The Catholic community in Trinidad and Tobago has responded wholeheartedly to Pope Francis’ declaration of 2025 as the Jubilee Year of Hope. Archbishop Gordon of Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad, urged us to live the motto, ‘pilgrims of hope’
“Let us walk together with faith, forgive past hurts, and carry the hope of Christ to every corner of Trinidad and Tobago.”
Many parishes, including our own St. Theresa’s Woodbrook organized pilgrimages to the designated sacred sites across the country. During these trips, the pilgrims sang, prayed, laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. At least 150 pilgrims from St Theresa’s set out to these sites where they were welcomed by the host parish with great hospitality and afforded the opportunity for prayer, confession, and plenary indulgences.
What transpired since then, is nothing short of a miracle! Parishioners who did not return to church since Covid 19, grasped the opportunity to leave their homes and join the pilgrimages. It was very noticeable during these outings how each one looked out for the other and as fast as one pilgrimage was completed, people were enquiring when the next one would take place.
Our parish, St. Theresa’s Woodbrook has benefitted tremendously as we are trying to build the parish community. With this renewed energy, starting with the Jubilee parish group we are getting new people on board to offer their talents in the service of the community.
A highlight of the year, to date, was the Eucharistic Congress held on 10 May 2025, at the Queen’s Park Oval, well known to cricket enthusiasts! Thousands gathered for a powerful day of worship, spiritual healing, and fellowship — the culmination of ten days of prayer and adoration as the monstrance and a pilgrim statue of Our Lady of Fatima journeyed throughout the country, including on a boat trip to our other island, Tobago!! The 15-inch host in the monstrance was made at the Dominican sisters’ Rosary Monastery.
The event also celebrated 175 years since the establishment of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain. Together we move forward in hope.
