EDITOR’S NOTE: Recently Fr. Elton Letang, a Roman Catholic priest from Giraudel, celebrated his first anniversary as a priest. Below is a tribute written by one of his parishioners in Trinidad where he now ministers.
Frater Elton Letang came to the Parish of St. Theresa Barataria on August 28, 2012. His title (Frater) was new to many of us. This tall gentleman, with smiling eyes and lips walked into our lives – his expression was of one – embarking on an adventure.
He was warmly welcomed by all parishioners and began his journey by affiliating himself to our many Ministries and assisting our Parish Priest. He embraced the Youth Ministry and Acolytes. He did Religious Instruction classes at St. Georges College. He learnt the roads and streets of Barataria, visiting the sick and shut-ins. He quickly learnt our Trini idioms and our dishes and of course all our music.
He was ordained a deacon on October 24, 2012 by Archbishop Joseph Harris, in a memorable ceremony, the likes of which some of our parishioners had never participated. Deacon Letang’s own expression was one of true joy as he moved closer to his goal – the priesthood.
The young and the not so young began to discuss our Deacon’s homilies. Like a true teacher, he used his icebreakers, to, without fail, bring the congregation to attention and thus, brought a newness to the Holy Mass. He was soon recognised as a preacher and was in demand for Lenten retreats – Towers of Strength Prayer Group, the Church of the Assumption to mention a few.
He prepared for his Priestly Ordination under the keen eye of Fr. Joe. Mention must be made of his humility and servitude – I can still vividly remember seeing Fr. Elton kneeling on the marble floor of the altar during the Consecration – in fervent devotion to the Eucharist – perspiring profusely, yet never complaining of any discomfort.
Father Letang was ordained on June 6, 2013 in his homeland Dominica. Today we celebrate one year of this joyous occasion. Father has embraced his vocation with fervour, with such joy, such dedication, such thoroughness – he set out on a year filled with evangelization, sick visitation, teaching RI and administering in parishes the length and breadth of Trinidad and Tobago – going to rural and not so rural parishes – Brasso Seco, La Fillette, Las Cuevas, Biche, Moruga, Guapo – Point Fortin, Penal, Pilgrim, Couva, Santa Cruz, San Juan, Scarborough and others. The word “NO” is not in Father’s vocabulary – and he never seems to tire.
His instructions to the students of Fatima College at class retreats left such an impression on them that he is remembered by them even out of school. His method of imparting his knowledge, his diction, the use of his beautiful singing voice, his mode of conduct, his deep spirituality and of course his keen sense of humour, has made him a role model and has set the wheels in motion for others to choose a vocation such as his.
Father headed the RCIA Programme in our parish – recalling that it is the most spiritually rewarding and profound experience in his year as a priest. The culmination of this programme on Glorious Saturday night this year, was described by parishioners as one of utter fulfilment. Father’s one on one contact with those in need continues to be the key to his method of evangelization. He has used the talent that God gave him to bring others closet to the Lord – making each person special, calling each by name.
Let us endeavour to remember Father Elton in our daily prayers – that he continues to do the work of the Father who has chosen him. Well done good and faithful servant – remain happy in the Lord.
Congratulations my dearest brother!?
It warms my heart to read this piece of writing. Congratulations, best wishes and God’s grace and wisdom be with you at all times.
congrats Fr. Letang on your anniversary…wishing you Gods continued blessings.
God Bless you Fr. Letang!
We love Fr Elton…may God continue to bless him
My heart swells with pride and joy. You go, Father!!
Congrats my friend and brother. From the time we met i knew u had to be a priest and you have proven that you can be. Both a priest and a person who can enjoy life.
Continue doing t good work that you do and as always, you are in our prayers, my brother.
Reading this made me feel so proud. I am proud to have you as my brother. Keep doing the work of God, Elton. Keep making us proud!
Father Letang, congratulations on your First Anniversary as a Priest, Our Lady’s Beloved Son. How She loves her faithful priests. She prays for all of us but I do think with special emphasis for Her Priests.
May God continue to bless you and with health and strength in the priesthood, as you administer to your beloved parishioners in T & T who welcomed you, accepted you and are happy to have you as their priest. Your administering to them has enhanced their spirituality and knowledge of the Catholic Faith. There is no doubt they view you as a Godsend.
Father Letang, we Catholics are obligated to pray for the priests and we will continue to do so.
Those Catholics who read this, never cease praying for our priests and especially our new priests as Father Letang. Among other prayers which we could recite, some beautiful ones, we could make up our own including praying One Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be… and the Holy Rosary. We could also offer up our Masses for our Priests. We have a lot to do and people to pray for including our own, members of our Catholic Faith.
I have a leaflet which is entitled, The Rosary For The Priests. If only I could make copies and give to you. I have distributed quite a few copies to Catholics where I reside. You can Google it. You may find it. If you do, print it, make copies and distribute to others where you reside. Blessing and graces will abound from our God.
Once again, God bless Father Letang. God bless all priests and the Hierarchy of our Catholic Church. God bless our Church and as members. May He continue to enlighten us in the faith as we continue to grow in it and knowledge of same. Perfection is ongoing until the day Our Lord calls us for our judgment.
We must spend the time fruitfully for the honor and glory of God that we might have something fruitful to present to Him on that day and hope to hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant . . .”
Congratulations! Father Elton Letang may the good Lord continue to set you on fire with holy zeal, that you may snatch souls from the devil and lead them into the shelter of Jesus.
I am a Catholic and I will die one but I don’t believe c
in calling any man father but God . Matthew 23 : 9
What do you know about your Catholic faith? This is what non-Catholics say. You are joining them in it. Little do they know. What else do you not practice in the Catholic Faith? You are not a smart one at all.
A certain US Priest said he is writing a book entitled: “Why are Catholics foolish?”
This is the problem with those who say they are Catholics yet refuse to believe all what it teaches as well as practice its devotions. You are so wrong and most of all, hurting the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ who established His Church that all might be one.
You are also hurting the members and not building up the Church. You need to become knowledgeable in the Catholic faith and teachings.
You are not Catholic to the bone. If you were you would believe all what the Holy Catholic Church believes and teaches. You are disobedient and have sinned before God.
You cannot pick and choose what you want to believe. I reiterate that it is disobedience. To be a good Catholic you must also believe and practice all what the Church teaches. In the ancient days, a type of Catholic as you which you have professed to be would be excommunicated. In those days the Catholic authorities would not hesitate to do so. The Catholic Church does not want another enemy from within.
You should be ashamed of making such a public statement. It shows you are not a sincere Catholic. It shows you are not a sincere Catholic and you do not care Shame on you!
If you do not believe in being obedient by calling the Priests Father, you should leave the Catholic Church. You are not a sincere member and never will to your death. Consider where you soul will end up.
I suppose you will never think that with that type of indifferent attitude your worship and prayers are worthless.
You do not know what is contained in Holy Scriptures. When last you opened the Bible?
Here is a good one about calling our Priests “Father”. Saint Paul said. It is in the Bible! Did the detractors overlook it or ignored it?
1 Corinthians 4:14:15 – I am writing you this not to shame you, but to admonish you “as my beloved children.” Even if you should have ‘countless guides’ to Christ, yet, you do not have many fathers, “for I became your ‘Father’ in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”
So who are you not to call them Father as you proclaim to be a Catholic to the bone? You are full of Satan’s pride and pride comes before the fall of Satan. This is what happened to Satan when he said, “I will not serve.” You are doing the same thing as Satan by saying, “I will not serve God in His Church, the Church and refuse to obey the teachings of the Church and have respect for the Priests. You are condemning yourself.
Face the Facts. This long winning episode is a circle and curve going nowhere with our people trying hard to understand this on-going concept of yours that we are not able to Comprehend and digest with some level of decency and Respect. What really is the purpose of this script? It’s makes no sense at all as to where you’re going with this long concept of this message. We are lost as to the meaning and purpose of this.
Gods Blessings and Guidance 🙏. Be Safe
Our God is good. Blessings 😊
Congratulations Father Letang. May the good Lord continue to strength you as you continue your duty in saving souls for his kingdom. God bless. We will continue to pray for as you do for us.
congrats elton
D cursing Jesus try and say something nice your name alone says it all.God Bless father Letang, and may he bless you to
You know what? Little does this person know (may be a man) that he is placing curses upon his head. Some people are so foolish. That’s also atheists and agnostics. One day they will regret it. In the meantime we pray that God will enlighten them and convert them otherwise their doomed souls will be lost forever.
Fr Letang I congratulate you and I wish you many more anniversaries to come. I attended a very emotional 25th Anniversary Mass in London for Fr Sean Thornton. I pray that you grow stronger and that God gives you the wisdom and spiritual tenacity to continue to do his work. God bless you.
Congratulations again Father Elton John Letang, I am so proud of you, our family is proud of you. Our ancestors would have been so pleased to see you as a young missionary for Christ. I know they are looking down on us and smiling with pride and contentment. I will continue to pray for you as you continue on your journey in the work of the Lord. Stay strong, trust in the Lord and know that your family is with you, lovingly and with full support. God bless you. I love you.
Congrats to you Father Elton ! We went to high school together and you have always been a nice individual. Keep up the good work and God bless.
Congratulations to you Father Elton Letang. However, recent actions of the bishop, local priests, pastors, the once upon a time famous evangelist, and other religious leaders I use to respect and look up to, have so badly disturbed my mentality that I am left to wonder if there are any true servants of God remaining in Dominica. Whereas in years gone by the church was seen and heard as the voice of God to us especially in times of ungodliness, today it is viewed as part of the same problem that have surrendered conviction for 30 pieces of silver.
When you asked the question are there really servants of God remaining Dominica it tells me how confused you are and what religion has presented to you regarding what servants of God supposed to be. A servant of God does not have be a Priest, Pastor or an Evangelist.To be a servant of God it does not mean you have to be ordained as a Priest or belong to some religious institution with a hierarchy taking secret oaths and wearing clothing with religious symbols. Religion has presented a false concept as to what and who are servants of God, no wonder you are disturbed mentality when you see people who are given tittles and called servants of God act contrary to what they represent, the truth always revels it self, telling you do not accept such things presented to you solely on appearances. We are all servants of God when we carry out good deeds and services to other people who are less fortunate, love for others.
This is not an attack on people with genuine intent who want to dedicate their lives in uplifting other people. What I’m attacking is the Institutions who take advantage of such intent for their glorification carrying out their secret agenda.
In order to be a servant of God, it is imperative that you recognize Our Lord Jesus Christ who came to earth, suffered and died that we might live in his (our) Heavenly Father’s Kingdom. You are obligated to pay him homage by going to church and praying for yourself. In addition, praying for others, the entire world in general. This includes performing acts of love, generosity and mercy in Jesus Name. Do not let your mind pay tricks with you. Do not allow others to deceive you.
For God so loved the world that He sent his Only Son to earth that whoever believes in him might be saved, through him.
Our Lord Jesus Christ said: “I have come that they might have life and have it in full – in abundance.”
It is said that religious folks are the happiest. This was derived from a survey. If we practice the faith as we should, we should be the happiest people on earth for we have the Holy Spirit within us since baptism and we practice the faith. Our Lord said, “Love one another as I love you…”
I do not need to elaborate further. All you have to do is read the New Testament. If it does not help you to know all this and more, I feel sorry for you, your soul.
I’m sorry Gary, you are really out I concept, lack Respect for the Religious Faith, irrespective of who is Catholic, Seventh Day, Methodist, Anglican, etc.. etc. We are therefore All Children of God and Faith. We are to cherish and respect and promote Families of all Faiths, irresepective of Church but to honour the faith and love for all, for everyone. We are ALL Gods Children in and we will continue to pray 🙏 for peace, love, appreciation, and Engagement in life by and prosperity. God 🙏 is Good and he is our dear 🤗 Guardian 🙏
BLESSINGS 😊🌺 to All. God 🙏 is Good.
As the Best 👍 Be Safe
Love ❤️ and sweet Dreams to All.
Yessa, its just hard to say a kind word and end it can you??
U must spew out all these unnecessary venom!!!!!! wey wey wey!!!
You realize that you are placing a curse on you with that name you use? The more you use it the more curses which will be piled up on you from your head to your toes. DNO should prohibit this one. To allow it, they are not doing their business a favor and of blessing.
It is blasphemous to use the Holy Name of the Lord in that manner. You are actually saying that you are cursing Jesus or Jesus be cursed. You are condemning yourself. There are some sins which God will not forgive. This is one of them.
You must be the devil’s advocate to use that name and also make such comments. I feel sorry for you and your end.
You will be sorry for your words soon enough. You will eat them and regret that you ever made such comments.
Tell us something about yourself. Do not be presumptuous that you are perfect; far from that. You need an overall cleansing.
congratulations to you. We all love you at convent prep.
Such a wonderful and touching tribute to someone I am honored to called friend. Congratulations, Father Elton Letang, on your one-year anniversary to the pristhood. May God continue to guide and bless you.