The Church in Trinidad & Tobago

Richard Thompson describes his experience managing a mild case of Parkinson’s disease and the resulting physical pain.

Thompson reports that doctors in Trinidad and the United States attribute his intense nerve pain in his legs and back to the progression of the disease. He notes that as Parkinson's advances, patients may experience stiffness, mobility issues, and nerve pain that magnifies previous injuries.

To manage the condition, Thompson has used exercise to help generate dopamine and has consulted doctors regarding treatment options. These options include deep brain surgery, stem-cell-derived dopamine neuron transplantation, and MRI-guided focused ultrasound. His medical providers have suggested increasing dopamine levels and using pain management to reduce his continuous pain.

The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith has released a document titled Venite ad Me. The Considerations regarding the transmission of the faith is the first in a four-part series.

Families in the Philippines prepare meals to commemorate deceased loved ones at cemeteries during All Souls' Day.

According to the Diocese of Port of Spain, this practice serves as a way for family and friends to remember those who have passed. Some people use the occasion as a time for family reunions.

All Souls' Day is observed on November 2, following the holy day of All Saints' Day on November 1. In many regions, including the Philippines, Europe, and parts of Central and South America, specific comfort foods made from ingredients such as flour, sugar, beans, eggs, and butter are associated with these commemorative days.

Bishop Jaime José Villarroel Rodríguez of Carúpano said Venezuelan migrants seek to establish new lives and contribute to Trinidad and Tobago. Speaking during a ten day visit to the country, the bishop noted that migrants often feel supported in their new environment.

Bishop Villarroel Rodríguez highlighted an agreement between the Diocese of Carúpano and the Archdiocese of Port of Spain to provide a priest for the pastoral care of Latin American migrants. Most of these migrants are Venezuelan.

During his visit, the bishop observed various assistance programs, including food aid, school support for children, prison visits, and guidance on legal processes. He stated that such assistance helps migrants understand their rights and local laws. He also noted the necessity of protecting vulnerable people from exploitation and human trafficking.

The Church celebrates the Solemnity of All Saints on November 1 and All Souls’ Day on November 2. All Saints’ Day honors those who share in the life of God in heaven, including individuals whose names do not appear on any liturgical calendar. All Souls’ Day focuses on prayer for the faithful departed, a time when families often visit cemeteries and gather for Mass.

The Diocese of Port of Spain notes that these traditions express the belief that death does not end the belonging of people to one another in Christ. The observance also serves as a way to remember the character and virtues of deceased family members. Pope Francis has previously written about the concept of saints who live next door.

Father Robert Christo, Vicar for Communications for the Diocese of Port of Spain, addressed the importance of praying for the deceased during the month of November. He noted that while Caribbean funeral traditions often include large celebrations with food, music, and tributes, these customs should not overshadow prayers for the souls of the departed.

Christo explained that the Church observes All Souls’ Day on November 2 to remember the faithful departed. He cited the biblical book of Second Maccabees to support the practice of praying for the dead.

Regarding the necessity of these prayers, Christo referenced the Catechism of the Catholic Church to explain that those who die in friendship with God may still require purification in Purgatory. He described Purgatory as a final purification for those destined for Heaven rather than a second chance at life.

The Diocese of Port of Spain suggests that people preparing floral tributes for All Saints and All Souls may find inspiration in locally gathered flowers and greenery.

An author for the Diocese noted that tropical blooms, such as Hawaiian torch and peace lilies, grow freely along roadsides and near rivers in the countryside. While purchasing arrangements from florists is a common practice for cemetery visits, the author suggests that simple, hand-selected arrangements of local foliage can serve as meaningful and less expensive tributes.

Those collecting plants are advised to seek permission before gathering anything, as wild plants may belong to others or reside in protected areas. The author also recommends leaving protected plants undisturbed and choosing only flowers to ensure the landscape remains intact.

The Diocese of Port of Spain published a reflection on the Gospel of Luke 13:10-17 for Monday, October 26.

The text examines the account of Jesus healing a woman who had been bent double for 18 years. The reflection notes that a synagogue official protested the healing because it occurred on the Sabbath. The Diocese observes that the official prioritized rules and regulations over the woman's well-being.

The reflection suggests that those in authority, including religious leaders and politicians, may sometimes overlook the needs of individuals in favor of laws. It concludes that human discernment is necessary to apply mercy and empathy.

The Diocese of Port of Spain published a reflection for Sunday, October 25, regarding the Gospel of Matthew 22:34-40.

The text states that Jesus presents the command to love God, neighbor, and oneself as the core of all law rather than a new regulation. The reflection notes that compassion, forgiveness, inclusivity, and diversity cannot be quantified or legislated. It suggests that attempting to legislate every aspect of life exhausts the law and misses its essential purpose.

The author connects the command to love with the human identity of being made in the image and likeness of God. According to the text, love of God and love of neighbor are inseparable, meaning love for God cannot be expressed without expressing love for neighbors, creation, and oneself.