Religion

DIGNITY OF LIFE

from the The Most Rev. Neil Scantlebury, Bishop of Bridgetown

Catholic Social Teaching (CST) emphasizes that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God and, therefore, possesses inherent dignity. This principle is crucial in addressing social justice issues in Barbados, where violence, assisted suicide, capital punishment, and abortion threaten the sacredness of life. When society fails to recognize that each person is a Child of God, human life is devalued, leading to an increase in murders and the acceptance of unjust practices. In this Jubilee Year, we are called to be pilgrims of hope, working towards a society that upholds the dignity of all individuals and promotes justice and peace.

One of the most concerning social issues in Barbados is the rise in violent crime, particularly murders. Many acts of violence stem from poverty, broken families, and a culture that does not fully respect the worth of every person. When human dignity is not recognized, conflicts escalate into deadly violence. CST calls for the promotion of peace, justice, and reconciliation. The Church and Government must play an active role in fostering strong family values, providing education, and creating opportunities for employment, especially for young people. Restoring dignity through social support and community development will help reduce crime and create a culture of respect for life.

Another growing concern is the discussion around assisted suicide. While some argue that it is an act of compassion, CST teaches that life is sacred from conception to natural death. True dignity is not found in ending suffering through death but in caring for those who are sick or vulnerable. Barbados must focus on improving palliative care, mental health services, and emotional support for the elderly and terminally ill, ensuring that they are treated with love and dignity rather than being encouraged to see death as a solution.

Capital punishment remains part of Barbados’ legal system, although it has not been carried out in years. The Catholic Church opposes the death penalty, as it denies the possibility of redemption and contradicts the belief that even those who have committed crimes retain their God-given dignity. Instead of seeking retribution, justice should focus on rehabilitation and reconciliation. Barbados should move towards officially abolishing capital punishment and strengthening its justice system to emphasize reform and second chances.

Abortion is legal in Barbados under specific circumstances. Termination of pregnancies is against the dignity of human life. CST teaches that life begins with conception and must be protected. The Church and Government must work to support pregnant women facing difficulties by offering alternatives such as counseling, financial aid, and adoption services, ensuring that both mother and child are treated with dignity.

In this Jubilee Year, as pilgrims of hope, Barbadians must commit to upholding the dignity of all human life. By embracing Catholic Social Teaching, we can build a society where every person is valued as a Child of God, and social justice is truly realized. (PR)

Religion

GOD NOT GUN

Message from The Most Rev Neil Scantlebury

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,

Gun crimes in Barbados are at an all-time high. This beautiful island of ours that we all love so dearly is seeing the ugliness of death due to the bullet becoming almost a weekly occurrence. Most will agree that this level of violent crime is foreign to the Barbadian way of life. So, what has changed? Why are we no longer a peaceful and loving society?

The recent formation of the National Advisory Council on Citizen Security is one of many measures that the government is using to tackle the upsurge in serious crimes. The arm of the Barbados Police Service is being strengthened with collaboration with the Barbados Defense Force and it is hoped that this united front can stem the tide of serious crimes and murders.

I welcome any and all attempts to return our country to a peaceful and loving place.

In grappling with the answer to the question of why has our society change for the worse I am convinced that the breakdown in good family life is at the center of the crime and violence. A good family is indeed vital to building a good society. The family plays a foundational role in shaping individuals who form the fabric of society. It is in the family that our spirituality, morals and ethics are formed. In today’s modern world fewer people are attending church or establishing a sound spiritual foundation. It was in the family circle where children first learn about right and wrong. Parents and caregivers instilled moral values, ethics and a sense of responsibility in children and these are characteristics crucial for the development of a just and compassionate society.

Thou shall not kill. God has given us all the precious gift of life we must be thankful and grateful for all lives, ours and those of others. I want to remind people who find themselves on a slippery slope and a pathway to commit a murder that they are breaking God’s law. I encourage would-be killers to pause reflect and pray. There is always another way. It may not seem like there is another way when all the odds are stacked against you but there is. Reviews in all murder cases prove that forgiveness and reconciliation would have mitigated the situation. My brothers and sisters avoid hasty actions born out of vexation. These actions have tremendous long-term effects.

Go to God not the gun. Before you load up that gun to take a life get a Bible and read it, load up with the word of God. There is always a better tomorrow. Trust in God. There is hope in God. There are many stories -not enough- about persons who have walked away from a life of crime and gangs and became successful individuals with families.

No man is an island, no man stands alone. Those involved in serious crimes and murders must reflect on the hurt and pain that they bring down not only to their victims but also the victim’s family. The person you kill is a son, daughter, sister, mother, brother, father and friend to others, they will forever feel the pain of your actions which took away a loved one forever. Those of you who are shooting and killing please note that your family and loved ones also become suffering victims of your actions. Your actions may result in revenge on you or a lifetime in jail. No parent wants to know their child is locked in prison. No wife or girlfriend would like prison or death to end their loving relationship. No young child wants to be without the loving care of their father.

The repercussions of crime and violence are far reaching and never ending.

My prayers and appeal go out to those trapped in the vortex of crime. I assure you that with God you have the power to turn your life around. You were blessed with life and made for a great purpose, live your life to the fullest and let others do so too with theirs. Go to God not the gun. Load up your heart with the Word of God not a gun with bullets.

Religion

Mary and the Eucharist

On Saturday 11th May local Catholic church held its fifth annual pilgrimage in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Entitled Our Lady of Fatima Pilgrimage under the theme ‘Mary and the Eucharist’ it attracted over 120 people who were transported by buses and personal vehicles to stop-overs at seven Catholic churches around the island.

The pilgrimage started at 8:15 am with a Mass lead Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgetown Neil Scantlebury. The pilgrimage traveled to St. Dominic Church in Maxwell, Christ Church before moving on to Sacred Heart of Jesus in Groves, St. Philip and a lunch stop at Our Lady of the Rosary in Verdun, St. John. At each stop the pilgrims went into prayerful reflections and sang songs of worship. After the stop in St. John the pilgrimage headed north to Our Lady of Sorrows in Ashton Hall, St. Peter before stopping at St. Francis of Assisi in Mount Standfast, St. James and Our Lady of the Universe in Black Rock St. Michael. The pilgrimage ended at St. Patrick’s RC Cathedral, where it started.

Bishop Neil told the media that he was pleased with the turnout of church members, especially the number of young pilgrims. He noted that the annual event is seeing more interest and participation and he is looking forward to it becoming a major liturgical event for Catholics and others. The members of the church were asked to use the scared pilgrimage to pray for our nation as it grapples with too many murders and suicides, domestic violence and drug addiction. (by Christopher Williams)

Religion

RC BISHOP NEIL SCANTLEBURY COMMEMORATES THE WASHING OF THE FEET

Bishop Neil Scantlebury washed and kissed the feet of 12 men last night during the Mass which symbolically recreated the Lord’s Supper. The day and the mass is one of the high points on the christian calendar, taking place on the day before Good Friday, called Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday it commemorates the washing of the feet and last supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles as described in the gospels. (maundy comes from the latin word mandatum or commandment)

It was at the supper before His death that Jesus Christ demonstrated humility to his disciples by washing and kissing their feet.

Bishop Neil preached that the act of washing and kissing someone’s foot is a deep and meaningful expression of love and service and an example that we should follow in our lives.