Trinidad and Tobago
Warm Welcome for Sisters in Toco
From left: Srs. Martin Joseph and
Sabrina Paty
In 2001, the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters began a House of Discernment in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies. Since then, a number of Trinidadian women have become or are in the process of becoming Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters. The following is written by Sister Martin Joseph who recently began mission work with Sister Sabrina Paty in the villages that stretch from Matelot to Toco, Trinidad, West Indies.
Meet Some of Our Sisters in Trinidad
Our home in Toco
It has been a while since we landed in Toco. It sounds as if we are aliens, doesn’t it? The place itself is magnificent. The view from our balcony is refreshing and awe inspiring. After a weary day’s work, all we need to do is sit still and let God renew our spirit.
We were given a very warm welcome from the people of Toco and Matelot. We have visited almost all of the surrounding communities and have led communion services. We are not unaware of the vast amount of work entailed in administering such a large pastoral area, but there are a lot of generous people here willing to help us.
Our installation ceremony was led by Father Ferdie Warner, OP. He had been asked at the last moment to replace the Episcopal Vicar who had fallen ill (our first crisis). The ceremony was attended by representatives from all of the Toco and Matelot communities. It was very impressive, especially at the end when the members of the finance committee and the pastoral council were asked to come forward and we pledged to work side-by-side with one another. After the Mass we were treated to Toco hospitality with a wonderful, mouth-watering display of local dishes.
We have had meetings with the principals of five primary schools for which we are the managers. We hope to work closely with them especially in regard to religious instruction in the schools. We have also been asked to help in the government school.
Recently, Father Urban Hudlin, OP, and his team for evangelization have been in our area, giving us help by going out to communities from Matelot to Sans Souci preaching the Word of God to all, going from house to house telling people about Jesus. I have accompanied them on some of these trips and it felt like Dominic going out two-by-two fearlessly and preaching the Word of God.
We had a meeting at a street corner the other night. We set up our equipment, got electricity from a friendly neighbor, and began playing drums and tambourines, singing to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. The people began to make their way to us and after about 30 minutes, there were enough gathered to begin preaching. It was a really moving experience for me. The people took a lively part in this experience by shouting “Amen” to what touched them, and there was one person who kept it lively by shouting “Preach on, brother.” I found it most life-giving and was glad to be a part of the team. Soon, our group will walk to Sans Souci, a community that has been sadly neglected over the years. We want to do a lot to bring peace and ask forgiveness of these people as there is much healing to do in this area.
Sabrina (Paty, OP) is working on her reflection for tonight’s communion service. We called a meeting of all the lay ministers for the area and we did a Lectio Divina with them for the month ahead so that we all preach the same message to the people.
Besides all of the work, we are having lots of fun, enjoying the sea and the wonderful scenery. I also have lots of fun planting a garden to grow some of our food and flowers to enjoy. Please pray for Sabria and me as we adjust to this new venture and for the health and zeal to do God’s work.