Updates from St. Vincent and the Grenadines
-
December 14, 2022On May 23, 1965, the cornerstone of the original Catholic Church in Sandy Bay was laid. Overlooking the vast waters beyond its perch, the church opened under the patronage of Mary, Star of the Sea.
Some years later, after having served the community well, but battered significantly by the elements, the church site was moved to a newly built two-story structure. The ground floor serves as a gathering space, while the upper room serves as the worship space.
With the move, the church retained the same name. As many readers will recall, the present church structure was severely damaged by the La Soufriere volcanic eruptions of April 2021. For the better part of the past year, Mass and services have been held in the original church building and in the outside pavilion on the premises.
The site was restored with funds from the Redemptorist (Baltimore Province) Mission Foundation, and now serves as a market for the community. A change of venue for worship was necessitated by the destruction of the church roof.
Previous articles have told the story of the extensive damage there and the work of reconstruction. The raising of the new roof has now been accomplished, as illustrated in earlier issues of this newsletter. Dedicated members of the community and beyond, who have risen to the task of rebuilding, have been highlighted and commended.
Many hands have brought new life to the project as restoration of the church has progressed during the past year. The process has been long and somewhat arduous. But with the grace of God and good people involved, and again with the support of the Province Mission Foundation, the labor has been one of love.
One person who has been with the efforts every day, indeed every moment, is Mary, the mother of God. Known in a special way through devotion fostered by Redemptorists, Mary is indeed Our Lady of Perpetual Help. She has been a constant source of encouragement, inspiration, and strength as the work of rebuilding – not only a structure, but faith and hope – has progressed. She has been and continues to be a channel of grace from her Son, leading the way to the reopening of the church.
A date has been set for that long anticipated day: December 8; the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. The interior restoration is nearly complete. Bright new lights are ready to illuminate the sacred space. The altar and ambo have been meticulously constructed and mahogany-stained by a local parishioner and are ready for installment; they will be blessed at the opening Mass.
A tabernacle is in the works, as will be a new presider’s chair for liturgies. New doors will be hung this month and the floor cleaned and polished. All leading up to a fitting celebration slated for the Solemnity mentioned above.
When the bells ring that day – at least figuratively, as there are none in place yet – a new name will be given to the Church. After some reflection and prayer, discussion by the Redemptorist community, consultation with unanimous consent by parishioners, and the gracious approval of Bishop Gerard County, C.S.Sp., the Sandy Bay Roman Catholic Church will henceforth be known as, and under the patronage of, Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
Persons familiar with the Redemptorists will know that Mary, under that title, is an integral part of the mission. Where Redemptorists go, the Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help goes. Her image is venerated in major cities across the world and in the remotest of villages; she is enshrined in magnificent Basilicas and in the humblest of chapels; she is the face of novena prayer booklets in countless languages of the tongue and the heart.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help is known to saints and sinners, paupers, princes, and peasants, the urbane and unlettered. Wherever the Icon is found, so are many blessings for those who, whomever they may be, call upon her most powerful name.
Now, in one more corner of the world – simple and small as it may be – Our Lady of Perpetual Help will continue to be made known. And, as she is, her profound impact on the lives of parishioners and pilgrims will know no bounds.
