Bahama Catholic - June/July 2017

JUNE 2017 Follow Us @archdioceseofnassau THE NEWSPAPER OF THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF NASSAUArchdiocese Welcomes New DeaconJay Cartwright was ordained deacon on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral by The Most Reverend Patrick C. Pinder, STD, CMG, Archbishop of Nassau.

2 ORDINATION OF JAY CARTWRIGHT Taking the next step on his journey toward the priesthood, Jay Cartwright received the Sacrament of Holy Orders, as Archbishop Patrick Pinder, STD, CMG, Archbishop Of Nassau ordained him a deacon on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. In his remarks, Archbishop congratu- lated Deacon Cartwright on distin- guishing himself dur- ing his formation years, using very wise- ly the many gifts he has been given. “ Jay, by your faithfulness, your commitment and your willingness to “By your faithfulness, keep your heart open to the working of God's grace in you, you have your commitment and your willing- ness to keep your heart open to the working of God's brought joy to your family and indeed to our entire Archdiocese.” grace in you, you have brought joy to your family and -Archbishop Pinder indeed to our entire Archdiocese,” Archbishop told the newly ordained. Making reference to the Rite of Ordination of a Deacon, the Archbishop told Deacon Cartwright that, \"as a dea- con, that is, as a minister of Jesus Christ, who came among his disciples as one who served, do the will of God from the heart: serve the people in love and joy as you would the Lord.” (see Archbishop’s homily on pages 3 & 7) Concelebrants were archdiocesan priests and deacons. Among the many family members, friends and church- goers attending were Dr. Nathaniel Marx of Saint Meinrad School of Theology and Deacon John Horan of the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, a classmate of Deacon Cartwright and Deacon Frank Tremblay and his wife Ginni. Priests and Deacons of the Archdiocese of Nassau were concelebrants at Deacon Cartwright, who will serve at St. Paul The the Ordination. Apostle Church this summer, says he is excited to begin ministering at home and thankful for all of the people who helped during this journey.

3Homilyby Archbishop Patrick Pinder, STD, CMGFollowing is the homily of His Grace of a Deacon who is on the way to the Priesthood. We here for this occasion. His siblings, are also present,Archbishop Patrick Pinder delivered at St. have good reason to be joyful. among them his brother, Fr. Richard Cartwright,Francis Xavier Cathedral on the occassion who recently celebrated his first anniversary as aof the ordination of Jay Cartwright to the We come to a moment like this only after years of priest.diaconate on the Feast of the Visitation of preparation, formation, discernment, prayer andthe Blessed Virgin Mary, May 31, 2017. patience. The entire process, to be sure, is under the My dear Jay: guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is directed by Grace.Readings: Jay Cartwright entered the seminary to begin his The prenote to the Rite of Ordination of DeaconsZephaniah 3:14-18a formation after years of working, first as a teacher says in part: \"Deacons are ordained by the laying on[Isaiah 12] and then as the Director of Youth for our of hands, a tradition handed down from theActs 6:1-7 Archdiocese. Apostles.\"Luke 1:39-56 He distinguished himself during his years of forma- I believe it was to reinforce that point that we wereDear Friends: tion - using, very wisely, the many gifts he has been given to reflect on the Second Reading taken from given. We are honoured to have with us tonight Dr. the Acts of the Apostles. We see the earliest commu-We have gathered for a joyful celebration! Nathaniel Marx. He represents Saint Meinrad nity of believers structuring itself and creating the School of Theology of which Jay is a proud product. role of Deacon.It is far too rare that we gather for any ordination. It Also present is Deacon John Horan, of the Dioceseis even more rare that we gather for the ordination of Joliet, Illinois. He is recently ordained and a Continued on page 7 classmate of Jay's. Jay is blessed to have both of his parents presentTHE CALL Fr. Glen Nixon, Directorof Vocations, testifying toJay’s readiness to beordained a deacon.

4 RITE OF ORDINATION TO THE DIOCANATE PHOTO GALLERY PROMISE OF OBEDIENCEEXAMINATION OF THE CANDIDATEDeacon Cartwright prostrates himself before the altar as a sign of submission before Godand total reliance on His grace. Left photo: Christine Robinson sang the Litany.

LAYING ON OF HANDS 5 PRESENTATION OF THE BOOK OF GOSPELS INVESTITURE OF STOLE AND CHASUBLEDeacons Patrick Darville, left, and Frank Tremblay (right) vestsDeacon Cartwright with stole and dalmatic.

6Deacon Cartwright’s sister, Wanda Burrows left photo) performs thefirst reading and Branishka Lewis the second during the Ordination.Bottom photo: Gift bearers, Victor and Denothra Cartwright (Deacon’sbrother and sister- in -law)

7Members of the Cartwright family gathered following the Ordination at St. Right photo: Deacon Cartwright with his classmate, Deacon John Horan, ofFrancis Xavier Cathedral. Fourth from the right is Jay’s brother, Father Diocese of Joliet, Illinois and Dr. Nathaniel Marx, of Saint MeinardRichard Cartwright, who was celebrating his first anniversary of priestly Seminary and School of Theology.ordination.About Archbishop’s Homily continued from page 3 Remember and take to heart the admonition of St.Deacon Jay Cartwright Polycarp, namely: \"Be merciful and zealous, work- A list of seven names is given: Stephen, Philip, ing according to the truth of the Lord, who madeDeacon Cartwright was born on July 28,, 1984 Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicholas himself the minister of all.\"to Janet and Albert Cartwright in Nassau, of Antioch. To this list we can add all the countlessBahamas. He received his early education at Deacons down through the centuries. Today we add Jay, by your faithfulness, your commitment andClaridge Primary School and is a 2001 graduate to that list the name Jay Cartwright. your willingness to keep your heart open to theof Aquinas College. Deacon earned his bache- working of God's grace in you, you have brought joylor’s degree in Computer Information Systems This Feast Day on which we gather for this ordina- to your family and indeed to our entire Archdiocese.and Secondary Education from the University tion is the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.of The Bahamas. After graduation, he moved to Two women visit. Both are pregnant in the most We are grateful for this day. We ask the Lord to con-The Berry Islands and taught computer unlikely of circumstances. Mary is a Virgin and tinue to shower you with goodness and wisdom andStudies, Office Procedures and Religious Elizabeth is well past the age of childbearing. The peace so that the good work begun in you may comeEducation. conception and birth of their two infants occasions to completion. two of the most famous prayers in the Bible - Mary'sDeacon returned to Nassau in 2009 and served Magnificat and the Benedictus of Zechariah. Finally, some words again taken from the Rite ofas Director of Youth and Young Adults Ministry Ordination of a Deacon: \"As a deacon, that is, as afor the Archdiocese for three years before Mary and Elizabeth, while being the mothers of minister of Jesus Christ, who came among His disci-applying for admittance into the seminary pro- Jesus and John the Baptist, are also models for each ples as one who served, do the will of God from thegram. In the Fall of 2012, Deacon Cartwright of us. Mary bears the Lord within her as we each heart: serve the people in love and joy as you wouldwas accepted and entered St. Meinrad must bear the Lord in our own lives. Elizabeth recog- the Lord. Since no one can serve two masters, lookSeminary and School of Theology in Indiana. nized the presence of the Lord in another. So too, we upon all defilement and avarice as serving false gods. must see the face of the Lord in all those we meet. ... Firmly rooted and grounded in faith, you are toDuring the summer of 2016, he completed a show yourself chaste and beyond reproach before10-week internship program, Clinical Pastoral Once again, in the prenote to the Rite we find these God and man, as is proper for a minister of ChristEducation (C.P.E) at Tampa General Hospital words: \"... It pertains to the Deacon to administer and of a steward of God's mysteries. Never allowin Tampa, Florida, where he served as hosptial Baptism solemnly; to protect and distribute the yourself to be turned away from the hope offered bychaplain. He has completed three years of theo- Eucharist, assist at and bless Marriages in the name the Gospel. Now you are not only a hearer of thislogical studies and will return in the fall to of the Church, bring Viaticum to the dying; proclaim Gospel but also its minister. Hold the mystery ofcomplete his final year. the Sacred Scriptures to the faithful, instruct and faith with a clear conscience. Express by your exhort the people; preside over the prayer and wor- actions the word of God which your lips proclaim, soDeacon Cartwright is assigned to St. Paul The ship of the faithful, administer Sacramentals and that the Christian people, brought to life by theApostle, Lyford Cay, for the summer of 2017. officiate at funeral and burial rites.\" Spirit, may be a pure offering accepted by God. Then on the last day, when you go out to meet the Lord So, my dear Jay, as you can see your work is cut out you will be able to hear Him say, \"Well done, good for you. But it is by no means more than you can and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.\" bear. You are young, healthy and very talented. You should do very well.

8 STATEMENT FROM ARCHBISHOP PINDER ON HURRICANE PREPARATIONS 2017 AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE We are now in the month of June. June 1 to Celebration of November 30 is the Hurricane Season. It is a period of six months. The past two hurricane The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ seasons, 2015 and 2016, our nation experienced (Corpus Christi) direct hits from Hurricanes Joaquin and Matthew. So the memories of just how destruc- by DEACON PETER JONES tive a hurricane can be is still very much alive among us. There can be no doubt that we must The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ is be properly prepared during this season. In that also known as the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, which trans- regard, I repeat what we already know so well: lates from Latin to \"Body of Christ.\" This feast originated in France in the mid-thirteenth century and was extended to 1.The time to begin our hurricane preparations the whole Church by Pope Urban IV in 1264. This feast is cel- is right now. The essentials of preparation do ebrated on the Thursday following the Trinity Sunday or on not change. Nor must we be lax in observing the Sunday following that feast. them. What follows is a reminder of what we already know. This feast calls us to focus on two manifestations of the Body of Christ, the Holy Eucharist and the Church. The primary During the hurricane season we should main- purpose of this feast is to focus our attention on the tain the following items in our homes: Eucharist. ▪ non-perishable food (for example: canned goods) ▪ drinking water (enough to last at least At every Mass our attention is called to the Eucharist and the a week) ▪ prescription medicines (at the very Real Presence of Christ in it. The secondary focus of this feast least a week’s supply) ▪ flashlights, batteries, a is upon the Body of Christ, as it is present in the Church. The transistor radio, a manual can opener and first Church is called the Body of Christ because of the intimate aid kit. communion, which Jesus shares with his disciples. 2. We should ensure that all our hurricane The Holy Eucharist – What is it? shutters and the tools necessary for putting them in place are available. Our advance “The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian preparation can eliminate the last minute rush Life.” (Lumen Gentium, 11) to purchase supplies. Having an adequate sup- ply of food, water and medicine is critical for The word “Eucharist” is a transliteration of the Greek word coping during the difficult days of post-hurri- eucharistia, which is itself a translation of the Hebrew word cane recovery, should we come to that. berekah. All three words have the meaning of thanksgiving, or praise for the wonderful works of God. 3. Every household should have clear evacua- tion plans in the event of flooding or severe The Eucharist is also called The Lord’s Supper, Breaking of winds which your structure may not be able to Bread or Holy Communion. withstand. Put together a plan to seek shelter with a relative or friend whose home is more Continued on page 9 secure than your own and who is willing and able to accommodate you.PRIESTLY ANNIVERSARIES 4. If you plan to seek refuge in a designated30 years 20 years 15 years 10 Years Hurricane Shelter, you should know where the FR. KENDRICK FORBES FR. HENRY OSUAGWU, M.S.P nearest suitable shelter is. Then gather the necessary provisions and arrange to go to the shelter with relatives and friends who also need to seek shelter. Do so before the weather conditions pose a danger to venturing out- doors. 5. This is an annual exercise for us but we can- not stress enough the importance of being pre- pared whether a hurricane actually makes landfall on our shores or not. We must never risk being caught unprepared! Most impor- tantly, as we prepare, let us trust ourselves to God’s divine providence, praying that we will be spared the destructive forces of hurricanes and storms, trusting that whatever happens all shall be well.Fr. REGINALD DEMERITTE Fr. ANSELM RUSSELL

9Celebration ofThe Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)Continued from page 8 having risen from the dead, dies now no more” Liam Jones of St. Paul The Apostle (Romans 6:9). Because Christ cannot die, His blood Church receiving first communion.The Holy Eucharist is a sacrament and a sacrifice. must remain united always to His body, and His soulAs a sacrifice, the Holy Eucharist is the Mass. The to both. The divinity of Christ, moreover, always essary power, the power to change bread and wineMass is that divine action in which Jesus, through the remains united to His body and blood and soul into His Body and Blood. With the words, “Do this inagency of the human priest, changes the bread and because He is God made man. remembrance of Me,” Jesus made his Apostleswine into His own Body and Blood and continues priests.through time the offering which He made to God on When did Christ institute the Holy Eucharist?Calvary─the offering of Himself for mankind. In the What happened when Our Lord said: “This isHoly Eucharist, under the appearance of bread and Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist at the Last My Body…this is my blood?”wine, the Lord is contained, offered, and received. Supper, the night before he died, in the presence of his apostles. When Our Lord said, “This is My Body,” the entireIt is in the consecration of the Mass that the sacra- substance of the bread was changed into His Body;ment of the Holy Eucharist comes into being. It is Before the Last Supper our Lord promised to give us and when he said “This is My Blood,” the entire sub-then that Jesus becomes present under the appear- the Holy Eucharist. This promise is related in the stance of the wine was changed into His Blood.ance of bread and wine. As long as the appearance of sixth chapter of the Gospel according to Saint John,bread and wine remain, Jesus remains present and the famous Bread of Life Discourse: “I am the living Continued on page 10the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist continues to bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats thisthere exist. The act by which we receive the Holy bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give isEucharist is called Holy Communion. my flesh for the life of the world. . . .Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of ManThe whole Christ is really, truly and substantially and drink his blood, you do not have life within you”present in the Holy Eucharist. We use the words (Jn. 6: 51, 53). The fulfillment of this promise took“really, truly and substantially” to describe Christ’s place at the Last Supper, when Jesus took bread andpresence in the Holy Eucharist in order to distinguish pronounced it to be His body, then took a cup andOur Lord’s teaching from that of mere men who false- pronounced it to be “the new covenant in his blood.”ly teach that the Holy Eucharist is only a sign or fig-ure of Christ, or that He is present only by His power. How did Christ Institute the Holy Eucharist?The Eucharist contains the Real Presence of Jesus: Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist in this way: Heit’s the real Jesus─he is truly present, Body and took bread, blessed and broke it, and giving it to HisBlood, Soul and Divinity. apostles said, “Take and eat; this is My body.” Then He took a cup of wine, blessed it, and giving it toHe is simultaneously present in every single Sacred them, said: “All of you drink of this; for this is MyHost on every altar throughout the world, and under blood of the new covenant which is being shed forthe appearance of wine in every single Consecrated many unto the forgiveness of sin.” Finally, He gaveChalice, wherever Mass is being offered. Moreover, His apostles the commission: “Do this in remem-Jesus is present, whole and entire, in every part of brance of Me.”every Sacred Host, and in every drop contained in theConsecrated Chalice. We know that Christ is whole Obviously, Jesus does not command the impossible.and entire under both appearances because, Christ Consequently, with this command went also the nec Communicants, Sean Hirt, Anish Roy and Blair Glinton, lighting candles during First Holy Communion Mass. First Holy Communicants from St. Cecilia’s Church - Ms. Geneva Aranha (Catechist), Joseph Roberts, Cael Lockhart, Esther Davis, Stevannte Roberts and Mrs. Colajean Butler (Cordinator)

10Celebration of The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) Our Lord was able to change bread and wine into His Body and Blood by His almighty power. God, who created all things from nothing, who fed the five thousand with five loaves, who changed water into wine instantaneously, who raised the dead to life, can change bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. Although the Holy Eucharist is a great mys- tery, and consequently beyond human understanding, the principles of sound reason can show that this great gift is not impossible by the power of God.Continued from page 9 changed into Our Lord’s Body and Blood, there Does this change of bread and wine into the remained only the appearances of bread and wine. Body and Blood of Christ continue to be madeWe believe that the substance of the bread completely However our Savior remains present as long as the in the Church today?and totally ceased to exist, and that the substance of appearances of bread and wine remain intact.Christ’s own Body replaced the annihilated substance This change of bread and wine into the Body andof the bread. We believe that the wine entirely ceased Because the appearances of bread and wine remain in Blood of Christ continues to be made in the Churchto exist as wine, and that the substance of Christ’s the Holy Eucharist, we cannot see Christ with our through the ministry of His priests.own Blood replaced the wine. This change is called physical eyes in this sacrament. We do see Him, how- It is at Mass that the change of bread and wine intoTransubstantiation. ever, with the eyes of faith. Our bodily eyes, more- the Body and Blood of Christ takes place. It takes over, do not deceive us when they see the appearances place when the ordained priest, making himself theWe also believe that Jesus, by His almighty power as of bread and wine, for these appearances really free and willing instrument in the hands of Christ,God, preserved the appearances of bread and wine, in remain after the Consecration of the pronounces over the bread and wine Christ’s own Mass. words, “This is My body,” and “This is the chalice of My Blood” ─ “the words of consecration.” When the When, after Holy Communion, our digestive processes have destroyed the appearance of bread within us, Jesus no longer is bodily present; only his grace remains.Coburn and Francesca Sands of St. Anselm In other words, Jesus is present in priest consecrates, he acts in the person of Christ,Parish with their pastor, Fr. Noel Clarke, at the Holy Eucharist, not just during through the power received in the sacrament of HolyEvening Prayer and Benediction on Sunday, Mass, but as long as the Sacred Orders.June 18. Hosts consecrated at Mass continue to retain the appearance of bread.spite of the fact that their substances were gone. This means that we owe to the Holy Eucharist the adoration which isChrist could not have used clearer, more explicit due to God, since the Holy Eucharist contains the Sonwords than “This is My Body.” He did not say, “This of God Himself. We adore the Holy Eucharist withis a sign of My body,” or “This represents My body,” the type of worship which may be given only to God.but, “This is My Body.” Catholics take Christ at Hisword because He is the omnipotent God. On His Every Catholic Church has a tabernacle. Inside the The human priest “triggers”, as it were, the infiniteword they know that the Holy Eucharist is the Body tabernacle Jesus Christ is present─ really and sub- power of Jesus, Who at that instant becomes presentand Blood of Christ. stantially present in the Eucharist. Christ’s presence under the appearances of the bread and wine. truly makes our churches the “house of the living Christ gave His priests the power to change bread andDid anything of the bread and wine remain God” (1 Tim 3:15). That is why we maintain a respect- wine into His Body and Blood when he made theafter their substance had been changed into ful silence while in the church building: to show our apostles priests at the Last Supper saying to them:Our Lord’s Body and Blood? respect and reverence of Christ himself. “Do this in remembrance of Me.”After the substance of the bread and wine had been The presence of Jesus in the tabernacle also makes Why does Christ give us His own Body and the tabernacle an excellent place of private prayer. Blood in the Holy Eucharist? Even spending just a few minutes sitting quietly in church, contemplating the presence of Christ in the Christ gives us His own Body and Blood in the Holy tabernacle or reading from the Gospels, is a com- Eucharist: first, to be offered as a sacrifice commem- mendable practice that greatly aids in spiritual orating and renewing for all time the sacrifice of the growth. cross; second, to be received by the faithful in Holy Communion; third, to remain ever on our altars as the How was Our Lord able to change bread and proof of His love for us, and to be worshipped by us. wine into His Body and Blood?

11Are you receiving the Eucharist correctly? more dignified that way and keeps a person from having to make twists and gyrations in order to hold the hands properly. What to Avoid:When receiving Holy Communion in the • Snatching the host Most Reverenthand, the hand you use to put the Host •Grabbing the cupinto your month is THE HAND UNDER- •Everyone helping themselves to Acceptable IncorrectNEATH. You should not switch the Hostfrom hand to the other. Communion •Passing the bread and cup from oneNor are we to receive Holy Communionwith only one hand. We are not sup- person to anotherposed to palm the Holy Eucharist. Upon •Taking communion out of one’s mouthreceiving Holy Communion you MUSTCONSUME IT IN THE PRESENCE OF to give to anotherTHE PRIEST OR EUCHARISTIC MIN- •Talking and greeting others on the wayISTER. to and from communicationWhen holding a baby, using a cane or •Lacking a prayerful demeanor on thewalker, it is good practice to takeHolyCommunion on the tongue, since it is way to, and from receiving the Eucharist •Eating or chewing or sucking candy in church.Mass for Neophyes: 33 New Catholics Continue Their Journey Archbishop Pinder celebrated the Mass of the Neophytes, the cate- chumens and candidates for sacraments, who joined the Catholic Church this past Easter. The Mass was held Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. Neophytes are pictured below with the Archbishop.Paula Jones,member of the RCIA Team Tanay Brown, of St. Anselm’s(St. Cecilia’s Parish). Parish, receiving communion.

12 CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2017 “Each of you is unique, one of a kind! You each have your own particular light to bring to our world” - Archbishop Pinder ( Exodus Mass) On Wednesday, June 7, 2017 Archbishop Patrick Pinder celebrated the Exodus Mass at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral for six graders transitioning from for Catholic Primary Schools. In his homily, the Archbishop noted that it is a moment of joy for parents to see their children come to this point of achievement, this mile- stone, this point of transition in their young lives. He said it was also, a joy for the students as they savour the satisfaction of t completing a task, satisfaction for a job well done, as they come to the end of primary school. Gift Bearers Catrina Basden and Van Orense. The Archbishop concluded, “ Over the past six years you have been given the foundationGrade 6 boys from St. Thomas More along with Mrs. Tamika which can cause your light to shine. That foun-Hanna, Corrective Reading Specialist, St. Thomas More. dation has fourfoundation stones: Academic Excellence, A Sense of Community, A Sense ofXavier Lower School students following Exodus Mass. Service and Knowledge and Reverence of God.” “On that foundation you must now build. As Graduates of Sts. Francis/Joseph you move on to the next step of your education, School with Maurice Fawkes, do all you must to develop your gifts and tal- Guidance Counselor. ents, Archbishop Pinder said. And in that way, we are sure to have a better country, a brighter future and a better world.” ARCHBISHOP’S FULL HOMILY FOLLOWS: rifices. We congratulate our young students on their achievements. Readings: Tobit 3:1-11a, 16-17a Our gathering is in the context of the Eucharist [Psalm 25] – which is thanksgiving in name and in nature. Matthew 5:17-19 The theme for our Eucharist today is “Letting God's Mercy Shine Through Us.” These words Beloved in Christ: seem like an instruction, perhaps a command, directed at these young students who are so We gather on this Wednesday morning in June proudly completing their primary education. and we do so in joy and in thanksgiving. This year, 2017, marks the 128th Anniversary of It is a moment of joy for parents to see their Catholic Education in The Bahamas. All of us children come to this point of achievement, this who are a part of this enterprise today must milestone, this point of transition in their remember that we are heirs to a vision which young lives. This is no doubt a moment of joy came to light 128 years ago. for teachers as they view the fruits of their labours. They view the finished products of On this property where we are today, a school another class of students whom they guided was opened 128 years ago. The Year was 1889. and instructed through the stages and the The school was run by the Sisters of Charity. It process of primary education. soon had more students than the entire Catholic population of the Colony of the This is surely a moment of joy for the students Bahama Islands as we were known at the time. as they savour the taste of satisfaction at com- That fact in itself speaks eloquently of the pleting a task, satisfaction for a job well done as nature of this enterprise we call Catholic they come to the end of primary school. Education. The foundation of what we teach by word and example, is this: “Each person is a This is also a time of thanksgiving. We thank spiritual being who comes from God and whose the parents for their commitment and their sac- destiny is to be with God when this life is over.” rifices in the cause of education. We thank our teachers for their efforts and ingenuity and sac- (continued on page 13)

Proud mother, 13Rayette Strachanand son Troy of Exodus Mass at Mary Star of The Sea Catholic Academy, Freeport, Grand BahamaAquinas Class of2017.Aquinas College Class of 2017 St. Francis de Sales School, Marsh Harbour, Abacofrom page 12 sense of thanksgiving and worship of The image of light is near and dear to That sounds very much like our theme God, this too is essential to what we our schools and their mission. Our for today. Over the past six years youFor us life is centered on Jesus Christ. do in our schools. schools' song is \"Catholic Schools have been given the foundation whichHe is the one who ennobles people, Light the Way\". Our theme for today can cause your light to shine. Thatgives meaning to human life and is 1 Academic Excellence is \"Let God's Mercy Shine Through foundation has 4 foundation stones:the model which Catholic schools 2 A Sense of Community Us.\" These are all rooted in theoffer to young and impressionable 3 A Spirit of Service Gospel itself. - Academic Excellenceminds. We seek to cultivate an 4 Reverence for God. - A Sense of Communityatmosphere where academic excel- The Gospel speaks of Salt and Light. - A Sense of Servicelence is the friend of the Gospel pro- These are among the basic values we “You are the Salt of the Earth. You - Knowledge and Reverence of God.claimed by Word and example. seek to instill in our students. This, are the Light of the World” (Matthew we believe, is the foundation neces- 5:13-14). That is a message to each of For that foundation you may be grate-Our schools strive to be communities sary for them to live a full, happy, holy you young people here. Each of you is ful. On that foundation you must nowwhere Christ is experienced. As a stu- and productive life. With these values special! build. As you move on to the nextdent of a Catholic School you belong they can begin to develop the means step of your education, do all youto a very impressive community to let God's mercy shine through Each of you is unique, one of a kind! must to develop your gifts and talents.indeed. It is a community of 250,000 them. You each have your own particular Do all you can to “Let God's Mercyschools, 3.5 million teachers and 42 light to bring to our world. Shine Through Us.\" In that way, wemillion students like yourselves My dear students as you complete pri- are sure to have a better country, aspread all over the world. Such is the mary school you are completing your You have talents and gifts to make brighter future and a better world.community to which you belong. initiation, your entry into a process your special contribution in this called education. This process will world. So, “Your light must shine And, as you go, may God bless you,Imparting a sense of service to one last a lifetime. For you it has just before others, that they may see your one and all.another and to our entire community begun and you have had a wonderful good deeds and glorify your heavenlyis also a key part of a Catholic beginning. Father” (Matthew 5:16).Education. Keeping before our eyes a

14 Weather Station installed at Aquinas College The installation of the Aquinas College weather station is a school project which will contribute to the academic enrichment of students, in addition to having a broader impact on the wider community.Mr. Burnside explains to a group of Aquinas College students how the Installed on June 12, 2017, a new weather station at the Aquinasweather station works. College campus is expected to enhance student learning, provide an additional avenue for public access to weather information and sup- port the advancement of science, technology, engineering and mathe- matics (STEM) education at the school. The successful installation of the station was the result of a collaborative effort between the Catholic Board of Education’s Facilities team; Dr. Danny Davis, an Aquinas College alumni, parent and Assistant Professor in the Chemistry Department at the University of The Bahamas; along with Godfrey Burnside and his team from the Department of Meteorology. The station is the second phase in the Aquinas College Air Monitoring Programme. It supplements the particulate matter monitoring system which was purchased and installed at the beginning of the 2016/17 school year. Dr. Davis explains, “When we started to analyse the data we realized that we needed wind speed and direction to effect a more complete interpretation of the particulate matter data. This deficien- cy was most apparent when we looked at the data from the March 5, 2017 dump fire.” Dr. Davis added, “To assist with the interpretation of the particulate matter data, wind speed and direction data were obtained from the Department of Meteorology. We had to assume that the wind direction and speed recorded at the airport by the Department of Meteorology were the same as at Aquinas College, but this was not necessarily a true postulation.” The Air Monitoring Programme was implemented in response to landfill fires in the area. Measurements taken at the school showed that air quality on campus returned to pre-fire normal levels one week after the most recent fire. The data assisted administrators in making informed decisions as to when it was safe for school to resume. Weather affects many parts of our lives, from deciding what clothes to wear, to our response to the threat of major weather events such as hurricanes and bush fires. Issues of climate change - air pollution (from cars, buses, bush fires, etc.), UV radiation, risk of flooding - are all linked to weather. As an island nation, it is important for us to not only pay attention to weather during times of crisis but also to under- stand the impact weather has on us daily. The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) asserts that becoming a weather-ready nation “improves a nation’s readiness, responsiveness, and overall resilience against extreme weather, water, and climate events.” The Aquinas College weather station gives students the unique oppor- tunity to collect data in the field on weather conditions specific to central New Providence. “The Aquinas College Air Monitoring Programme is a model that can be implemented throughout The Bahamas,” said Mr. Burnside. He continued, “The Department of Meteorology will be able to use the data from the Aquinas College weather station, particularly during the hurricane season.” Continued on page 15

15Continued from page 14 “I am extremely pleased that the Aquinas College weather station hasThe solar-powered weather station at been installed,” said Most ReverendAquinas provides up-to-the-minute data Patrick Christopher Pinder, S.T.D.,reporting on wind speed, humidity, rain- C.M.G, Archbishop of Nassau.fall, ozone level, heat index and manyother weather parameters. The data are “The recent commencement of the coun-transmitted wirelessly to an indoor con- try’s hurricane season is an importantsole where it is stored and uploaded to reminder of the huge impact of weatherthe internet. The data from the weather on our lives. I wish to thank those whostation will be used to supplement geog- partnered with Aquinas College to installraphy and science classes, support the the weather station. It will be a greatintroduction of the NASA Globe program benefit to the school and the broaderto the school and aid the interpretation community.”of particulate matter data from the exist-ing monitoring station. Right photo: Dr. Danny Davis works with students as part of the Aquinas College Air Monitoring Programe. Top photo: Mr. Godfrey Burnside and his team from the Department of Meteorology assisted in the installation of the weather sta- tion.Mary, Star of The Sea Catholic Academy student named Youth Enivironment AmbassadorZhyir Miranda, a seventh grade student ics. “My future plans are continuingat Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Seven MSSCA students completed the to work to keep theAcademy (MSSCA) was named one of programme and were certified in May asthe top three 2017 Save The Bays Youth Youth Environment Ambassadors. environment clean, and trying toEnvironment Ambassadors (YEA). Save MSSCA was awarded nine hundred dol- reduce global warming. When IThe Bays selected twenty-four Bahamian lars ($900.00).Youth Ambassadors from schools get older, I would also like tothroughout Grand Bahama. The funds will be used to enhance the start a programme to bring school environment by creating green young people together to make aThe top YEA were chosen from among spaces around the campus. difference in our country.”this group of students. Zhyir was select- “I was really happy to be named one ofed because of her passion for the envi- the top Youth Environment - Zhyir Mirandaronment and sustainability. Ambassadors, said Zhyir.One of Zhyir’s inaugural duties as top She shared: “My future plans are contin-YEA was attending a recent 10 session uing to work to keep the environmentresearch programme at the Island School clean, and trying to reduce global warm-in Cape Eleuthera. During the session, ing. When I get older, I would also like tostudents of the school presented their start a programme to bring young peopleresults from the Island School Spring together to make a difference in our2017 Research Class to attendees. country.”Research topics included coastal ecosys-tems, repurposing waste and aquapon-

16 Holding on to our Faith Through Mary OFFICE Famofily LifeThe Ladies’ Auxiliary of Blessed Sacrament (Harbour Blessed Mother is not only a pattern for us; she is theIsland) were hosted at a Women's Retreat , June 9 - perfect model of what every Christian should be.10, 2017. Led by Mrs. Agatha Cartwright, Director ofFamily Life. The theme of the retreat was \" Holding In saying this, we acknowledge that Mary is the directon to our Faith through Mary.” Mrs. Cartwright says connection to her Son Jesus. We can rightfully callthis theme is a suitable and timely one because we her Mother Mary.live in perilous times. This brings us to the fundamental question we should“There are many social ills that are attacking our fam- ask. How is Mary the perfect model for us? How canilies and the communities and we dont know from we, who are trying to draw closer to God, learn fromone day to the next what we will experience within her? The answer is simple. What were the main qual- ities of the Blessed Virgin that, we should try to imi- tate? Then by following the example of Mary, we shall become more like her, who was the perfect communica- tor of the revelation of her divine Son. We may identify these qual- was to conceive would be the Son of the Most High. ities as mainly the following: • Mary’s clear and unques- Here was a practical faith. After she asked, “How will this be,” since she had consecrated her virginity to tioning faith, God, the angel assured her that the Holy Spirit would make the humanly impossible, possible. She believed. • Mary’s union in prayer Knowing her Scriptures, and what the prophets fore- with the Heart of her Son, told about the sufferings of the Messiah, Mary had no illusion about what being the Messiah’s mother • Mary’s plain and coura- would cost her. But she did not hesitate. She told the angel, “Be it done to me according to your word.” geous living out of the will of That preposition “to” is crucial. True faith is ready to believe not only in God or in what He can do for us. It God in her life. is also willing to believe in God no matter what He does to us. To see God’s love in the trials of life is the Given these qualities in proof of a clear and understanding faith. (Cf. CCC 494)Mrs. Agatha Cartwright (third from the left) along with members of the Blessed Mother, we Faced with the dilemma that her being with childBlessed Sacrament Church Ladies’ Auxiliary and Fr. Henry Osuagwu, have the foundation of placed her in, and seeing the struggle of Joseph whoM.S.P, pastor. Mary’s qualifications as knew she was innocent, Mary’s faith did not weaken. She remained silent under the humiliation, until God our model of faith. Why? worked the miracle of sending an angel to Joseph to accept Mary as his espoused wife.our own personal lives. Therefore, we must hold on to Because the essence of her faith is not in what is said, END OF PART ONEour faith through Mary, and trust her to intercede for but in what is communicated. In order for us to holdus,” says Mrs. Cartwright. The following is Part 1 of on to our faith and to communicate the truth we musther presentation. have a clear faith, a deep union with God in prayer, and a courageous living in conformity with the will ofYou know very well, some of the challenges we face in God.our personal life … be it loss of income, a broken rela-tionship, illness, or losing a loved one. And yet again The Faith of Marythere are increasing societal ills that affect us everyday. The lawlessness of angry individuals that invade To focus on Mary as our model, we must begin whereour privacy and peace can range from vandalism, bur- her spiritual life began: in her deep and unquestion-glaries to murders. Indeed, we live in a time of uncer- ing faith.tainty! Faith, we know, is the acceptance by the mind of whatLadies, the one thing we must do is hold on to our God reveals. It means believing without a shadow of afaith. Our faith is the only thing that will help us make doubt in everything which God tells us is true. Why?sense of all that is happening around us. The best way Because God can neither deceive nor be deceived. (Cf.we can hold on to our faith is through Mary. We must CCC 156)trust her to intercede for us. Mary is the ideal modelfor us to pattern our prayer-life by. The Catechism of Mary had this kind of faith. At the Annunciation shethe Catholic Church (Cf. CCC#2030) states that the believed what the angel told her, that the child she

17Youth The Youth and Young Adult Ministry Hosts 1st “ Theology on Tap”News Theology on TapTheme: “Doubt & Faith”Is asking questions a sign of doubt or The Youth and Young Adult Ministry held the first other patrons to our conversations. does it lay a foundation of faith? Theology on Tap on Wednesday, May 17 at St. Martin Monastery. The theme was “If Men are from Mars, The participants were fully engaged and enjoyed the Join our next conversation are priests from Pluto?” The conversation was lead by evening! Fr. Noel Clarke, Deacon D’Arcy Rahming and Mr. Wednesday, July 19 Everette Haven and focused on where God is leading What participants are saying: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. us and calling us to be in our lives. “Thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Although I didn’t For more venue information contact: What is Theology on Tap ? It is program designed have any intention of staying all evening, I would Youth Office at 322-8919 for young Catholics in their 20s and 30s who want to have loved to continue the conversation with Deacon explore the role of faith, love, work and other life and Fr. Clarke as well as the Sisters” experiences in their daily lives through disscussion in a casual setting. The program was created in 1981, in “This was wonderful ,and I would love more persons the Archdiocese of Chicago. to experience this. I will be sure to try and bring at least three more persons” The “theology” of Theology on Tap will focus on blending secular issues with Catholic teachings as “Since there are Bahamian Catholics not knowing young adults continue to explore the Catholic faith their faith, I feel as if we should begin SLOWLY to and how this faith can give sense to their everyday dive more into the catechetical teachings of the life and their place in the local church. Church” The “tap” of Theology on Tap refers to the gathering “Excellent presentation - be encouraged!” space. The participants will meet at different social establishments around the island where young adults “The different perspectives of a priest, a deacon and would normally socialize. Gathering at these spaces a formed layman were very beneficial, and it pro- will not only make them comfortable but it also gives vided a wide range of views!” us the opportunity to evangelize, as we hope to attract BASIC: “God is working for me” What the teens had to say about the retreat: • \"What I liked best about the retreat were the activities because, while fun, they were also teaching lessons.\" • \"I wish the retreat could be longer because it was pretty good.\" • \"The big brothers and sisters made me at home and that I belonged here and like they were real siblings.\" NEXT BASIC RETREAT: NOVEMBER 10-11, 2017

18 St. Benedict Church (Mangrove Cay, Andros) Rededicated April 2, 2017photos by Dwight Higgs

19SEMINARIAN SPOTLIGHT: Rashad Mortimer1. Hometown: - The reality that God wants us all to embraceNassau, The Bahamas our faith, and to stand firm in our acknowledge- ment of His boundless love!2. Parents name:Gerard Mortimer and Constance Gibson - The awareness that God desires each and everyone of us to come to Him and experience3. Parish: Sacred Heart the life that is Jesus Christ! It calls to mind two of the last seven words of Jesus, suffering on the4. High school/University: cross, He cried out, \"I thirst.\" (John 19: 28)Ridley College, Canada5. Seminary attending: 7. What do you like most about being aSt. John Vianney College Seminary, Miami, seminarian?Florida, second year Pre-theology. Being a seminarian, or novice for that matter,6. What factors led you to enter the sem- offers an opportunity whereby the called caninary? respond to God by choosing a way of life that is gratifying to God and to all those with whom he- The invitation, initiated by God, to commune or she has been entrusted. I love that!with Him in a profoundly intimate way! Summer Assignment: St. Cecilia’s ParishBishop Gabriel Malzaire is New President of the Antilles Episcopal ConferenceBISHOPS OF THE AEC - The 61st Annual Plenary STD, CMG, of the Archdiocese of Nassau was ineligible Bishop Gabriel Malzaire,Meeting of the of the Antilles Episcopal Conference for election to the executive after serving two consecu- New ACE President(A.E.C.) Conference of Bishops was held in St. Lucia tive terms. Archbishop Pinder is pictured third from theApril 30 - May 5, 2017. At the meeting, elections were right. Bishop Gabriel Malzaire, was born in St. Luciaheld and Bishop Gabriel Malzaire, of Roseau, Dominica and ordained a priest in 1985 and Bishop of Dominica inwas elected as the new president. Bishop Jason Gordon, 2002. This is the first time in the 152-year-old history ofof Bridgetown Barbados was elected as vice president. the Roman Catholic Church in Dominica that a blackBishop Gerard County, of Kingstown, St. Vincent, was clergyman has been appointed to lead the Catholicelected treasurer. Each office carries a term of 3 years. Church in Dominica.The outgoing President Archbishop Patrick C. Pinder,

20 The Sacraments of Confirmation & First Holy Communion Confirmands of New Providence Parishes joined Archbishop Patrick Pinder for the customary photograph on the steps of the Cathedral following the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday June 4, (the Feast of Pentecost).-photo by Jeanie McLean Archbishop Partick Pinder and Deacon Patrick Darville (pictured left) along with Archbishop Patrick Pinder and Father David Cooper (pictured at left) Confirmands of Long Island Parishes. and Confirmands of Mary, Star of The Sea Church, Freeport Grand Bahama). Father Kendrick Forbes and First Holy Communicants following Evening Prayer and Benedication (in observance of the Feast of Corpus Christi) Sunday, June 18, 2017.