Catholics: Time for renewed commitment to living Christian faith
JANUARY 10, 2017 marked 180 years since Jamaica was established as an Apostolic Vicariate back in 1837. This establishing of what is technically called an ‘ecclesiastical territorial jurisdiction’, was a sign that the Catholic Church intended to restart its mission commitment in Jamaica to fulfil the mandate given by Our Lord Jesus Christ, “Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved ... . ” (Mk 16:15-16).
One hundred and nineteen years later, in recognition of the development that had taken place in the Apostolic Vicariate of Jamaica, the territory was elevated to the status as The Diocese of Kingston in February 29, 1956. Then, almost 50 years ago, September 14, 1967, the Archdiocese of Kingston was established, and the Diocese of Montego Bay created. Subsequently, the Diocese of Mandeville was created in April 15, 1991.
RENEW UNDERSTANDING OF VISION
These milestones must not be allowed to pass unnoticed and without significant acknowledgement and celebration. Of course, acknowledgement and celebration must be done with an aim to renew understanding of the Church’s vision in line with the mission given by Jesus Christ Our Lord. This process has begun with the strategic plan which assessed, evaluated, and critiqued the Church’s role and impact over the past decades. For example, has the community of baptised Catholics fully lived the Christian calling? And, are we interpreting the signs of the time under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit so as to remain relevant according to Gospel values, and be the salt of the earth and the light of the world?
FACE CHALLENGE
The alarming multifaceted crime rate in our nation draws attention to the social and economic concerns to be addressed. Every Catholic must see in this challenge, an opportunity for renewed commitment to faithful living of the mission, mandate given by Our Lord Jesus Christ. Let every Church community embark on initiatives so that each member gets involved in making an invaluable contribution for the salvation of souls, and the realisation of God’s Kingdom that will make Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families, and do business.