Today, Thursday, February 6, marks the opening of the second pilgrimage site at St. Peter’s Church in Colihaut. This event follows the opening of the first pilgrimage site on February 1 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Pointe Michel. According to Father Nigel Karam, Dean of the Roseau Cathedral and Chair of the Jubilee Events Organizing Committee, pilgrimage is an integral part of the Christian dynamic, allowing the faithful to encounter God in unique and special places.
As Father Karam explained, “Pilgrimage has always been part of the Christian dynamic. In the early church, you’d find Christians would make a journey to places where people were martyred, to the homes of the saints, to the holy land, to Rome, because those were considered special places, unique places of encounter with God.” He also noted that Jesus himself was always on the move, teaching and preaching, and that pilgrimage is a way for Christians to follow in his footsteps.
The four designated pilgrimage sites for this year are notable locations in the diocese, each with its own unique history and importance. The second site, St. Peter’s Church in Colihaut, is particularly significant to Catholics, as it was the location of the first Catholic church built in Dominica. As Father Karam stated, “As we make our journey there, we remember our diocese, remember our church, remember the uniqueness of who we are as a Christian people on this island.”
The opening of the pilgrimage sites is part of the celebrations for the Holy Year in the diocese, which was officially announced by Bishop Forbes. The remaining two sites, St. Mary of the Kalinago in Salybia and St. Francis Xavier in La Plaine, will be opened on February 12 and 21, respectively.
Father Karam stated, “We’re inviting all the faithful, inviting everyone to come and to share this wonderful moment with us.”
The second pilgrimage site at St. Peter’s Church in Colihaut will be opened at 6:30 p.m. today, and all are welcome to attend, says the diocese.
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