By Nadine Bushell, Corporate Secretary Catholic Commission for Social Justice
Having just come out of democratic national elections and with the formation of a new democratically elected government, it is important that we as Catholics understand our role as citizens of Trinidad and Tobago. We need to be true patriots. Understanding that our Church values the democratic system because it ensures the participation of citizens in making political choices and guarantees to the governed the possibility both of electing and holding accountable those who govern them, and of replacing them through peaceful means when appropriate, we need to display patriotism by encouraging and supporting our leaders to do what is right for Trinidad and Tobago. Our national song God Bless Our Nation states:
“God bless our leaders
Give them grace to guide
Bestow on them thy judgment wise
To rule our land aright
To keep the flag of freedom high that we may sing most lustily
We take a pride in our liberty.”
Trinidad and Tobago needs Catholic patriots today more than ever, men and women of faith who are committed to bringing forth the common good in society. Further quoting from God Bless Our Nation we are urged to pray that our nation remains united and free:
“God bless our nation
Of many varied races
May we possess that common love
That binds and makes us one.
Let it be known around the world
That we can boast of unity
And take a pride in our liberty”
A patriot is someone who loves, supports and defends his or her country. It is not dressing up in red (and sometimes with black and white) when there is a major sporting event in the stadium, or standing at attention when the national anthem is played – although these are parts of it and must be done when required. The Church’s teaching tells us that patriotism and the proper relationship between a nation and people is included in the fourth commandment to honour ones father and mother. God created societies to which each of us belongs. There are three natural societies: the family, the Church and the State. We have to live in harmony in these three communities.
In each of these societies there are persons entrusted with the responsibility to ensure the common good. We as community members must honour their roles. We must honour the Pope, bishops and priests for their role in the Church. We must honour our parents in our families. We must honour governments who have been entrusted with the authority to rule the State. Romans 13 tells us “Everyone is to obey the governing authorities, because there is no authority except from God and so whatever authorities exist have been appointed by God. So anyone who disobeys an authority is rebelling against God’s ordinance; and rebels must expect to receive the condemnation they deserve.” The authority of those placed in political leadership comes from God. We are therefore required to honour and respect this leadership in a similar manner to how we honour and respect our parents.
No society can stick together unless someone has overall responsibility for directing all to strive earnestly for the common good, every civilised community must have a ruling authority, and this authority, no less than society itself, has its source in nature, and has consequently God as its author. There is no power but from God.
