: integral, that is, it has to promote the good of every person and of all humanity” -– Pope Paul VI, 1967.  March 26 marked the 50th Anniversary of Blessed Pope […]

Living as an Easter people 

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI  “Let us accept the grace of Christ’s resurrection! Let us be renewed by God’s mercy, let us be loved by Jesus, let us enable the power of His love to transform our lives too; and let us become agents of this mercy, channels through which God can […]

Practise hospitality this Holy Week 

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI  “May Palm Sunday be a day of decision for you, the decision to say yes to the Lord and to follow Him all the way, the decision to make His Passover, His death and resurrection, the very focus of your Christian lives… The imitation of Christ’s love […]

Understanding Autism 

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI  Today, April 2, the world observes Autism Awareness Day. The theme for 2017 is: Toward Autonomy and Self-Determination.   The UN estimates that about 1 per cent of children and young people are affected by autistic spectrum disorder, which refers to a wide range of symptoms ranging from […]

Suicide: church must offer hope 

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI  “Trinidad and Tobago has the third highest suicide rate in the English-speaking Caribbean after Guyana and Suriname.” Dr Roshan Parasram, Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health – Tuesday, March 7, 2017)  It is estimated that up to 200 persons a year commit suicide in T&T. Dr Parasram […]

Build a culture of life – hanging is no cure 

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI  Emotions are running high because of ‘runaway crime,’ and once again T&T finds itself in the throes of looking for ways in which to resume hanging. Sadly, this debate is taking place during our 40 days of non-violence. Our response to crime is a moral test for […]

Tips for women 

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI  I share hereunder some tips I gave to participants who attended the Past Pupils’ Association of Holy Faith Convent, Couva, on the observation of International Women’s Day on March 8. The event was held last Sunday.  – Let your faith define you; let the Holy Spirit move […]

Improve gender relations, strengthen society 

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI  “Humanity is like a bird with its two wings—the one is male, the other female. Unless both wings are strong and impelled by some common force, the bird cannot fly heavenwards.” (Abdu’l-Bahá, 1913)  On Wednesday, March 8, the world will observe International Women’s Day. Women and men […]

Prepare for Lent, a summons to conversion 

by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, CCSJ and Director, CREDI  On Monday and Tuesday T&T’s Carnival will be in full swing. Enjoy yourselves. Remember, everything in moderation! Read today’s Gospel Mt 6:24-34. “Set your hearts on His kingdom first, and on His righteousness….” Once we have our priorities right and know how Christ’s disciples are supposed to […]