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| La Divina Pastora R.C. Church Siparia In 1703, Venerable Isidore, A Spanish Capuchin Monk,received an apparition of the Blessed Virgin, in which she requested him to encourage the faithful to seek her intercession with her Son, addressing her as "Divina Pastora" - Good Shepherdess. This occurred in Seville, in the province of Aragon, in Spain. The Capuchin Order soon embraced Our Lady under this title. In 1715, they began missionary work in Venzuela, and by the 1750's, had branched across to Trinidad, setting up a number of missions. One of these was established in Siparia during the period 1756-1758 and placed under the patronage of their beloved "La Divina Pastora". Siparia was, at that time, a forested area, inhabited by a handful of Amerindians; but it was also a traditional meeting point for a number of Orinoco Amerindian tribes. The Capuchins were therefore likely to come into contact with a large number of Amerindians of various tribes in this place. Their mission was to bring these people to Christ. The mission consisted of a number of thatched buildings where the monks lived, prayed and interacted with the Amerindians, instructing them and learning from them. By 1835, Siparia was elevated from "Mission" to "Parish", although off and on during the 19th century there was no resident priest. A priest would occasionally be sent, perhaps from San Fernando, to celebrate mass in the old wooden church building and sleep in a ramshackle presbytery. Later, parish priests from Siparia began to be appointed. One of them, a Belgian, Fr. Kunes, began building a new presbytery, which was completed by his successor, Fr. Cornelius O'Hanlon, during the 1860's. When Fr. O'Hanlon began rebuilding the old church building, the people of Siparia carried the building materials to the site on their heads and shoulders because no pack animals were available. There were also no roads except the Amerindian trail, and no bridges across the rivers. His Grace, Archbishop Louis Joachim Gonin donated $312.00 towards the cost of erection of the new church. The remainder was realised through the generous contributions of the many pilgrims who came to the church of La Divina Pastora each day. By 1957, this church building was no longer serviceable. It was demolished and the building of a new church was begun. This was under the pastoral care of Fr. Kieron Lennon. In 1960 before this new building was completed, Fr. Lennon was transferred, and Fr. Eugene Delahunt was appointed as parish priest of Siparia. He put the finishing touches to the new building. On June 20th 1965,it was consecrated by His Grace, Count Finbar Ryan. The church building is now almost 40 years old. It is situated atop a plateau in the south western part of Trinidad 80 km from the Capital City of Port of Spain, and 23 km from the City of San Fernando. At present Siparia has a population of 20,000 persons of whom approximately 6,000 are catholics. The present church, built in 1960 accommodates 600 persons. At daily masses an average of 75 persons attend and weekend masses attract over 400 persons at each of the three masses. The church celebrates its Patronal feast day in a special way. In preparation for the occasion on the 4th Sunday of Easter, devotions are held on the second Sunday of each month beginning in November. At these devotins pilgrims from all over Trinidad attend and on the Feast day thousands more come to pay homage to La Divina Pastora. They attend the 10:00 a.m. mass which is followed by a solemn procession with the statue of La Divina Pastora through the streets of the town. The church of La Divina Pastora Siparia, is unique in that it is a centre of prayer for both christians and non-christians. On Holy Thursday and Good Friday thousands of Hindus visit the church to pay homage to La Divina Pastora and give thanks for the power of her intercession. Because of this unique nature of the devotions that take place at La Divina Pastora. the church has been, and continues to be, the subject of research by undergraduate and graduate students of the University of the West Indies, as well as foreign universities. Within the past five (5) years (1994-1999) there have been one post graduate student from a Japanese University, and another from U.C.L.A. Both were doing research in preparation of their doctoral theses. Throughout the year on a daily basis pilgrims visit the church. Besides the Cathedral in Port of Spain, La Divina Pastora is one of the few churches in the country that welcomes a steady stream of pilgrims every day. From 6:00 a.m. to way past 6:00 p.m. pilgrims come to pray - to give thanks, to seek help, to comune with God. They represent a microcosm of the population of Trinidad and Tobago. They transcend religious beliefs. Siparia gives to all who seek it, through La Divina Pastora R.C. Church, a place of solace and spiritual upliftment. To be able to offer a better welcome to the visitor and to prepare an environment for peaceful and intimate communication, the parish has decided to upgrade the church building.. The short term plan to May 2000 is :- To install stained glass panels behind the altar $140,000 To replace the roof and repair the ceiling 120,000 To improve the two side altars 20,000 To repair restrooms and passage 10,000 To repair electricity and electronic system 10,000 $300,000TT Approximately $ 50,000US We propose to raise the money by undertaking fundraising projects e.g. Christmas Dinner, Religious Concerts, Cultural Fiesta, Grand Raffle, Cake Sales and through donations. Contributions can be made to the Renovation Fund account at Republic Bank Trinidad Ltd. #270449506501, or sent to the Parish Priest, Fr. Stephen Doyle, La Divina Pastora R.C. Church, La Divina Pastora Street, Siparia. Trinidad, West Indies 1-868-649-2204 e-mail address: kathlyn@tstt.net.tt Preparing for the Year 2000 Spiritually and Physically As the church gears itself to welcome the Jubilee year which marks 2000 years of Christianity, La Divina Pastora R.C. Church community believes it has its part to play in preparation for that celebration That preparation began in 1998. In September 1998, La Divina Pastora R.C. community began a process of empowerment. The men of the parish benefited when a quarterly Mass with special emphasis on males was instituted. During these Masses, males took the initiative in carrying out the liturgical duties. These Masses have brought about a willing participation by the men of the parish and the resultant improved attendance generally. They ushered, read, took up collection and the offertory, they sang in the choir and distributed the Holy Eucharist. The next Mass for Males is scheduled for 18th December 1999. The process of preparing for Jubilee Year 2000 continues, as La Divina Pastora annual devotions begins to take focus. This year pilgrims will have the opportunity to be spiritually prepared for the devotions at an All Night Vigil to be held on the night Saturday 6th November beginning with Mass at 6:30 p.m., and ending at 5:00 a.m. on Sunday. The vigil is intended for devotees to acquire the graces in order to be committed to the prayerful completion of the six-month period of devotion to La Divina Pastora. The Feast Day is Sunday 7th May 2000. In ushering in the New Spring Time proclaimed by our Holy Father John Paul II, the parish selected as the theme for this year’s devotion “Hail! Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee!” The following are the Sub sectors for the devotions 1st Session – Sunday 14th November 1999 – 3:00p.m.– : “Hail! Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee!” 2nd Session – Sunday 12th December 1999- 3:00p.m. –: “The Magnificat” 3rd Session – Sunday 9th January 2000 – 3:00 p.m. –: “The Memorare” 4th Session – Sunday 13th February 2000 – 3:00p.m. –: “The Angelus” 5th Session – Sunday 12th March 2000 – 3:00 p.m. –: “O Queen of the Holy Rosary” 6th Session – Sunday 9th April 2000 – 3:00 p.m. –: “Hail Holy Queen” Feast Day Vigil – Saturday 29th April 2000 – “Blessed art thou Among Women, and Blessed is the Fruit of Thy Womb, Jesus.” From 8:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Feast Day- Sunday 7th May 2000 – 10:00 a.m. – : “La Divina Pastora, Pray for Us” (Mothers, Fathers, Youths, Families) The process of preparing for the Jubilee Year 2000 also has a physical component. The parish has decided to improve the physical appearance of the church and its surroundings. To this effect, a comprehensive renovation project was initiated on the 24th April 1999. It entails repairs to the roof and ceiling, restrooms, electricity and electronic systems; painting of the parish hall and conference room; improving the side altars; and the installation of stained glass panels. The physical improvement project is expected to cost $300,000.00. Work has begun with painting and repairs to the restrooms. It is anticipated that the project would be completed in time for the Feast Day next year. Friends of Siparia and pilgrims to La Divina Pastora who wish to be a part of the project may do so by contributing to our Renovation Fund at any Branch of Republic Bank, A/c # 270 449 506 501. For more information persons can log on to our website http://www.maxpages.com/ldpsiparia. Curlis Noel Parishoner For Calendar of events Saturday November 6 - La Divina Pastora R.C. Church at 6:30 p.m. will be hosting an “All Night Vigil” Sunday November 14 - La Divina Pastora R.C. Church at 3:00 p.m. La Divina Pastora Devotions. |
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