July 4th 2025_Catholic Standard

Vatican’s interreligious body

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon of Trinidad and Tobago as a member of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. A dicastery is a department of the Roman Curia, the administrative body of the Holy See.

This appointment, made public on Thursday, July 3, 2025, acknowledges Archbishop Gordon’s dedication to fostering mutual understanding and peaceful collaboration across religious traditions.

He joins a diverse and esteemed group of Cardinals, Archbishops, and Bishops from around the world who will support the Church’s mission of interreligious dialogue under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV. Please see page 3 for the press release from the Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) ❖

Pope Leo thanks faithful for support of Peter’s Pence Collection - p2

Confirmation at Port Mourant - p2

With pope’s support, Vatican to publish documenton Synod’s final phase - p3

Last Sunday, June 29th of Saints Peter and Paul St. Peter’s Church, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara celebrated its 150th Anniversary. This milestone was commemorated with a mass celebrated by His Lordship Bishop Francis Alleyne OSB, along Selvanathan SJ and Assistant Parish Priest Fr. Poulouse Vellakada SJ.

A Christian Perspective on Social Issues - p4

Sunday Scripture - p5

Church adds Mass ‘for care of creation’ to missal, pope to celebrate - p6

Baptism at Shea - p6

Marian Academy at the NGSA - p7

History of St. Peter’s church, BV - p8

Children’s Page - p9

Science and the stars a call to the spiritual, says Vatican astrophysicist - p10

InternationalDayofPlayatMarianAcademy - p11

Pope’s July prayer intention: ‘For formation in discernment’ - p12

SsPeter&Paulchurchcelebratesfeastday - p14

Baptism at Karaudaranau - p14

Bishop’s Engagements

Sunday, July 6th

07:00hrs – Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle, Enmore

11:00hrs - 100th Anniversary Mass at Our Lady of Peace, Zeskenderen, Mahaicony

Friday, July 11th

17:00hrs – Opening of the Jubilee Youth Convention,MarianAcademy,CarifestaAvenue

Sunday, July 13th

08:30hrs – Mass at Our Lady of Fatima, North Road

St. Peter’s church was opened on June 29th 1875.

Please see page 8 for a history of the church, as well as more photos of the anniversary mass.❖

A large congregation filled the church building for this special occasion. Among those in attendance was His Excellency President Mohamed Irfaan Ali. After the breakfast of saltfish and bakes was served.

The Jubilee Prayer

support of Peter’s Pence Collection

Father in heaven, may the faith you have given us in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother, and the flame of charity enkindled in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, reawaken in us the blessed hope for the coming of your Kingdom.

May your grace transform us into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.

May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectation of a new heaven and a new earth, when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally.

May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven. May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer throughout the earth.

To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever.

Amen

(Vatican News) - Speaking after the Angelus prayer on Sunday, 29 June, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the spiritual and ecclesial significance of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul by thanking the faithful worldwide for their participation in the Peter’s Pence collection and extending heartfelt greetings to pilgrims in Rome for the feast of the city’s patron saints.

Today also marks the celebration of the Peter’s Pence collection, a sign of communion with the Pope and participation in his apostolic ministry,” the Pope said. “I warmly thank all those who, with their offering, support my first steps as

the Successor of Peter.”

Observed annually, the collection enables the Pope to fund charitable works, provide disaster relief, and support vulnerable communities around the world.

Feast of Rome’s patron saints

Greeting pilgrims and citizens of Rome, Pope Leo also extended a special message to the priests who serve in its parishes, offering gratitude and encouragement for their pastoral work.

“I want to send a heartfelt thought to the parish priests and all the priests working in the Roman parishes, with gratitude and

encouragement for their service,” he said.

Metropolitan Archbishops

The Pope also had words of welcome for pilgrims from various countries accompanying the Metropolitan Archbishops who received the Pallium during the morning Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.

In particular, he said to those from war-struck Ukraine: “I always pray for your people.”

The Pallium, a liturgical vestment conferred on the new Archbishops, signifies their communion with the Bishop of Rome and their pastoral responsibility as shepherds within the Church’s hierarchy.

Quo Vadis initiative

Pope Leo also praised the Quo Vadis initiative, a spiritual pilgrimage through key sites in Rome connected to Saints Peter and Paul, as an opportunity to deepen knowledge of the Church’s foundations and grow in devotion to the Apostles.

“I bless all those participating in the event called ‘Quo Vadis’, through the Roman sites linked to the memory of Saints Peter and Paul,” he said. “I thank those who have worked with dedication to organise this initiative.”❖

Confirmation at Port Mourant

publish document on synod’s final phase

VATICAN CITY (CNS) Almost four years after Pope Francis opened the Catholic Church’s path toward synodality a term many in the church had never heard before his successor has thrown his support behind the last leg of the church’s synodal journey.

The Synod of Bishops, which admitted women, lay and other non-bishop voting members among its ranks during its two universal assemblies in October 2023 and 2024, “naturally retains its institutional profile and at the same time is enriched by the mature fruits of this season,” Pope Leo XIV told the ordinary council of the synod June 26. “You are the body appointed

to reap these fruits and make a prospective reflection.”

Timeline

Over two days, the council convened to approve a document for the synod’s final implementation stage intended to improve dialogue between local churches and the Vatican synod office, the General Secretariat for the Synod of Bishops said in a statement June 30. The document will be released July 7 at www.synod.va.

The council also discussed the work of study groups instituted by Pope Francis to deal with hot-button topics such as women’s ordination and changes to priestly formation.

The study groups were scheduled to present interim reports on their findings in June 2025, but the synod office noted that “due to the death of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV, there have been delays.” In agreement with Pope Leo, the deadline to submit the final reports was extended to Dec. 31, 2025, and the interim reports will be published on the synod office’s website as they are received, it said.

According to the apostolic constitution “Universi Dominici Gregis,” which governs procedures when the papacy is vacant, a council or Synod of Bishops is immediately suspended when a pope dies or resigns. All meetings, decisions and promulgations must cease until a new pope explicitly orders their continuation, or they are considered null.

Upcoming document

The late pope launched the diocesan phase of the worldwide synodal process in October 2021, and it was originally scheduled to culminate with an in-person assembly in Rome in October 2023. Another assembly was held after a year of listening in October 2024, and in March, Pope Francis launched a three-year implementation phase of the synod that will culminate in an ecclesial assembly at the Vatican in October 2028.

Pope Leo told the synod’s ordinary council June 26, “I encourage you in this work, I pray that it may be fruitful and as of now I am grateful.”

The General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops said that the expected document, titled “Pathways for the Implementation Phase of the Synod,” is a

practical and theological guide for diocesan bishops and synodal teams as they apply the synod’s final proposals locally.

The synod office noted that this phase of the synodal process “belongs above all to the local Churches,” which are tasked with translating the synod assembly’s “authoritative proposals” into concrete pastoral practices within their respective contexts. At the same time, the synod office said the guidelines were developed to respond to questions raised by bishops and diocesan leaders in recent months and are intended to support, not replace, local discernment.

Enthusiasm and challenges

Cardinal Mario Grech, secretarygeneral of the Synod of Bishops, acknowledged in his opening remarks of the council’s meeting that “difficulties and resistance” to the synodal process remain. He said that while some dioceses have already begun the implementation phase with enthusiasm, others are awaiting the forthcoming guidelines “with trepidation.”

“These contrary positions must not be overlooked,” he said. “Rather, I would say they must challenge us deeply.” Cardinal Grech proposed establishing a permanent forum, which he called a “Table of Synodality,” to foster ongoing theological and canonical reflection on synodality and encouraged greater investment in formation programs. He also said that new partnerships with academic institutions and the continued support of young theologians would help cultivate a synodal “mentality” across the church. ❖

Pope appoints Archbishop Gordon of T&T to Vatican’s interreligious body (From Front Page)

His Grace Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon Appointed Member of Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue

The Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) is pleased to share the joyful news that His Holiness Pope Leo has appointed His Grace the Most Reverend Charles Jason Gordon, Archbishop of Port of Spain, as a Member of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. This information has been shared via an announcement made by the Vatican.

This appointment reflects the Holy Father’s confidence in the Antilles Episcopal Conference and in particular in Archbishop Gordon’s longstanding commitment to fostering dialogue, understanding, and collaboration

among people of different faith traditions. His Grace joins a distinguished group of Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and Vicars from around the world in this important ministry of promoting peace and mutual respect among religions.

Other members appointed by the Holy Father include:

● His Eminence Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFM, Patriarch of Jerusalem of the Latins (Israel)

● His Eminence Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, SVD, Archbishop of Tokyo (Japan)

● His Eminence Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, OFM Conv., Archbishop of Teheran-Ispahan of the Latins (Iran)

● His Eminence Cardinal Frank Leo, Archbishop of Toronto (Canada)

● Archbishop Bernard Longley, Birmingham (United Kingdom)

● Archbishop Mitchell Thomas Rozanski, Saint Louis (United States of America)

● Archbishop Yagop Mourad, Homs of the Syrians (Syria)

● Archbishop Vira Arpondratana, Bangkok (Thailand)

● Bishop Joseph Chau Ngoc Tri, Lang Són and Cao Bang (Vietnam)

● Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, Umtata (South Africa)

● Bishop Teodoro Mendes Tavares, CSSp, Ponta de Pedras (Brazil)

● Bishop José Luis Mumbiela Sierra, Most Holy Trinity in Almaty (Kazakhstan)

● Bishop Ollo Modeste Kambou, Gaoua (Burkina Faso)

● Bishop Brendan Leahy, Limerick (Ireland)

● Bishop Paolo Martinelli, OFM Cap.,

Vicar Apostolic of Southern Arabia (United Arab Emirates)

● Bishop Derio Olivero, Pinerolo (Italy)

● Bishop Christophorus Tri Harsono, Purwokerto (Indonesia)

● Bishop Bertram Johannes Meier, Augsburg (Germany)

● Bishop Wilybard Lagho, Malindi (Kenya)

● Bishop Yousaf Sohan, Multan (Pakistan)

● Bishop Echchampulle Arachchige Jude Nishantha Silva, Badulla (Sri Lanka)

The AEC offers its warmest congratulations to Archbishop Gordon as he takes up this new responsibility in service of the universal Church. We ask the faithful to join in prayer for him and for all members of the Dicastery.❖

A Christian Perspective on Social Issues State and Church

By GHK Lall

A half century ago, the Roman Catholic Church in Guyana was in the forefront of the struggle for social justice here. It came under withering attack, with the power of the State marshaled and unleashed against the Church’s courageous servants. One priest, Fr. Bernard Darke was felled by the hand of a murderer, a man of the cloth martyred for a Christian cause. The plight of the weak and the poor, the afflicted and downtrodden. To this day, the name Fr. Bernard Darke is whispered when those who made the supreme sacrifice are remembered and hailed. His efforts, part of the struggle for peace, respect, and justice, stand as a testament to the heroism of some of the servants who follow in the steps of Jesus. Often, the mighty State, given to excess, comforts itself: it has mastered the spirit of man,it can deny the will of God. A few years later, Fr. Andrew Morrison, SJ, editor of the Catholic Standard, was memorably referred to in the National Assembly, the house of the Guyanese people, as a “cassocked obscenity.” It is revealing how the Estates could tangle, clash,

Dear Editor,

In a world where we bow to intellectual knowledge and academic degrees, piety is considered to border on superstition. But in truth, piety is reverence for God and devotion to God. Isn't part of the goal of every Christian life to devote oneself to God?

Peace, in our hearts, is born from simplicity in our lives. If you wish to tap

with each other. The State with the media, the State with the Church. The pantheon was young and long and strong back in the day: Wong, Rodrigues, and the previously mentioned Frs. Darke and Morrison, among illustrious others. The spiritual and the secular, watching each other, striving for a better way forward.

Today, the climate is different, and not necessarily for the better. Guyana is experiencing a different kind of warming. Godless communism, something that the Church took issue with, has remade itself locally into ruthless, runaway capitalism. Somewhere in this all-consuming mix (environment), the poor and hungry, the weak and fearful, are trapped. The forces of change, the pace of it, crush them, spit them out, then walk all over them. Some say that state represents oppression. I say it is the competition unleashed by a frenzied rush for profits, amid clamors of democracy on the march. Anytime that the poor, usually the biggest multitude, comes under intolerable pressure, Jesus gets a migraine. And more than a spot of acid reflux and heartburn. If Jesus is that way, then so should be the Church of his servants, the logic would dictate. At least, that would be the thinking of a reasonable citizen, a simple servant of the Savior. But the Church is busy. With other priorities. Possibly other ideas. Maybe superior visions. Likely different strategies. All of those, unfortunately, are beyond the understanding of the ordinary layman. I am trying, struggling, to find my way out from among these jagged rocks, only to pierce myself in the flaying and floundering around. It doesn’t help that there is the unbelievable to add gasoline to an already highly flammable cocktail. I

cannot fathom head nor tail of this, but there is certainty that others are wiser than I can ever be, and should be able to see the light, while I languish in darkness.

There is the belief, powerful and pervasive, that the man, or one of those, who is allegedly responsible for the murder of Fr. Bernard Darke, is now firmly and protectively coddled in the bosom of the State. Even more incredibly, those doing the coddling are embraced by the Church. I hear echoes of Jesus reverberating with a thunderous boom: them for they know not what they do…” In the spirit of Jesus, and in full prostration to his commandments, there are few who could be more forgiving than I have been. It took a while, but thanks to the power of the Holy Spirit, the blessed graciousness of understanding comes. I say it once, if I have to say to it a million times, then so be it. All should be, must be, welcomed in the sanctuary of Jesus. A sanctuary is what, if not a place of immunity. They can kneel and pray, and making peace with God, and not a word more. No opportunity for selfserving testimony. About anything. Let that be reserved for the worthy. It is where I stand, what I have shared. I asked myself what Jesus would do, should he have been faced with similar circumstances.

Gracious and loving God, we thank your for the gift of our priests. Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments.

I hear his voice leaping from the pages of the sacred texts and across the ocean of millennium: come and find rest. Find truth. Live in the light. Walk this way. The pathways of righteous living. It is how it should be, and no one should be allowed to go beyond. Beyond what is the preserve of his priests. The peace of Jesus be with all, whether believer or infidel. Whether hypocrite or saint.❖

The Rosary

into the wonder and glory of God, apply simplicity to your life and to your prayer.

The rosary is a simple prayer that is soothing, both mentally and spiritually. It is the simplest way to reflect upon the life and teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that as Christians, we are called to imitate Jesus. It is impossible to imitate someone you do not know. We come to know Him in the Scriptures, in the Sacraments, and through so many different people and places. The Rosary is one other way. By praying the rosary, we can

ponder many aspects of Jesus and His life in a relatively brief period of time. If our actions are to be like those of Jesus, then it helps to ponder His Life and teachings regularly. There is no more powerful story than that of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the story that has formed and focused human history, and it is essential to our mission as Christians that we are intimately familiar with it. The rosary helps us to know his story and teaches us to integrate it into our own lives.

Leon Jeetlall

Help our priests to be strong in their vocation.

Set their souls on fire with love for your people.

Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom.

Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel.

Allow them to experience joy in their ministry.

Help them to become instruments of your divine grace.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest. Amen

FIRST READING: Isaiah66:10

Towards her I send flowing peace, like a river.

Rejoice, Jerusalem, be glad for her, all you who love her!

Rejoice, rejoice for her, all you who mourned her!

That you may be suckled, filled, from her consoling breast, that you may savour with delight her glorious breasts.

For thus says the Lord: Now towards her I send flowing peace, like a river, and like a stream in spate the glory of the nations.

At her breast will her nurslings be carried and fondled in her lap.

Like asoncomfortedby his mother will I comfort you. And by Jerusalem you will be comforted. At the sight your heart will rejoice, and your bones flourish like the grass. To his servants the Lord will reveal his hand.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 65

Response: Cry out with joy to God all the earth.

1. Cry out with joy to God all the earth, O sing to the glory of his name. O render him glorious praise. Say to God: ‘How tremendous your deeds! Resp.

2. ‘Before you all the earth shall bow; shall sing to you, sing to your name!’ Come and see the works of God, tremendous his deeds amongmen. Response

3. He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the river dry-shod. Let our joy then be in him; he rules for ever by his might. Response

4. Come and hear, all who fear God. I will tell what he did for my soul. Blessed be God who did not reject my prayer nor withhold his love from me. Response

In today’s Gospel passage from Luke, we find our Lord appointing disciples to go out and prepare others to receive His invitation into the Kingdom of God. Every verse has something to say about the way a Christian steward should approach others. Let’s look at

The only thing I can boast about is the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world. It does not matter if a person is circumcised or not; what matters is for him to become an altogether new creature. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, who form the Israel of God.

I want no more trouble from anybody after this; the marks on my body are those of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, my brothers. Amen.

Gospel Acclamation Jn 15: 15 Alleluia, alleluia!

I call you friends, says the Lord, because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father. Alleluia!

least one of the coaching tips Christ gives.

“The Lord appointed seventy-two others whom He sent out ahead of Him in pairs to every town and place He intended to visit.” In His wisdom, Christ sent His disciples out not as individuals but in pairs, as teams. This approach to evangelization certainly provided practical advantages. The disciples could lean on each other for mutual support and encouragement, helping each other to stay on task and to put their heads together to pray and problem-solve. This teamwork approach is just as relevant to us

Col 3:15. 16

May the peace of Christ reign in your hearts, because it is for this that you were called together

Luke 10:1-12. 17-20 that man. two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit. He said to them, The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road. Whatever house you go into, let your first And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house. Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, “The kingdom of God is very near to you”. But whenever you enter a town and they do not make you welcome, go out into its streets and say, “We wipe off the very dust of your town that clings to our feet, and leave it with you. Yet be sure of this: the kingdom of God is very near.” I tell you, on that day it will not go as hard with Sodom as with that town.

The seventy-two came back rejoicing. ‘Lord,’ they said ‘even the devils submit to us when we use your name.’ He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Yes, I have given you power to tread underfoot serpents and scorpions and the whole strength of the enemy; nothing shall ever hurt you. Yet do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you; rejoice rather that your names are written in heaven.’❖

modern-day Christian stewards. It takes courage and commitment to go out and invite others into the Christian life. We need to work together to do it well.

But there is also symbolic importance to working in teams. It points to the reality that when we invite others to embrace the Good News of the Gospel, we are not merely inviting them into a belief system, but into a relationship with Christ and through that relationship, into Christ’s family our fellow Christian disciples near and far. Our parish is our immediate spiritual family in this extended worldwide

fold. We are not meant to live as isolated individuals within the parish any more than we are meant to live in isolation within our families. We are meant to be a community. That is why it is so important for us to foster a vibrant, supportive, welcoming parish life. This is why we emphasize hospitality as one of the pillars of stewardship. It is not enough just to point others to Christ, we must invite them to join us in community with Him; we must offer a place and mission for them in the Church and within our parish family.❖

[www.catholicsteward.com/blog/ ]

Gospel Reflection

In today’s Gospel passage Jesus decided to send out a number of disciples. There was so much to do and time was very short. Jesus just couldn’t do it all by himself. Jesus still sends out his disciples into the world today and his disciples are all of us who call ourselves Christians. We are on the same mission that Jesus had when he was alive in this world. It is a practical mission that does not just involve attending Mass on Sundays or fasting and giving alms during Lent. It is there for all those who have eyes to see and hearts to respond. We find our mission in our homes, schools, prisons, hospitals, workplaces and neighbourhoods. Our mission may also be right in our church and parish community. The responsibility for the harvest does not rest only with the “professionals” – the priests and nuns, PLAs, Service Leaders, Church Teams, etc. There are no specialists in Christian mission. We are all God’s instruments. We do not need to be superintelligent or have some special talent. All it calls for is purpose and commitment to God’s kingdom here on earth, a recognition of our God-given gifts and talents and a willingness to put them to use.

Jesus told the disciples that their first words on entering a house were to be, “Peace to this house.” During Mass we hear the words: “The peace of the Lord be with you always.

reach out to one another with a sign of peace. Wherever we find suspicion, hatred, prejudice, intolerance and aggression, in short, where there is no peace, nothing positive is possible. As disciples we are expected to be God ments of peace and reconciliation in a troubled and divided world. Wherever we carry the peace of Christ, there is friendship, tolerance, hospitality and reconciliation. The disciple of today is called to work for peace especially among those whom we feel annoy and provoke us and take our peace away. This is not an easy task for we are not called to make peace with our friends but with our enemies. This is our basic mission. So, at the end of the Mass when we are dismissed, we are not just sent off to go our separate ways, but to be God in the world. We may not always succeed in this mission but as disciples we must try to bring peace wherever we go.

[

creation’ to missal, pope to celebrate

One of the gardens of the papal villa at Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome, is seen May 29, 2025, the day Pope Leo XIV made a visit to the villa and the “Borgo Laudato Si'” project, which Pope Francis set up to promote ecology education. (CNS photo/Pablo Esparza)

VATICAN CITY Catholic priests will now be able to celebrate Mass “for the care of creation” after the Vatican announced that a new formulary of prayers and biblical readings for the Mass will be added to the Roman Missal the liturgical book that contains the texts for celebrating Mass in the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church.

The new formulary, or specific set of texts and prayers for Mass, will be added among the “civil needs” section of the “Masses and Prayers for Various Needs and Occasions” listed in the Roman Missal. The current missal, approved by St. John Paul II in 2000, lists 17 “civil needs” to offer Masses and prayers for, including “for the nation or state,” “after the harvest,” “for refugees and exiles” and “in time of earthquake.” The missal lists another 20 particular needs for the church and 12 for other circumstances.

Pope Leo XIV will use the new formulary for a private Mass July 9 with the staff of Borgo Laudato Si’ ecology project a space for education and train-

gardens of the papal villa at Castel Gandolfo, the traditional summer residence for the popes.

The formulary for the Mass began development during Pope Francis’ pontificate in response to “requests for a liturgical way of celebrating the meaning and the message of ‘Laudato si’,'” said Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, who presented the new formulary at a news conference July 3.

“The true authors of this text are Scripture, the (church) fathers and ‘Laudato si’,'” said Archbishop Vittorio Francesco Viola, secretary of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

The new formulary, Archbishop Viola said, “receives some of the principal themes contained in Laudato Si’ and expresses them in the form of prayer within the theological framework that the encyclical revives.”

He described the set of prayers as “a good antidote against a certain reading

ostensible ecology'” that is “far from that integral ecology widely described and explained in the encyclical.”

The Mass formulary begins with the entrance antiphon from Psalm 19: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the firmament proclaims works of his hands.” The Collect prayer, which gathers the prayer intentions of the faithful to close the introductory rites of the Mass, asks God “that docile to the lifegiving breath of your Spirit, we may lovingly care for the work of your hands.”

The prayer after Communion asks for increased communion with God “so that, as we await the new heavens and the new earth, we may learn to live in harmony with all creatures.”

The proposed biblical readings include Wisdom 13:1-9, Colossians 1:15-20, and selections from the Gospel of Matthew that recount Jesus calming the storm and calling people to trust in divine providence through the lilies of the field and the birds of the air.

In the decree dated June 8 issuing the new formulary, Cardinal Arthur Roche, prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, wrote, “At this time it is evident that the work of creation is seriously threatened because of the irresponsible use and abuse of the goods God has endowed to our care.”

“This is why it is considered appropriate to add a Mass formulary” on the care of creation, he wrote.

However, “this Mass is a reason for joy,” said Cardinal Czerny during the July 3 news conference. “It increases our gratitude, strengthens our faith and invites us to respond with care and love in an ever-growing sense of wonder, reverence and responsibility.”

The new formulary “calls us to be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us, not only in daily choices and public policies, but also in our prayer, our

Marian Academy at the NGSA Journeying with the Word of God

By GHK Lall

It is a year to celebrate for the Marian Academy family, with the 2024-2025 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results now out. Guyanese students did better overall this year, with increased pass rates, and Math and English scores crossing higher thresholds. At the Marian Academy, the students rose high, then soared higher, with performances that would leave a classy pole vaulter green with envy. From excellent to sublime, as the roll call would now show.

Thirteen students, with scores of over 99%, qualified for a place at Queen’s College with Saura Ruplall (99.62%), Arianne Lynch (99.60%), and Messiah Fiedktou (99.43%) earning the highest marks at Marian this NGSA cycle. In all, 33 Marian Academy students recorded marks that made them eligible for a place at one of the top five public schools in Guyana. A monumental achievement, by any standards, with which many others should agree. A nine-year-old who sat for the NGSA walked away with an astounding 97.53% score; an exceptional achievement considering the relative tenderness of that age. Pause and think of that for a minute: a nineyear-old scoring 97.53%. The school’s scores ranged from 99.62% to 76.67% (1 student). It is clear that a huge amount of effort, sustained effort, made a pivotal contribution for such results to be had. Aptitude helps, no doubt about that; but the combined efforts of students, parents and guardians, and teachers had to be ongoing, inspiring, and deep to reap such awesome

The school’s overall pass rate stood at 96.28%, which is one for the books, and for that thanks be to God. Math students excelled with a 97% pass rate. Science successes were at the same 97% level; while English and Social Studies topped out at 96% each. These children are young, with a long road ahead of them. But with academic achievements of such a superb nature, these represent the heights of instructional energies. It is what working diligently with the human raw materials at hand could deliver. All can now bask in numbers that would convert even the most skeptical. There should be few, if any atall.

Congratulations to all for the devotion to the tasks at hand, and to the students for putting their heads down, and being the best that can be. From the new principal to the cohort of teachers, and to the supporting staff-cleaners, security personnel, and others-a learning environment was clearly fostered. There is a blueprint somewhere in there. Some of those Marian NGSA results speak powerfully to the long hours and tireless

efforts of those who taught in specific areas. While there is sharing out of honors, it is well that upstairs is remembered and paid the homage due. To God be the voices raised in rejoicing and thanksgiving.

In taking a high-level look at this, there is no reason why some of this cannot be replicated in other institutions of learning across Guyana. It can be done, with the right will, the correct approach. The recommendation is that a vision that focuses on expanding the Marian formula could work wonders. Just sheer effort and a genuine commitment to raising standards, to making education the key to the future of which so heard so much has been spoken, written. Guyanese from young to old can deliver. The challenge is to rise above the environment, to be single-minded in vision, focus, and the components that produce the best results. It has been a special blessing these numbers and names, that make all Catholics and citizens proud. Nicely done! Marian Academy students. With these first achievements, the stage is setfor them to go forth, join their contemporaries, and conquer the worlds in front of them. ❖

MAKING THE WORD OF GOD YOUR OWN

Step 1: Lookattoday’sReadingsprayerfully.

1st Reading: The prophet offers encouragement to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, telling them that God will grant them many blessings.

2nd Reading: Paul tells us that all we can boast about is the cross of Christ and that we have become new creations through sharing in Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Gospel: Jesus sends out seventy-two of his disciples in pairs to the surrounding town and villages to prepare the inhabitants for his visit.

Step 2: ApplyingthevaluesoftheReadings toyourdailylife.

1.Jesus tells us: “The harvest is rich but the labourers are few.” How do you see yourself involved in the harvest?

2.Paul tells that what is important is “… to become an altogether new creature.” What have you done (or intend to do) in your life to become a new creature in Christ?

3.Jesus makes it clear that peace is important in the life of the disciple. How do you go about being an instrument of peace in our divided society? Why do you consider your parish community as being a good (or bad) example of the peace of Christ?

4.Jesus sent out seventy-two of his disciples to be his instruments of peace and healing and to spread the good news of God’s salvation to others. He does the same today. Howdo you see yourself carrying out the same mission in our world today?

Step 3: Accepting the message of God’s Wordinyourlifeoffaith.

Bringing the peace of Christ to the world is at the heart of our Christian mission. In a society torn apart by racism, hatred, suspicion and envy, we are faced with the challenge to be signs of unity, peace and love that can heal divisions. We know that we will not always be successful. We begin our mission best by living lives of peace and love.

Step 4: Somethingtothink&prayabout

1.Jesus’ call to be involved in the harvest is not limited to priests and nuns. Every follower of Christ is automatically involved. And the harvest is not limited to religious duties and the church building. In fact, our mission really exists in the world out there. We will only be successful if we live as instruments of the peace and unity that Christ brings to us.

2.What is your understanding of peace in your personal life, in your family, work place and parish community? What part do you see yourself playing in bringing peace to each of those areas? ❖

[From: Journeying with the Word of God, The Religious Education Department, Diocese of Georgetown, Guyana ]

History of St. Peter

St. Peter’s BV – 150 Years on June 29, 2025

The following is a history of St. Peter’s Church, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, by Mr. Francis Canzius, which was presented by him at the 150th anniversary mass of the church, Sunday, June 29th 2025: In September of 1872 Bishop James Etheridge SJ and Fr. Aloysius Casati SJ visited the Beterverwagting E.C.D. area to identify land for a church and cemetery. The land for the church was later identified and on the 29th of June 1875 the church was opened and dedicated to St. Peter. The largest ever confirmation took place in 1879 when 120 were confirmed by Bishop Anthony Butler SJ, the first to be held. Fr. Casati served the BV community from 1875 to 1910, the longest a priest ever served. Fr. Casati lived at Plaisance, where he was instrumental in starting the boys’ orphanage.

In 1904 a bell was presented by a parishioner Mr. Francis Faria - it is still in use today and is housed above the main entrance of the church. During the restoration work in 2008 the bell was re-installed in the new façade of the church. In 1920 an apse and side aisle were added. In 1948 the altars of our lady and St. Theresa were also erected. The first fundraising fair was held in 1943.

The 75th anniversary was observed with many activities including the planting of a tree by Bishop George Weld SJ. In a similar way, the centenary in 1975 was celebrated. A crowded afternoon Mass was celebrated by Bishop Benedict Singh with confirmations. In 1984, the tower was demolished, owing to the high cost to maintain it.

As years passed, the church had deteriorated. In 2008 it was completely repaired and restored by contractor Mr. Allan Fernandes - thanks to the many benefactors and members of the parish community for raising the funds necessary. As well as the sizable contribution from Rome. St. Peter’s was blessed and reopened by Bishop

priests, the Parish Lay Assistant programme was introduced here at St. Peter’s - the first three PLA’s were Mrs. Nora How Yow, Mrs. Claudia Narain and Mr. Eric St. Lewis.

The St. Peter’s RC school started in the late 1890’s - among the many students who passed through the school was our first Guyanese Bishop Benedict Singh. Many of the church concerts and plays in the school were organized by Ms. Victorine Roberts and Mrs. Veronica Bacchus. The Christmas Eve Pageant is something inherited from those days and is still carried on by the current team of Catechists.

Schools were taken over by the government in 1976 and most of the students were moved to another building. Some years after, the school building was handed back to the Church in bad condition. From 2010 to 2012 as funds would permit, major repair work was done to the school building. One important aspect of the repair work was that the original stage with its slopping floor was maintained. Upon completion, the building was named after Bishop Benedict Singh. It is now used for Sunday school, concerts and other parish activities;

it also provides accommodation for the Caretaker.

In addition to Fr. Casati, over 40 priests have served St. Peter’s since 1875. The community at BV has produced four religious Sisters over the years. Sr. Angela Bacchus, O Carm., Sr. Mary Gabriel O Carm., Sr. Cecilia Gonsalves OSU and Sr. Emelda Sherrett RSM.

In the early 1980s Mr. Eric St. Lewis, the longest serving Caretaker/ Sacristan/Catechist was awarded the

Medal of Merit by Pope

St. Peter’s joins other parishes in the Diocese celebrating major anniversaries this year – 200 years of a church on Brickdam, 100 years of the parish at Port Mourant, 150 years of a church at Meadow Bank, 100 years of a church at Mahaicony, and 100 years of the opening of the present Cathedral.

Let us all pray for this community to increase its faith and strength in service to the Lord ❖

Jesus sends out the 72

Dear Girls and Boys,

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus sent out workers to tell others about God. He told them exactly what they should do and sent them out with everything they needed to be successful. When they came back, they were overjoyed by the great success of their mission saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name."

Jesus answered, "...do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

We need to remember that whatever God asks of us whether it is to share God's love by telling others, singing it to others, teaching others, making music about it to others or preaching it to others, we do it for the "glory of God" not to make ourselves look good.

Heavenly God, help us to be your workers, to spread your love to others and to give the thanks and praise to You for all that you have done and will do through us Amen. ❖

spiritual, says Vatican astrophysicist

Observatory Moved to Castel Gandolfo

However, said Father Gabor, light pollution that accompanied Rome’s expansion over time compelled Pope Pius XI to move the observatory to Castel Gandolfo, the papal summer residence, about 15 miles from Rome.

In 1981, light pollution again prompted a new development in the observatory’s history this time, through the building of a second research center, the Vatican Observatory Research Group in Tucson, where Father Gabor is based.

The Vatican teamed up with the University of Arizona’s Steward Observatory to construct the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope on Mount Graham, Arizona, a project completed in 1993.

planets, or exoplanets, which orbit stars other than the sun.

Religious Philosopher Blaise Pascal

He quoted 17th-century French scientist and religious philosopher Blaise Pascal, who in his book “Penseés” wrote, “The eternal silence of these infinite spaces terrifies me” (“Le silence éternel de ces espaces infinis m’effraie”).

“The book of nature is ambiguous if you’re like the atheist in Pascal’s ‘Penseés,'” said Father Gabor. “But if you are a believer and have the grace of faith, you see the universe as something that speaks to you.”

PHOENIX (OSV News) The Vatican Observatory attests that “science is not against God” and the nexus of science and spirituality invites humankind to contemplate the Lord’s wondrous works, said a Jesuit astrophysicist.

Father Pavel Gabor, vice director of the Vatican Observatory Research Group in Tucson, Arizona, shared his insights in a June 25 keynote address at the 2025 Catholic Media Conference, held June 24-27 in Phoenix.

At a luncheon sponsored by the Pontifical Mission Societies USA, Father Gabor addressed the question, “Why Does the Pope Have an Astrophysics Research Institute?”

One of World’s Oldest Astronomical Institutes

Father Gabor who seasoned his lunchtime talk with wry wit and deadpan humor said many are

actually unaware of the Vatican Observatory’s existence, even though it’s one of the oldest astronomical institutes in the world.

The observatory traces its roots to the solar calendar reform of Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, which corrected a widening gap between the calendar and the seasons incurred by the Julian calendar. With a papal committee studying the scientific data necessary for the reform, the Vatican’s commitment to ongoing astronomical research was born.

Early observatories founded by the Vatican, along with the work of Jesuit Father Angelo Secchi a pioneer of astrophysics who was the first to classify stars according to their spectra, or indicators of temperature, luminosity and chemical makeup ultimately led Pope Leo XIII in 1891 to formally refound the Specola Vaticana (Vatican Observatory), the predecessor for which had operated from 1789-1821.

The VATT survived the 2017 Frye Fire, sparked by a lighting strike on Mount Graham, with Father Gabor showing photos and video of the smoke obscuring the structures.

Observatory and Conspiracy Theorists

However, he said, the VATT has at times been engulfed by the flames of controversy, thanks to the work of conspiracy theorists, some of whom have asserted the site is a “portal to another dimension on Mount Graham” one designed to welcome an alien savior, as authors Tom Horn and Cris Putnam alleged in several books.

Father Gabor admitted that countering such speculations was “one of the first things I had to deal with when I came to Tucson.”

But Scripture and nature what theologians have traditionally called “God’s two books” tell a more plausible and profound story, said Father Gabor, whose research interests include astrophysics instrumentation and extrasolar

Father Gabor said scientists hold that latter view, as does the author of Psalm 8, who marveled, “When I see your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and stars that you set in place what is man that you are mindful of him, and a son of man that you care for him?”(Ps 8:4-5)

An Occasion for Gratitude

Italian astronomer and scientific pioneer Galileo Galilei himself found his research an occasion for gratitude, said Father Gabor, pointing to a 1610 letter in which Galileo wrote, “I give infinite thanks to God who has been pleased to make me the first observer of marvelous things.” Scientists “are halfway believers at best,” quipped Father Gabor.

He echoed the insights of French astronomer Catherine Cesarski, who said UNESCO’s International Year of Astronomy in 2009 was a call to behold the universe and recognize humanity’s place in it.

“If we manage to get every individual to gaze at the stars at least once this year and realize how wonderful, how magnificent this Earth is and how petty our earthly squabbles are,” said Father Gabor.❖

International Day of Play at Marian Academy

June 11 was International Day of Play! Our Nursery children had great fun as they interacted with each other. At Marian Academy play is considered one of the most transformative forces in a child’s life. It is very interesting to observe how our children explore and

understand the world around them. During play they have the opportunity to articulate their hopes and dreams, learn to communicate and interact with others, express their emotions, and grow into adulthood.❖

(Marian Academy Facebook page)

Pope’s July prayer intention: ‘For formation in discernment’

(Vatican News)“Let us pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel.”

Pope Leo XIV made that invitation in his prayer intention for July 2025, released in The Pope Video, which accompanies his monthly intention.

In the video produced by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, the Holy Father offers a prayer to guide Christians in our discernment process (see below).

He prays that the Holy Spirit may inform our decisions and that we may learn to listen attentively to God’s gentle voice.

In listening, he says, we learn to “discern the hidden paths of my heart” and understand what truly matters to God.

“I ask you for the grace to learn how to pause,” he prays, “to become aware of the way I act, of the feelings that dwell within me, and of the thoughts that overwhelm me, which, so often, I fail to notice.”

Pope Leo leads the viewer to pray that our choices may lead us “to the joy of the Gospel,” despite moments of doubt and fatigue, constantly seeking to begin anew.

“Because, at the end of the journey, your consolation is the fruit of the right decision,” he affirms.

The Pope concludes his prayer asking God to help us understand better “what moves me, so that I may reject what draws me away from Christ, and love him and serve him more fully.”

Discernment and rejecting temptation

A press release accompanying The Pope Video notes that each person

faces “infinite possibilities in life” that can leave us paralyzed or afraid.

The Pope’s prayer for discernment, it says, invites the Holy Spirit to help us take the right path for our lives by listening deeply to His voice in our hearts.

The video shows a young woman walking lost in a forest as she looks for the correct path. As she searches for the way to go, she frees herself from unnecessary burdens and finds a compass and map to guide her steps. After opening the Gospel, the woman comes to a grotto with an image of Mary, where she prays in silence for guidance.

The Pope’s original prayer echoes the famous prayer of St. Augustine in the Confessions: “Oh God, let me know myself that I might know You!”

“In order to discern, it is necessary to place oneself in truth before God, to enter into oneself, to admit one’s own weaknesses, and to ask the Lord for healing,” explains the press release. “These are the steps to rebirth through an authentic relationship with God.”

This process is known as discernment and helps Christians discover the path toward God lived in the actions of every day that already lies deep within our hearts.

In the press release, Fr. Cristóbal Fones, SJ, International Director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, explains that each of us must learn and be guided inorder to discernwell. Formation in discernment, he says, “includes prayer, personal reflection, the study of Scripture and spiritual direction. Cultivating a deep relationship with Jesus is the most important aspect.”

Pope Leo XIV’s prayer for discernment

Holy Spirit, you, light of our understanding, gentle breath that guides our decisions, grant me the grace to listen attentively to your voice and to discern the hidden paths of my heart, so that I may grasp what truly matters to you, and free my heart from its troubles. I ask you for the grace to learn how to pause, to become aware of the way I act, of the feelings that dwell within me,

and of the thoughts that overwhelm me which, so often, I fail to notice.

I long for my choices to lead me to the joy of the Gospel. Even if I must go through moments of doubt and fatigue, even if I must struggle, reflect, search, and begin again

Because, at the end of the journey, your consolation is the fruit of the right decision.

Grant me a deeper understanding of what moves me, so that I may reject what draws me away from Christ, and love him and serve him more fully.

Amen. ❖

Ss Peter and Paul church

Saint

of the Week

Last Sunday June 29th – the feast of Saints Peter and Paul - all seven communities on the East Bank of the Demerara River came together at the church of Ss Peter and Paul, Peter’s Hall, EBD, to celebrate that

church’s feast day. The mass was celebrated by Parish Priest Fr. Ronald Fernandes SJ.❖

Baptism at Karaudaranau

6th:

Maria Goretti was born in Ancona, Italy, on October 16th 1890, the daughter of poor tenant farmers. She had no chance to go to school, so never learned to read or write. Maria’s father died of malaria and her mother Assunta had to struggle to feed her children.

One afternoon in July 1902, eleven-year-old Maria was sitting at the top of the stairs of her house, mending a shirt. An eighteen-year-old neighbour, Alessandro, grabbed Maria from her steps, pulled her into a bedroom and tried to force her into having sex. He was much stronger than the child and could easily have overpowered her, but he wanted her to comply willingly with his demands. Maria utterly refused –she struggled and tried to call for help. “No, God does not wish it," she cried out. "It is a sin. You would go to hell for it.” Enraged, Alessandrobeganstabbingherwithaknife. As Maria lay in the hospital, she forgave Alessandro before she died.

Alessandro was captured and sentenced to thirty years. He was unrepentant until he had a dream that he was in a garden. Maria was there and gave him flowers. When he woke, he was a changed man, repenting of his crime and living a reformed life. When he was released after 27 years he went directly to Maria's mother to beg her forgiveness, which she gave. "If my daughter can forgive him, who am I to withhold forgiveness," she said. When Maria was canonised on June 24th 1950, half a million people were in attendance in St Peter’s Square. Her mother was present, aged 85. It was the first time in history that a mother had been present for her child’s canonisation.

Maria Goretti is a patron saint of Girls, Teenagers, Youth and the victims of rape.❖

On the Lighter Side