Roman Catholic Archbishop Joseph Harris yesterday expressed joy at the overwhelming response of thousands of parishioners who attended the annual Corpus Christi Mass at the Queens Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, saying he was uncertain people would turn out due to the recent threats of Isis attacks against malls across the country.
Harris made the comment to the packed a packed Grand Stand at the beginning of his homily, noting that on Wednesday he was bombarded with calls by concerned parishioners who asked if it would be safe to attend mass given the recent warning that went viral on social media and Whats App. The calls, he said, prompted him to contact the authorities to find out about security arrangements for the event.
“At a moment of great tension, with rumours of unspeakable violence to come, the bombing of malls, let me say how happy I am to see so many of you here this morning in spite of your fears. I spoke with the authorities and they have assured me that they have more security with us than they normally do,” Harris told the massive gathering.
His words of “more security” was surely evident yesterday, as at almost every street corner—from Independence Square to the Savannah, there were either parked police vehicles—marked and unmarked, or police on patrol.
On the compound of the Grand Stand, at the main entrance, there were security officials checking every bag belonging to women, while another male security officer asked almost every male who walked in if they were in possession of any firearm.
Close to the security check point there were heavily armed police dressed in tactical uniform throwing a watchful eye. There were also officers assigned to the security firm SWAT Estate Police Company Limited. The T&T Guardian was told by a security personnel that the entire compound was “swept” or thoroughly checked by security personnel hours before the event.
It was also alleged that events at the QPS are closely monitored by the National Operations Centre, which is located obliquely opposite the Grand Stand. During the mass, the heavily armed officers were seen walking around and among the parishioners as they sang, worshiped and listened to Harris’ homily.
In his Corpus Christi message, Harris called for the building of strong communities.
“Strong communities offset some of the danger. It is imperative that where there is strong community life, the community has the strength to withstand the swords of the enemies from without and within,” he said.
Referring to Pope Francis, who in his message at the Vatican yesterday, called people who take advantage of the poor as “true bloodsuckers” who “live by spilling the blood of the people who they make slaves of labour,” Harris said people like these are only conquered by strong communities “united by members of Christ and fulled by religious imaginations which allows structures and institutions of solidarity to develop so that no one is left behind.”
Subsequent to the homily, a little child lifted up the country’s crime situation in prayer. The child prayed that the Lord would touch the hearts and minds of those involved in crime and turn them back to the Lord.
Speaking to the T&T Guardian just before the start of the procession, which was led by Harris through the capital streets to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, parishioners expressed gratitude for the heightened police presence.
Beverly Mc Carther, 76, of Diego Martin, admitted that she was scared to participate in this year’s mass and procession because of the terrorist threats.
“I cannot read or write to well but I heard about the messages from my grandchildren and it is very frightening to me. I thought all kinds of things before I came here, but I said if I was to die today (yesterday) I would die in church.”
Another parishioner, Sterling Theodore, 55, of Arima, said he was relieved to see so many police officers around.
“I feel safe. I listened to what Father Harris said and I am grateful that he himself called whoever to ensure that we are safe here today (yesterday).”