I need time to settle and understand SVG – RC Bishop-elect

Bishop-elect of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kingstown Gerard County says during his first year here, he will seek to understand the culture of the country before commenting on issues.

“…I need that process of learning and understanding; for the next few months or probably year, my eyes will be open, my ears open, my mouth shut.{{more}} I have to go through that respectful process of understanding this culture that I am in…,” County said during a media conference at the Catholic Pastoral Centre on Tuesday.

Father County also stated that he is looking forward to getting the young people more involved in church activities.

“…Among other things, I work very closely with young people, I think my parish priest discovered that gift….

“Young people must be involved; I see the church as a family where you need the older people and also the young people and every group at every stage of life,” he stated.

The bishop-elect also noted that another part of his ministry is to work with the poor and marginalized in the country.

“My ministry will be including all people, all people of God, all human beings.”

He also said he is looking forward and ready to take part in the implementation of the proposals from the 2015 Synod meetings.

County said since being chosen as bishop, his daily prayer has been to ask Almighty God to help him “to be a faithful, loving, merciful and compassionate pastor.”

He stated that he has toured the Windward side of the island and commented on the scenic views, of which the lush Mesopotamia Valley was most especially beautiful.

“I remember Bishop Gordon telling me of all the islands this is one of the most scenic islands; I really see that it is really beautiful, even my residence here…I remember when I first came…I asked why are you sending me to paradise.”

He also noted that apart from viewing the scenes on his tour, he also took the time to visit the churches along the route and was particularly pleased when he saw the work being done at the St Benedict’s Day Nursery and Infant Hospital.

Gerard County is the sixth of six children and was born in San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago. He worked in banking for nine years prior to joining the priesthood. Before being assigned as Bishop of St Vincent and the Grenadines, County worked in Mexico for 19 years.

Also speaking at the media conference, Monsignor Michael Stewart said there are high expectations for the Bishop, which include: being a good shepherd to the people of God; an outstanding leader; a voice for the voiceless; one who would be listened to and respected by all; a holy man and a man of prayer; one who holds council; one who is listened to; a compassionate pastor and, in the words of Pope Francis, “to smell like the sheep”, one who reaches out to the marginalized whom society takes little notice of; a servant leader and a humble person.

Stewart said, however, despite the many expectations, County does not come in his own person, but in the name of Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Parish priest for the St Benedict Parish Father Andrew Roache also spoke at the media conference.

The bishop-elect will be ordained on Saturday, February 20 at 10 a.m. at the Community College at Villa. All are invited.(CM)