Archbishop of POS celebrates historic mass at Westminster cathedral

Archbishop Joseph Harris created history on Thursday 27th March when he became the first Archbishop of Port of Spain to celebrate Mass at Westminster Cathedral in London, United Kingdom. 

The Archbishop declared that he felt deeply blessed to have the opportunity to lead a Mass at Westminster, which is the mother church of the Catholic community in England and Wales and the Metropolitan Church and Cathedral of the Archbishop of Westminster.

The Historic Mass was arranged by Garvin Nicholas, High Commissioner for Trinidad and Tobago to the United Kingdom, to facilitate the awareness of the plight of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Port of Spain. 

The Mass was concelebrated by Father Emmanuel H. Pierre of the Archdiocese of Port of Spain, who addressed the congregation on the urgent need to aid critical restoration efforts for the deteriorating Cathedral. 

The Cathedral, which was completed in 1850, is one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most significant historic, cultural and architectural landmarks and is listed as a heritage site by the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago. The Cathedral is now in dire need of restoration, and the Archdiocese of Port of Spain is now appealing to the public for support.
 
In a moving Homily, which was peppered with signature Trinbagonian humour, Archbishop Harris impressed upon the congregation the importance of using the Lent season to cultivate good habits that would help them become better people. 

He recalled his childhood Lenten sacrifices of his beloved pone and sweetbread, noting that it was perhaps more worthwhile when people use the season to challenge themselves to actively do things to improve their character and help their fellow man. 

The Archbishop called on the Trinbagonian nationals in the congregation to ensure that they did good works within their communities, so that the Trinidad and Tobago Diaspora in London would become well known as a loving people.

The Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols was in attendance and also addressed the congregation. He said he was greatly pleased to host Archbishop Harris and to support the restoration of Trinidad’s Mother Church. 

The Archbishop also thanked High Commissioner Nicholas for making the Mass possible, and wished the people of Trinidad and Tobago well with their continued efforts to restore their Mother Church.