by Leela Ramdeen, Chair of the Catholic Commission for Social Justice
Last week’s edition of Catholic News reported on the Institute (five days of training) for Catholic Youth Coordinators/Leaders in the Caribbean (read report). I was one of the presenters. The Institute, which was held in St Lucia, was organised by the AEC Youth Commission and focused on the theme: Empowering Youth Leaders to build a Culture of Solidarity and Justice.
The 25 persons who attended from across the Region left fired-up – ready to return to their respective countries and ensure that they continue to play their part in the formation of our youths.
Archbishop Robert Rivas OP, Sr Velorna Gervais SSM, and other members of the AEC Youth Commission (including our own Winston Garcia and Kyle Dardaine), are to be congratulated for organising such an excellent training programme. In his thoughtful card to me, Archbishop Rivas thanked me for the “passion” that I demonstrated during the week. I left with a feeling of hope that the contributions of Fr Peter McIsaac; Deacon Ronald Thwaite and his wife Marcia; Deacon Mike James; Senator Ereistus Jn Marie; Marylin Hyacinth and myself will enkindle in the hearts and minds of our Youth Leaders a hunger and thirst for justice.
Who will be the advocates for the poor and vulnerable? Who will be witnesses to the Gospel? As Paul Kingsnorth said: “If not us, then who? If not now – then when?” We must stand in solidarity with our young people as they struggle to address the unprecedented challenges that they face today.
As Pope Benedict XVI stated in Charity in Truth: “Solidarity is first and foremost a sense of responsibility on the part of everyone with regard to everyone.” Our lives are inextricably linked; we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keeper.
As they reviewed their current national youth plans, our youth leaders recognised that they need to strengthen the social action dimension of their plans. While social service is a key aspect of our social justice work, social action is critical if we are to realise our goal of building God’s Kingdom of justice, peace, truth, love and freedom. Unless we address both dimensions, we may continue giving people a fish rather than teaching them how to fish, and we may fail to transform unjust structures, policies and practices.
I am encouraged by the commitment and dedication of our youth leaders. I have participated in many such training sessions where some participants “break biche” (meaning: “to leave or shirk one’s duties in favour of liming”). I commend our youth leaders all of whom worked diligently throughout the five days. Modern technology will facilitate networking and collaboration across the waters and I know that our youth leaders will make full use of the technology.
I must share an interesting observation. In a travel magazine I read in St Lucia, I note that a visitor from Britain, USA or Canada only has to show immigration officials a return ticket to their country of origin in order to gain entry to St Lucia, while Caribbean nationals must produce a passport. And only last week we celebrated Emancipation Day!
I want to take the opportunity to thank Abbess Marianna Pinto OSB for her kind hospitality in inviting me, along with Archbishop Rivas, to dinner at the Abbey of Mount of Prayer, Coubaril, where she is Mother Superior of a community of Benedictine nuns.
In November 2007 Abbess Marianna became the first Abbess to be appointed and consecrated in the Caribbean region (Catholic News, December 30, 2007). I first met Mother, as I fondly call her, about 25 years ago when I went to St Lucia to make a video which I used in the UK to raise funds to support the completion the Junior Seminary at Marisule. Thanks to Msgr Patrick Anthony, the video was professionally done.
Part of the video included an interview I conducted with the then Archbishop of Castries, Archbishop Kelvin Felix. He had arranged for me to say with Mother at Coubaril during my stay in St Lucia. I thought she would have forgotten me by now. I was pleasantly surprised to find that time and distance had not erased the memory of me from her incisive mind. If you ever visit St Lucia and you want to stay in serene surroundings and eat scrumptious food, then contact the Abbey at Coubaril.
