Thursday, February 5, 2009

Monday 24th November, 2008 (10:00 am) the councils of the Irish and the English Vicariates in the Caribbean met at the St. Dominic’s Pastoral Centre, St. Finbar, Diego Martin. Attending the meeting were as follows: Fr. Ferdinand Warner O.P Regional Prior, Fr. Patrick Brennan O.P Socius to the Regional Prior and Prior of Holy Cross Priory, Thomas Lawson O.P out-going Regional Prior, Fr Brendan Ryan O.P member, Alan Mohammed O.P Bursar and Secretary, Fr. Dwight Black O.P member, Fr. Charles Dominique O.P Regional Prior, Fr. Peter Clark O.P, Fr. Louis Bethrand O.P, Fr. Theodor Taylor O.P.

The meeting began with a prayer by Fr. Warner, who then outlined the context of the meeting, which were:
1. The last General Chapter proposed more collaboration between the English Speaking- Vicariates with emphasis on the English and Irish Vicariates.
2. The last Irish Vicariate Chapter proposed a meeting between the two regional priors and councils of the two respective Vicariates.
3. Some collaboration in the past was noted.

. In the past there had been an exchange of students.
. Frs. Alan and Dwight did their Novitiate in Grenada with Fr. Joe Ralph assistant Novice Master.
. At present it is a good idea to continue this or start to something new.

The way forward:
1.The use of the internet to foster greater collaboration between the two vicariates and to promote vocation to our Dominican Life.
2. Development of a common Dominican directory between the two Vicariates.
3. The possibility of joint retreats.
4.The possibility of common study days.
5. Strengthen our communities.
6.To give stronger witness to those interested in Dominican Life.
7.An exchange of personnel; ideas; ministries.
8.Greater involvement of the Dominican Laity in our missionary ventures.



The meeting ended with a tour of the new St. Dominic’s Pastoral Centre and

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I am very happy to hear of this meeting and the proposed ways forward. I strongly agree that there is a need, To give stronger witness to those interested in Dominican Life. Understanding that our communities should be place where we can make mistakle and grown to a deeper understanding of that call to holiness. The lives of Dominicans saints and holy Dominican sisiters and brothers from 1216 have taught us this. In the Dominican Tradition we do not master the life all at once. Trust and open communication is a sure way forward. I will continue to prayer for this venture and Vocations to the Dominican way of life for both the sisters and the brothers.