St John’s Catholic Church Mesopotamia marks its 100th anniversary

The St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Mesopotamia has prepared a whirlwind of events, from December 6, 2022 to June 4, 2023 in celebration of its 100th anniversary.

The calendar of events was unveiled on Tuesday, December 6, at a media launch at the church attended by a number of church officials, including Vicar General and parish priest, Monsignor Michael Stewart.

The St John’s Catholic Church Mesopotamia

The St John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church was established on June 3, 2023 but the centennial activities will be held over a six month period leading up to the anniversary date.

These events include a community concert at New Sports Complex at Glenside, Mesopotamia on December 11 from 5:00 p.m; a Feast, holy mas and presentation of ‘St.John the Evangelist’ on December 27, from 7:00 p.m.

A medical programme/outreach to the home bound is carded for January, 2023 where a facility will be set up at the church, and medical specialists would be invited to provide services; a prayer breakfast for men on will take place on February 18, 2023; Lenten Encounter in March 2023; a banquet and honouring ceremony will be held in April, 2023 and parish social in May .

A final mass and procession of witness from Da Costa’s bridge, Mesopotamia, presided over by Bishop Gerard County is planned for June 4, 2023 and will bring the curtains down on the extended anniversary activities.

Ahead of the anniversary the church building and its environment will be given a face lift.

The convenors of the press launch also put out a call for persons to submit articles for inclusion in a commemorative anniversary magazine.

A mural/ photo display of bishops and the clergy will be unveiled, and pilgrimages will be made to Gomea, and Lowmans, two of the communities where Catholic churches are located.

The church officials also spoke of a centenary project-something to meaningfully impact the community or someone in need.

At the media launch Monsignor Stewart said the church has had a tendency in a physical way to build churches outside of communities and that “the time has come for the church to go where the people are.”

And Bishop Gerard noted that “100 years is a milestone and is worthy of celebration.”

Minister of Education and National Reconciliation, Curtis King, also gave support to the calendar of events at Tuesday’s launch and reminded those attending to acknowledge and thank God as they proceed with their celebrations.

King said “The Catholic Church did not have the most auspicious beginning in the Caribbean,” but noted but one should not forget that “we were born in sin but came to redemption.”

He said as Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs he wanted to extend on behalf of the Government and people of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines “our heartfelt appreciation to the Roman Catholic Church for its primary work that it has done, not only in spreading the gospel but most significantly, in bringing secondary education to many parts of our country…”

The centenary celebrations are being held under the theme: “One people of God journeying together in Christ”.