When Hurricane Beryl struck last July, its passage dealt a devastating blow to the Barbados fishing industry.  Many families lost boats, equipment, and their primary source of income and many are still struggling to recover. Moved by their plight, the Diocese of Barbados resolved to offer spiritual support, as well as financial relief where possible.   

Thanks to a generous grant from the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund, the Diocese secured $4,000 USD to aid two particularly hard‑hit fishing families.  This funding was equally shared with the families of Mr. Murphy Brathwaite of Bayfield St. Phillip and Mrs. Yvonne Skeete of Skeete’s Bay, St. Philip.  

It was acquired through the advocacy of Reverend Clive Thomas, Rector of St. Ambrose Church and Disaster Lead for the Caribbean, on the Anglican Alliance Caribbean Forum, and Mr. Clifton Nedd, Anglican Alliance Caribbean Facilitator.  An appeal had been made and presented to the Anglican Alliance.

In presenting the cheques to the families, Bishop of Barbados Michael Maxwell stated “As hurricanes and tropical storms grow more frequent and severe across the Caribbean, the reality of climate change can no longer be ignored. In response, our Anglican Church, guided by the fifth Mark of Mission to ‘strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth,’ seeks to embrace creation care as an essential part of its mission.  We recognize this as our sacred duty while being stewards of God’s creation.”

The families were presented with their cheques recently by Bishop Maxwell. The funds are designated for boat repairs or as temporary income support. “While modest, we pray this assistance will ease their burden and help them regain their livelihoods” added Bishop Maxwell.

He also urged “As the new hurricane season approaches, let us remember the lessons of Hurricane Beryl.  May we all, individually and collectively commit to creation care and disaster preparedness. By assessing our risks, strengthening our resilience, and supporting those in need, we can honor our responsibility to protect both our communities, and the earth entrusted to us.” (PR)

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, an American born in the state of Chicago, is the new Pope. He is the 267th Pope and the first American pontiff in the 2000 year history of the Catholic Church. The new leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics was elected after two days of secret deliberations.

Prevost is a missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and led the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops.

Prevost, 69 has taken the name Leo X1V.

A Requiem Mass for Pope Francis was held yesterday evening at the St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral. Catholics turned out in large numbers at the Jemmotts Lane location for the Mass celebrating the life of Pope Francis.

The Pope died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

The Roman Catholic Bishop, Neil Scantlebury during the mass incensed a photo of Pope Francis. He was joined by clergy from other churches, Anglican Bishop of Barbados The Rt. Rev. Michael Maxwell, Moravian Rev Cicely-Athill Horsford and Anglican Priest Rev Dr. Michael Lashley