It is estimated that a total of $12.4-million is needed to complete the renovation of the Lady of Fair Haven Cathedral in Roseau which has been described as a place of historical, cultural and religious significance to the island.
Bishop of the Diocese of Roseau, His Lordship Gabriel Malzaire, said the fundraising for the renovation of the Cathedral, located in the heart of the city, began in 2004 and is still ongoing.
“The estimate for the completion of the project now stands at $12.4 million and that is a very big figure,” he said on Tuesday. “And we are in the process of really attempting to bring to completion this project but it is a long process.”
He said the Cathedral is 159 years old and it is “a place of historical, cultural and religious significance for the people of Dominica.”
Malzaire informed that there will the launching a book, written by him, called “Christ and Caribbean Cultures” on August 7th 2015 which forms part of the fundraising drive.
“The launching of this book, is part of the fund-raising activities towards the renovation of the Cathedral,” he said.
Meantime member of the Cathedral Renovation Committee Dr. Valda Henry said there are a few fundraising issues in mind.
“The Cathedral Renovation Committee has over the years launched several fundraising efforts, but this year one of the things that we want to really relaunch is the pledge system where we get Catholics and non-Catholics to pledge a contribution for the renovation and for the work,” she noted.
She pointed out that numbers were crunched a few years ago and it shows that if EC$ 100 were received every month from 6,315 people they would have more than sufficient money to build the Cathedral and to do all of the work that the parish needs.
“And one of the things that the Committee really wishes and hopes is that pledging system becomes part and parcel of our Catholic giving,” Dr. Henry stated. “The Cathedral is ours to build. The seat of the Bishop of Roseau is really the seat of the Catholic Church in Dominica and for Catholics, that has to be the pride of our worship and we really should do that.”
In addition, they also plan of hosting a play by Alwin Bully and she mentioned that they have not given up on bring the Jamaican Reggae artiste Jimmy Cliff to Dominica as part of fund-raising efforts.
“We are closer and closer to getting Jimmy Cliff here,” Dr. Henry said.
In 2012 Asbestos containing roof tiles were safely removed from the Cathedral and back then it was said the overall project had a three-year time span and would cost $8-million.
Most of the comments were unnecessary. No one is forced to contribute, so if you are not in a position to give, say nothing and keep your opinions bottled
This for @ Me:
You lack godly enlightenment and common sense. The nonsense some of you state makes me shake my head and wonder about what type of intelligence you have. What can anyone learn from you?
Our Lord said to Peter, “Thou art Peter and upon this Rock I will build My Church. . .”
As God, He knew what Church he wanted built and what it would be called, namely, “The Roman Catholic Church”. Catholic means Universal It was named through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, in prayer.
Some disobedient members of humanity caused division and disunity. Through the years, people as Luther and Henry VIII formed their churches. I need not waste my time further and elaborate about those people. If you do not know about them and why they formed their churches including others who formed their own churches, Google their names. You should be able to read about them.
Be smart and expand your knowledge that you might not appear to be a fool and to be called one.
12.5 million dollars!! 2 Peter 2:1 ESV
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.
Mark 7:6-9 ESV
And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!
God knows you and your lifestyle. You cannot deceive him.
I expect you are referring to yourself, hypocrite. Take out the splinter from your eyes before you want to take it out the eyes of others.
who doing the renovations is it a dominican contractor?
$12 million for what all along there was a sign faceing wesley high school asking for $8 million how comes it is $12 million now?
Have you contributed to this renovation? Do you plan to contribute? If not, it is none of your business and you do not deserve a response.
Let those who contributed and others who plan to do so with a cheerful spirit ask this question; not you.
“The estimate for the completion of the project now stands at $12.4 million and that is a very big figure,” he said on Tuesday” ——News Article
Mr. Bishop I have to agree with you–that is a very big figure, just for repair activities–O yes!
When I was in Dominica in 2008 and 2013, as my people drove me around, I kept seeing Dominica looking like the Garden of Eden–which I can only imagine—standing tall because of her mountains. I thought to myself, God is watching over us, as He walked the mountains of our Dominica– I have cherished that thought
My point? I am saying to myself $12 million dollars for the repair of the Primary Church makes me think that it is the “mansion” that Jesus spoke about; no wonder He said that “only a few will enter”–but good Lord!
On a serious note, I can only hope that you and the congregation will come through with that kind of figure– I have always believed, that hope is from God who does not disappoint–His Will be done!
In especially Toronto, there are some non-Catholic churches which are huge and lavishly built. Ever considered how many millions they paid to have them constructed? Their followers helped to build them with their weekly tithes.
Why do you, a once practicing Catholic, not go after those churches? It is always the Catholic Church people as you attack. Freedom of speech is something else.
Keep attacking the Catholic Church. I am warning you, you are another one who, one day will pay for your words. Nothing is hidden from God.
As usual, some of you misinterpret Holy Scripture which is why you were ignorant of your very own faith, the Catholic Church and did not become knowledgeable in it. You were so weak of spirit and tepid of faith that you allowed yourself to be false indoctrinated and influenced to renounce it.
Furthermore, since you are no longer a practicing Catholic, you do not have a say in how much it costs because you will not be contributing to it.
I know that Dr. Henry is a smart, pragmatic and caring individual who helps anyone in need. However, I must question why we should raise funds to facilitate a twelve million dollar church renovation, when the Grotto Home for the Homeless is struggling to complete its facility. I must in good faith, question what are our priorities at home. Nonetheless, good luck Dr. Henry in your efforts. I know that you will see this through.
It is a huge undertaking but the Church has to be repaired and restored. It will! God is good! As another saying, “Something will give.” Therefore do not despair. God is looking on and is in control. The Church will, one day be completed. It may take time. As long as there is a God above, it will.
Let all negativity take a back step for this is not of God and did not come from him.
Praised be God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen!
On reflex:
Dear Blessed Mother, Our Dear Lady, look down on your Church in Dominica. You are the Mother of the Catholic Church and we know that you are praying for It and helping especially It.that It will be repaired. Help us Catholics to financially assist it. It is our Church and to give what we can, for every bit counts.
Just as Our Lord, your Blessed Son said, “I will never forsake you my children”, we know Him and you are covering It under your mantle of love and protection. Amen!
This reminds me, I once had a dream that The Mother of God, The Ever Blessed Virgin Mary said to me that, “I was in Dominica and you were not there.” I laughed and replied: “But Our Lady, you know I cannot be in two places at the same time.”
Then, she touched the right side of my stomach and said: “Take care of yourself.” I understood it to mean, to eat nutritiously for my good health.
There was more to the dream.
For especially the Roseau Catholic Cathedral and Bishop Malzaire who has this responsibility::
The Memorare
Remember O Most Gracious Virgin Mary that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, we fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, our Mother. To thee we come, before thee we stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of The Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions but in thy mercy, hear and answer us. Amen!
Thank you Dear Mother!
It seems this church renovating with gold material to be that expensive, I drove near bye to me all that money they have raised plus they gotten asume from Mr.Skerit much has not been done, Riligions and politicians are the most corrupt on this planet I don’t trust these folks. I hope Mr.Skerit don’t donate any more money to renovate this Church,
my people don’t be fool don;t give the church nothing the vatcan have a bank
God took note of your words. Watch your fingers that one day they will not be numb and twisted with illness as arthritis and you will never be able to use them. This will be one of your punishment with others to follow while you live.
This is exactly what you will get as you age and when you die – NOTHING!
Sell all that ye have and give to the poor people of Dominica,……and ye shall have riches in Heaven. This is not the time for Dominica to be doing renovations on this expensive project! If the Catholic Church doesn’t understand this, folks , come out of her my people!
We are waiting for you to do the same. Fool, the devil’s advocate.
It is obvious the money will not come from you. Why concern yourself with it? You are wasting your time,
Roman Catholicism is one of the biggest hoaxes to ever manifest itself on this planet. Roman Catholicism is diametrically opposed to the fundamental teachings of Jesus Christ.
Folks, please read and PROPERLY STUDY God’s word inorder to discern the truth from the untruth.
2 Timothy 2:15 – Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (KJV)
“Folks, please read and PROPERLY STUDY God’s word in order to discern the truth from the untruth”
—@Channel 1
First of all I think that you went a bit too up with your first 2 lines. However you are in tact with that quote here. For when I read the comments of “Real Facts” pertaining Mary, it is quite clear that too many of us are professing to be Christians, but do not have the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
If Jesus went to the grave to preach the Gospel to those who had passed without it, how much more does He wants us–who are still in the body and proclaiming His name–to have that Gospel. 1st. Peter 3: 19
And as pertaining to the Roman Catholic Church, their program is like ancient Israel, God chosen people–grounded on “religion” That was the reason God lamented, saying:
“This people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines, the commandments of men Isaiah 29: 13 Matthew 15: 8
@LizalinaXavierinJesusname – My first two lines went too far? Went too far where? Please explain.
Please note though that the truth is the truth and will always be the truth. Roman Catholicism is one of the biggest hoaxes to ever manifest itself on this planet. Roman Catholicism is an absolutely false belief system and will unfortunately beguile and lead many people straight into the pits of Hellfire.
My criterion for saying this? THE UNADULTERATED UNDILUTED WORD OF GOD. If anyone or any belief system teaches things which are in opposition to the teachings of God’s word, then that person or belief system is false. And when it is false, you say so.
Jesus was not a catholic and not the head of the church of Rome or Head of State of the Vatican. He was a wonderful man all the same.
The power of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s intercession before Her Blessed Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. It is said, He refuses his Mother nothing. She has said, our prayers will be granted “If it is the Adorable Will of Her Blessed Son.”
National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, North Jackson, Ohio, USA
In June of 1960, the Maronite priests of America wanted to build a Shrine to Our Lady. While driving they spotted a “ Property for Sale of 80 Acres.” They were impressed by the property and wanted to purchase it. They approached the owner of the property who said she will never sell to a Catholic. He tried to explain that a house of prayer will be much better than a junkyard or a supermarket but to no avail.
After three visits, the priest told her, this is my last visit. But I am going to call my friends and we will pray for nine days so that He (Our Lord Jesus Christ) will tell you to sell us the land, to build a Sanctuary for his Mother Mary.
He then called on his brother priests to pray a Novena for this intention.
Surprisingly, before the nine days were over, the lady owning the land called the priest and declared,: “Priest, come and take the land. Your lady is bothering me in my sleep. ”
In 1961 the priest paid for the property. The rest is history.
God has ordained it. No one can go wrong in honoring the Mother of God. They have much to gain by honoring her and much to lose by not doing so.
With Mary we cannot fail. Without Mary we cannot succeed. Faithful Catholics know it.
There are many relevant stories about Our Lady and her intercession. Read about them. What more do you want to know, hear/read?
Commence with The Secret of the Rosary written by St. Louis de Montfort..
@Channel 1 August 5, 2015 “Roman Catholicism is one of the biggest hoaxes to ever manifest itself on this planet”
Those are your words above, that is what I am talking about. In other words, that line is a bit overstated, for I am sure that you cannot prove it to be factual.
I wasn’t criticizing what you wrote; but as I have noticed–no one reads past the first two lines and they decide from that–you have me all wrong by doing the same thing–that is just too bad.
When you die Our Lord Jesus Christ will reveal to you what the Catholic Church was all about, the truth of it, until Judgment Day.
You are so brainwashed and are beyond learning. I feel sorry for people as you who continue to hate the Catholic Church. Faithful members of this Church will get the last laugh on Judgment Day. Wait and see!
Some of you lack godly enlightenment. Be careful of stones that you throw. God gave you a body with all its faculties. He can take them away from you at any time.
Would love to see some of you as you age. You may be a sorry sight, upsetting to look at because of all the hatred you spewed also on this Website.
the ‘experts” should advise that the Church Government sell some of its real estate to invest in the construction of the church building.And use the surplus to help the Grotto.
I need to hold a concert to raise funds the church,
The Vatican is one of the wealthiest establishment in the world. All money gathered over the years that have been sent to Rome should be returned in order to facilitate this build. You ever seen how opulent the Vatican and all the people in there live Amen
That’s right. Petition the wealthy Vatican and Pope. Let them pay for it.
Some of you profess to know a lot but you know nothing. Your ignorance and lack of spiritual enlightenment and knowledge project themselves.
What makes you think that the Vatican did not assist financially? You go about blabbing your mouths and hitting the keyboard with your fingers without thinking.
The Vatican gives so much. The rest must come from members/donors.
Furthermore, the Vatican assists people, the needy throughout the world.
If you know the Holy Scripture: “God loves a cheerful giver.”
When I read your godless comment which indicates to me that it generated straight from the jaws of Hell, obviously influenced by Satan, the enemy of God and of our souls, I really wish that God would strike you people down immediately. However, God tells me, “PatienceMy child. Their day will come and soon enough, for as they sow, so shall they reap.” This is my consolation and that of other faithful Catholics.
Some of you are really digging your grave deeper.
Now that all else has failed: the abattoir was just a passing cloud, the geothermal project a smoke screen, the Moroccan hotel a house of wax, the economy a sinking ship. the airport night landing……….. well two things come to mind: soocooyans and fireflies.
Watch out! the spiritual arm of the DLP will probably soon promise us reserved seats in heaven next to St. Stone but we are not to take it.
One can not serve God and Mormon simultaneously.
I am Speechless!
The Vatican owns wealth without measure. Just saying…
aks de pope. he have plenty money an he say he love po people
i will be copping my copy on amazon
oh yeah.. is there a just giving page for the reconstructions?
I’m really scratching my head now. That cathedral project is as unreal as a budget by Roosevelt Skerrit. Only two years ago (DNO 12 July, 2013) the bishop said the cost of the project was approx. $8 million, half of which had already been raise. Now he says that a further $12.4 million is needed to complete it. In my book that would make the total cost at least $16.4 million. How could they get it so wrong? Well, let the Good Lord provide. I have to take care of my family first and pews don’t fill stomachs and holy water does not quench thirst.
Go to the Red Clinic!
Go to the illuminati!
Go sell passport!
Ask those selling the passports!
Go to Sack Weigh Teeth. He has a lot of money!
But not my money all you getting!
How much have been spent so far? What is the total estimates of this project.
Why don’t we use local artists instead of Jimmy Cliff or any other artist. I am sure they would be willing to play free with all the proceeds going to the church. Then why not ask for donations at home and abroad. There are organizations that would be happy to donate for repairing a historical building of 159 years
Why don’t you organize a website and a bank account where contribution cant be sent. We have Dominican groups all over who that can be tapped for funds. Raising funds is hard work!
Abestos will cause lung cancer.
Agreed that Catholics should pay their tithe. As soon as they join another religion they have to start giving up the money whether they have it or not.
Nobody obliges anyone to join a church! These guys are too smart, duty free vehicles and tax free income. No wonder so many with a glib tongue starting their own congregation.
They go broke giving the little money they earn to other churches.
The Catholic Church has never told its members how much to give or force them to give. In addition, all are welcomed, no matter who they are. They are not thrown out of the Church if they have no money to tithe or give little.
Just as it has this policy not to be aggressive evangelists, forcing people to join the Church, likewise it never forces any members to give. What they give is between God and themselves.
In this era with all sorts of religions which sprouted up, those especially saying they are Christians, they are disrespectful toward the Catholic Church. We know that God rewards the good and punishes the wicked. One day these enemies will pay for their words. The finality of it all will be on Judgment Day. Many will regret their words and actions forever. Those who bashed the Catholic Church and have predeceased us already know where they are in eternity. It is not Heaven.
God owns every thing why should Black people keep begging for money to fix his house. Do we know how to worship him. Who taught us about christianity did not teach us how to pray. We should go back to vooddo .
Jack many will not understand where you’re coming from because they are christians while voodoo is a form of African spirituality and they will not admit that they are Africans by race.
Hotep
@out of south city August 5, 2015
Just because it is “African spirituality” that does not make it good–absolutely not!.
Perhaps you are ignorant of the fact that “Satan” (the wicked and evil Lucifer) who lived in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve–today he is a spirit person, with his own children in this world; they are better known as demons.
Those demons take possession of us, human beings or anything physical to do their demonic works, because they are spirit, and a spirit does not have a physical body.
Do you thing that the “spirituality” of “Sherman Webb” was of good functions. Up to today he is denying that he killed his friend, by chopping his neck with a cutlass. so who did it?
That is what evil and wickedness does, the evil spirit in the person blots our his or her mind–to do the work of evil or wickedness–that is the reason you will hear ever so often; “the devil made me do it” You need to be careful.
You will never get it that Dominicans, just as the other islanders are not full-fledged Africans. On one side of their ancestor is either French, British and Spanish.
If you are not old enough to know that, do your homework and conduct a research.
If you are not blind, you can see the different pigmentation of Dominicans that they are not full-fledged Africans. Surely you should know that.
Cast this voodoo aside. It is satanic. I hardly find it a good conversation. I am certain not all Africans participated in that. Thy worshiped what they worshiped but it was not called voodoo.
People of Haiti and the French West Indies, Guadeloupe and Martinique participate in that. Then, it is not all of them.
It really is of no interest to many. We want to discuss something worthwhile and enlightening that we can learn something good from. Something godly is better.
. . . And on that day end up in Hell forever where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Voodoo did not create the world and will not judge you except for your actions. God will judge you for your mortal and spiritual ignorance and spewing hatred through your own free will which He gave you.
Instead of turning to him, remaining in him and persevere to the end that you might obtain eternal salvation and be happy with him forever, you turn to what he abhors which will not save you. This is why Shakespeare said: “What fools mortals be.”
Just get out of here with your foolishness. Find out who the real Shakespeare was and then come and talk.
Don’t you realise that I don’t believe in fantasy, myth, and the ideologies of men? Who created God and Jesus Christ? It’s an idea in the minds of men. That’s why there is so much confusion and religious people do not get along because they believe that one religion is better than the other.
If religion is so good why can’t people unite instead of crying each other down or despising each other?
HOTEP
@Jack August 5, 2015
What do you want to happen, because God owns everything? Should we expect Him to flash a wand to cause the material items, which is needed, to repair the Church–to be laid out in their places?
Well just so you know it! In the days of ancient Israel, when God called the people to build a Temple for Him–the materials for that Temple was donated by all the people–whatever the had, pertaining to the Structure of the Temple.
God owns everything, that may be true–but He expects that those who hold those things of His, should use them for the cause Life in themselves and in the Life of those who are weaker and lesser advantaged than themselves–that is the work of Love, which motivates the Spirit (conscience) of people to live and walk in Love.
How do you think Government workers are paid, if not through the country’s Tax Revenue. It is the same thing with the Church House and its programs–the donations must come from the congregation.
Why should
He said the Cathedral is 159 years old and it is “a place of historical, cultural and religious significance for the people of Dominica.”
Look out!!! The goo vel mar will give more!!!
as a matter of fact, the Roseau catholic church should be a museum for the tourist and visitors to see.
our 4 fathers were slaves owned by the church and used to build the church, many died as a result. and here we are, modern day slaves giving all we have to maintain the life style of the rich and ungodly pretending to be humble and godly.
That comment is so uncalled for.
They never give it a thought that whatever they say and do God is listening and taking note for their judgment and for persecuting Our Lord Jesus Christ himself, His Church. I like to say a mini one while they are still living.
I hope whatever ill befalls this one and others as him, they will not say, why me, as some do. They will find out soon enough. People bring these things upon them.
As Our Lord said, “By your words you will be acquitted and by your words you will be condemned.”
They will do well to read/study the Holy Bible and conform their life to God’s Will lest they be punished while on earth and then perish eternally.
forefathers – not 4 fathers
Let me tell you brother, one time all of Grandbay belonged to the Jesuits that imported slaves themselves direct. Go and read your history. That church does a lot of good work but also has a dark side to this day. The truth will set you free.
*****LET’S NOT LOSE FOCUS**********
He said the Cathedral is 159 years old and it is “a place of historical, cultural and religious significance for the people of Dominica.”
………………………………………
Attn: His Lordship Gabriel Malzaire
It would really be nice to have such a historical foundation back. BUT let’s not lose focus. If we don’t have the money…WE DON”T HAVE IT!!!
Besides, the most important reason for wanting a church is to worship GOD!! Right?
I don’t think GOD is concern if the church is a historical one. As long as we are gathered in his name!!
“Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things” : Colossian 3 vs.2
So, let’s just build an affordable church for much less!!
Thanks,
You lack godly enlightenment.
God will provide! He always will even though it takes one hundred years.
You have used this passage of the Holy Bible out of context. This is why some of you renounced your Catholic faith. You misinterpret the words of the Holy Bible.
God wants His Church restored and it will be restored.
This is for you who lack God’s blessing, graces and enlightenment:
Restore Your Church Again
We need wisdom, we need power and true love for each other
We have had so many big but empty words
So we come before your face, asking for your grace,
Lead your people to a state of kingdom life.
Restore your church again. . . .
Google the rest.
90 percent of population in Dominica are catholic. The catholic must go and pay their tiithe and offering so that their church can be built . Stop robbing God and buy fancy cars and houses. Go take care of your spiritual needs. The catholic church should not be begging for money to finish it structure. They are the richest religion in world.
Amen
The Almighty was there before the Building, and will be there long after.. You can fool some of the people sometime. You cant fool the people all the time. AmenRa
Ever gave it a thought that The Almighty wants His Church restored? Many of your ancestors worshiped in this Church and are no doubt saints in Heaven. One day you will find out. Ensure that you do not miss out.
richest religion not richest people
Because some of them were stupid to leave the Catholic Church, become its enemies and give their money to its enemies. The day will come when they will see the error of their ways.