Outgoing Roman Catholic Archbishop of Port of Spain, Edward Gilbert, fell ill yesterday during the ordination of Archbishop-elect, Joseph Harris, the Trinidad Express is reporting.
Gilbert, who served as the eighth bishop of the diocese of Roseau, was the principal celebrant at the ordination became ill in the middle of the homily he was delivering.
The Express reported that in the middle of the homily or sermon Gilbert stopped and said, “I will ask for your leave here, I feel weak, and ask one of the other Bishops to step in for me.”
Gilbert then took a seat and a few acolytes ran to his aid by placing a standing fan before him.
Another bishop finished the homily for Gilbert after the microphone remained vacant for a couple of minutes.
The Express said Gilbert performed the majority of the ordination mass seated but stood to anoint Harris.
The ceremony took place before a packed cathedral in Port of Spain which included Acting President Timothy Hamel-Smith, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Chief Justice Ivor Archie, Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley and Port of Spain Mayor Louis Lee Sing.
The present condition of Gilbert is unknown.
Gilbert was named the eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Roseau on July 1, 1994 by Pope John Paul II and was ordained by Archbishop Kelvin Edward Felix of Castries on September 7, 1994. During his six years in Roseau Bishop Gilbert worked to reorganize the diocese. He inaugurated the Diocesan Synod, which involved the clergy, religious and laity in all its aspects. He modernized church structures, which included the appointment of the first woman to be the chancellor of the diocese.
Well how polite is ths man “A man of God” he was called to serve and he dd it with love. May god gude him through
May God watch over Bishop Gilbert and grant him good health again
That was a Bishop we had, he was a Bishop not a Polititian.
Our Present Bishop has failed us with his silence and consent to wrong Doing
You got that right.
what stupidity u talking? seems like u want the bishop to go calling names on the radio o pulpit so that you self can say that the bishop is going against his vows
You must not judge. What have you done. You also remained silent. Hemm…………
I just got in and thought I will do some chores and other matters and then access DNO. For some reason I thought I would immediately access DNO and then get on with the other matters. Can’t resist DNO.
To my surprise this is the first news I read. Thank you DNO for informing us. I expect a relative in T & T may inform me about it soon.
I am sorry to hear that the Bishop fell ill. I do hope that it is not serious.
The Cathedral was crowded; no air-conditioning; the weather is hot in T & T as any tropical island.
My speculation is who knows he may also have been hungry. I do hope that these may the only cause of him falling ill.
I will keep the Bishop in my prayers and hope he recovers soon. May God assist him.
Whatever plan God has for him, continuity, retirement or otherwise, let him be ready to receive. AMEN
He should have remained here!!!!!
I’m sure he would have opened his mouth by now.
have lots of respect for that guy!!!!
speed recovery
Arch Bishop Gilbert, May God give you strength and good health to continue your mission