Hoping to spread the message of peace around Trinidad and Tobago and the world, Roman Catholics in the southern region of the country gathered for a two-hour Mercy March at Harris Promenade, San Fernando yesterday.
Hosted by Zion RC Community and the Southern Vicariate, the procession began after the second mass at the Lady of Perpetual Help RC Church. Parishioners from several locations of the southern vicariate braved the midday sun for the annual Divine Mercy Sunday procession.
The march was made popular by Saint John Paul II (Pope John Paul II head of the RC church from 1978 to 2005) and it is celebrated throughout the country.
Leading this year’s procession, the first after the COVID-19 pandemic, Roman Catholic Priest Father David Khan said peace was needed all across the world.
Fr Khan also said mercy and forgiveness seem to be lacking in the world today.
“We see in this act of his great mercy in order for new life and resurrection to take place, mercy is important and that is what the world is lacking; that is what this march is about, calling on God’s mercy not only for our nation but for the entire world. As we see many tragic stories that are happening throughout the world.
“People would learn to forgive and also show mercy because the word of God teaches us as Jesus taught in our father’s prayer—Forgive as we forgive. Whom mercy is given, mercy is expected.
“This Mercy Sunday is a tradition in the church, this (mercy march) has been happening for many years in the southern vicariate and also in various parts of the archdiocese.
“It is 90 years in the history of the church, but it was made popular by Saint John Paul II.
“We recognise throughout the whole world that there is sin in many different facets, so what is happening between Palestine and Israel, in Ukraine, and also in many African nations, what is happening in our own Caribbean region of Haiti.
“The crime and the violence throughout the world. And all the various social ills, mental health, wellness, and variety of things we would be praying for and health,” Fr Khan said.
Joining the church members and procession were Girl Guides and Scouts. The procession paused at strategic locations to allow devotees an opportunity to reflect on the special prayer as it relates to health and wellness, mental health, and other significant social issues affecting the country.
Fr Khan said the Mercy March is practised in various locations throughout the archdiocese by various churches.