UPDATE: Premier Smith lauds role of VG Catholic Church in Tourism
Dr. Smith was not present to celebrate in person with members of the St. Ursula’s Catholic Church in Virgin Gorda on Sunday August 17, 2014. However, he sent apologies and a message which was read by Ms Deborah Bruce, a member of the church.
“I commend the church that since completing the building in 1989, the parish has supported religious education, youth ministry, music ministry, and established the Catholic Community Centre which has been the home to many social and Government events,” said the message as read by Ms Bruce.
The Premier also hailed the part they have been playing in the tourism industry. “As Minister of Tourism, I must also acknowledge the role the Saint Ursula’s Catholic Church as part of our tourism product in welcoming and providing spiritual nourishment to our Catholic visitors,” he said.
The Premier said the 25 year old milestone of the church has provided a strong foundation that has instilled values and morals so vital for successful living.
“It means 25 years of ensuring spiritual guidance which is so very important for influencing our children positively, it also means 25 years of contributing to the development and success of our people in all area of their lives,” stated the Premier.
See previous article published on August 18, 2014:
Politicians forget the need for God – Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE
VALLEY, Virgin Gorda, VI – Yesterday August 17, 2014, Father Jan Pastuszezak, members and followers of the Saint Ursula’s Catholic Church at Saint Mary’s Hill, Valley, Virgin Gorda were joined by Leader of the Opposition Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal OBE and other well-wishers to celebrate the church’s 25th Anniversary.
Hon O’Neal was applauded for being the only politician who made the special time on the Sunday afternoon to share in the moment of celebration with the members. In his brief remarks he did not fail to point out where politicians fail the church.
“In order to progress we need to pay more attention to the spiritual growth of our people,” said Hon O’Neal as he noted that ‘spiritual growth’ is one of the many things that the Saint Ursula’s Catholic Church focuses on.
“While politicians might always be considering economic development and with the development of the roads and so on, we tend to forget that there is always that need for God because we need the spiritual development also,” he said to loud applause.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith was programmed to give remarks also but with apologies for his non-attendance his message as printed in the Church’s anniversary booklet was read to the audience by church member Ms Deborah Bruce.
The activity of the afternoon was a very simple but impressive one chaired by Sister Cathy-Ann Bascombe and included dances by Catholic Youth In Action (CYIA) and the Catholic Youth Envisioneers, congratulatory remarks, singing, the gospel and the eating of a wide variety of delicacies.
The Church was complimented for the significant works they have managed to do in the Virgin Gorda Community considering the small size of their membership.
This was acknowledged by Hon O’Neal as well as Bishop Ken Richards who travelled to the Territory for the anniversary celebration. In his brief remarks he challenged them to continue to work for the continued development of their community and people.
“It is for us now especially for those of us who remain, especially the young ones, I look forward to returning in 25 years, like the Father Jan, to see the growth that would have taken place here,” said Bishop Richards. He further challenged the congregation to think about what they can personally contribute towards the church and the community.
“I challenge you to think about what it is that I can contribute for the growth of this church and this faith community, to recognize that as a baptized member of the Catholic Church, as a baptized and confirmed member of Saint Ursula’s each of us should be able to say ‘I am responsible for the growth and advancement of this church,” said Bishop Richards.
The church was established on the 15th August, 1989 with its humble beginning starting in 1987 when an agreement was established between the St. Williams Church of Tortola and the St. Mary’s Anglican Church of Virgin Gorda that the priest will visit on a Sunday to host a Mass for the Catholics on the Island.
With services being held on the family porch of the late Peter Alister and Virginia Leon back in the days it was the kind gesture of an un-named woman who had bought lands on Virgin Gorda who donated the plot of land to the Catholics as she was migrating.
Over the years of their existence they boast of doing a number of services to the community and as well as for the spiritual growth of its people. The Catholic Community Centre is one of the many initiatives that have been paying dividends as it serves as a place for the community in many different ways.
Among the activities and accomplishments were visiting the homes of elderly on Virgin Gorda, attending World Youth Day in Germany in 2005 and Youth Jamboree in Antigua 2009. They participated in Youth Jamboree when it was held in the Virgin Islands in 2010 and participated in the CYIA Youth group summer retreat in St. John USVI in 2012 among many other things.
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11 Responses to “UPDATE: Premier Smith lauds role of VG Catholic Church in Tourism”
After all the churches don't pay taxes but yet we pay tides. Pastors/Preachers/Fathers take the tides that is given, politicians take the taxes that are paid.
So at least I will stick with the food daddy! LOL