Christ and Caribbean Culture is the name of the third publication of His Lordship Bishop of the Diocese of Roseau, Gabriel Malzaire.
A formal launching of the book was held last Friday August 7th on the grounds of the Bishop’s house.
In the words of the author, the book focuses on the Caribbean church and its attempt to unravel the significance of the Christ event in the Caribbean context.
Sister Lorraine Royer reviewed Christ and Caribbean Culture saying, “The story is told of a European woman who was visibly disturbed after visiting one of our churches in the Caribbean.
“When asked the reason for her apparent displeasure she intimated that in a predominantly Black culture all the representations of Christ and the saints were very European.
“She had expected that after so many years of Christianity in the region that somehow there might have been enough internalization and appropriation of the gospel message that we would have owned our Christ and our saints and this by no means exteriorly.
“So the basic question as articulated by Bishop Malzaire, ‘Who is Jesus Christ for us today?’ on page 27 of the book is still a very pertinent question for our time,” she said.
Essentially the book is a compilation of essays written and presented in three regional conferences by Bishop Malzaire in 1994, 1996 and 2001. It touches a range of issues including politics, the economy, justice, social values, sexual morality and gender. The book is written in three parts.
Former President of Dominica H. E. Eliud Williams expressed, “These are the challenges for the Catholic Christian in the new millennium, Christ and ethnicity in the Caribbean and thirdly toward the Caribbean Christian civilization.
“There is also a short theological reflection on bamboo bursting in the Caribbean and in the author’s own words, the book – though short it may be – provides the fair grasp of the Caribbean churches experience and the responsibility we have to make it what it ought to be, a level in the midst of God’s people in context.”
Although the main aim of the publication is to identify how Christ can be reflected in the context of the Caribbean culture, the writer admits that this can be a daunting task in the region given the multiracial composition. However he concludes that ethnicity goes beyond the color of the skin.
Bishop Malzaire added, “The main purpose of the book is to help us appreciate ourselves as a people on the way to salvation in the context of Caribbean. It seeks to show that any theology – that is faith seeking understanding – has of necessity to take seriously the context in which it is lived.
To accept the fact that the Christ of faith is truly incarnated in each of us individually and in all of us collectively despite any racial configuration has every potential for self esteem and for general deliberation and salvation which always comes from within.”
Senator the Honourable Robert Tonge represented the Hon. Prime Minister at the event and was presented with a copy of the book.
However, this occasion was not solely a launching affair. It represented Bishop Malzaire’s fundraising efforts towards the renovation of Our Lady of Fair Haven Cathedral in Roseau.
Proceeds of this book, like the previous two, will go towards that venture.
His Lordship Malzaire says the church has only met the halfway mark of the estimated $12m needed to refurbish the cathedral.
His two previous publications, A Decade of Grace and The Eucharist and the Poor have so far brought in close to $200,000.
Christ and Caribbean Culture will also be available online. Hard copies can be purchased from Amazon or downloaded on eBook and Kindle.
“Some Catholics do not read religious matters of their faith. Some are not cooperative in the faith. They do not progress spiritually.”(Facts).
Facts, some of you like to boast “I am of the catholic faith” I did that when I was a kid, and did not know better! There is no such thing as “the Catholic faith.” The Bible in Romans 10:17 teaches “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Again we read in the Book of Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. I refer you also to Hebrews 11:6 we are talking about faith where it said” But without faith it is impossible to pleas him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
that is the word of God, and not from pope Malzaire doctrine: God words caries more weight.
If God owns every thing why are Black people begging for money, ask God for it
—————————–@Jack August 12, 2015
It is not only black people who beg for money; I live in Canada where white people dominate, including all sorts of people from other countries. There are all kinds of them who go out to beg during the day, while they go home to a mansion at night
Also, many people are in love with money–but they do not want to work for it–regardless of how fit they are; and the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil–1st. Timothy 6: 10
God owns everything, but He has given those things to different persons of the World–they are called to use those thing for the sake of His glory –His Love through them–but disobedience and greed feeds their mind–they do not do what they were called to do with the things God entrusted to them.
God does not throw down people’s needs –His people are called to obey His commands all in all
So true!
Not only black people who beg. White people also beg.
I see white people begging in the streets of downtown Toronto.
There are white people in Toronto who are driven in expensive cars early in the morning to their particular spots. There they beg until their cars pick them up at the end of the day. They are drive back to their beautiful homes.
Several years ago one of these cases was investigated and reported by the T.V. news. I don’t think charges were laid but it was sure an eye opener. Once we know who these people are we should politely avoid them because (a) giving is not helping them, and (b) our money can be used to better purposes.
To be honest my wife and I give to those who seem to be in need when we are able. It just seems the right thing to do. I know we get conned. I guess we would rather be conned than refuse to help somebody who had a genuine need.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
Mr. Hill the problem is simply people, one day in Los Angeles, a young guy begged my former wife for some money, she told him to go and collect welfare; the guy responded by saying, you don’t have to give me anything, that will not prevent me from making my seven hundred dollars today, he was black.
One day near City Hall, I saw a white woman sitting on a bench, she had her feet curled up under her sitting on them she appeared as if she has no legs, I was getting ready to drop a few dollars in her cup, right there and then I saw an expensive car pulled up, I never saw feet extended so fast, as she ran into that car!
I nearly drop with fright! There are millionaires here collecting welfare and living in Penthouses!
Ours is a very evil world.
I thought the title of the new book would be
HOW SKERRIT GOT THE CHURCH IN BED WITH HIM
lol…lol…lol
It was inconsiderate of the Bishop to separately launch his publication on the opening night of the island’s Literary Festival. It would have been far better to have worked in harmony with the very organisation promoting Dominican writers.
Maybe some of the proceeds from the book sales should go to the cathedral fund to repair the roof.
“So the basic question as articulated by Bishop Malzaire, ‘Who is Jesus Christ for us today”–News Article
My Bishop perhaps you are not aware of this, but Christianity was founded through the Gospel (teachings) of Jesus Christ. That foundation began to build up 10 days after His ascension into Heaven, on the Day of Pentecost, when He sent the Holy Spirit, which is “Supernatural Influence” in this world today.
By the Power and Authority, which is His own, through Holy Spirit, Jesus continued to build His Church through His disciples— Peter and John with the Jews, Paul and his companions with the Gentiles–that is more than 2000 years ago.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow–He calls Himself the Alpha and the Omega at the Book of Revelation , so don’t you think that your Book is a waste of time to ground on the theme “Who is Jesus today”? Should your Church not already know this since moons and moons ago? Good Lord!
The Bishop knows fully well as other Catholics. Are you aware that the first Church which got the Holy Bible, as God ordained was the Catholic Church?
When Luther left this Church, he took the Bible with him and took out some chapters from it. So did others who formed their churches.
Bishop Malzaire wrote the book and so he had to mention it. It was not meant for your criticism and to misinterpret it.
Some people may not know who Jesus Christ is. In addition, some know and do not practice what He taught even as practicing Christians. This is also projected in their attitude and comments especially by those who renounced their Catholic faith to join other churches.
The late US Archbishop Fulton Sheen (whom I love to quote), an intellect and inspired one said: “Any church that was formed ten years after the Catholic Church was formed, after Our Lord Jesus Christ resurrected, no power, no strength.”
When we die and on Judgment Day all will find out the truth of it.
If God owns every thing why are Black people begging for money, ask God for it. Slavery and orginized Religion has distroyed our mind to think. We as a people will not realize how brain washed we are . All our smart people who should be Engineers building factories to create jobs for our people are praying to a white jesus for salvation.
White people worldwide beg for money too, i.e., the poor ones. They also beg me for money in Toronto. In bygone years I would give them; stop to chat with them, give them prayers and tell them to pray to God. I also told them that anyone who stops to help them it is through the inspiration of God and that they must go to Church. Some of them told me they are Catholics; of course, not practicing. I urge them to go to Church.
Ever since I got wise to their tricks and as relayed through the Media, I no longer give anyone on the street who begs me.
Reason, the Social Welfare office gives them a monthly income benefit. They simply must have an address where the cheque can be mailed to them.
Today, the government no longer issues cheques. Everyone must have a bank account. I also heard if they are living on the street, some non-profit organizations which help the poor, giving them food and shelter, allow them to use their address. Much more could be stated.
At the end of the day, month and year they get so many even $1.00 and $5.00 they are richer than those who give them money. They also get free dental care and whatever else that those who are employed have to pay for if they do not have dental insurance, etc. The same money is paid for by taxpayers.
They take all the change to the bank and get dollars for it. Some of them do become rich begging.
Feel sorry for them? No more!
This Bishop there has changed the church/ Catholic structure with all his political doings etc. The church in Dominica isnt the same as in back in the days. The morals etc have been lost with the Bishop not being the Bishop and in all political com-mess. I wont be buying that BOOK
You do not know what you stated. Are you implying that Catholics did not sin in those days? Look around you. Did they not cohabit and have children out of wedlock? Be frank and stop talking nonsense.
The Bishop has nothing to do with what the laity does in their personal life.
When you go to Church, if you are aware that something is remiss in the Church, your obligation is to address it directly to the Superior.
The problem with some people as you, you may observe, say nothing and turn a blind eye. Therefore, you are the cause if morals deteriorate; you add to it by saying and doing nothing. Do not blame the Bishop.
Now, if you have addressed the issue to the proper Church authorities and nothing is done, then you have something to state. The first and also other part is to take it to the Lord in prayer who knows, sees and hears all things. In time, He will deal with everyone concerned. Even the silent Catholics as you who see and say and do nothing.
Facts, you happy now; DNO kick me comment about that wicked man in de trash bin or flush it down the toilet.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!
So, you got more space to worship you Roman god; you are having a field day of worship.
Just as one can entertain angels and not knowing their guest was an Angel, they can also entertain a demon from hell and not realizing that also.
DNO kick me comment about that wicked man in de trash bin or flush it down the toilet
–@Francisco Telemaque .
Even as you say that, you had to include some form of judgment–why do you continue to speak about everyone as if you are the “Judge of the Universe” and is flawless in your ways?
Well just in case you are simply a “mad man” through that mentality of yours, let me advise you to try to get back into your state of “sanity”–if you ever had that state in you; maybe your girlfriend, the nurse, can help you through that process; but what job that would be–make sure that she doesn’t charge you for that service.
DNO has had trouble with their website in less than 2 months–why did you not think that they would be careful with the comments, which they print on their board? But you are too childish to understand that, aren’t you?
Elizabeth, you wrote that I am judging you or somebody, who I do not know, yet you the great saint has decided that I ma mad!
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahaahaha!
Okay, I agree that I am mad, I am a raging lunatic in an asylum, but even if you are on the outside looking in at “I.” I often wonder between you and I which one of us are crazy like a fox?
I know is doh me eh, so it must be you!
No one should buy this book
Except Satan and his followers as you. Woe to you. You have offended God of all. Your day is coming. twisted:
“She had expected that after so many years of Christianity in the region that somehow there might have been enough internalization and appropriation of the gospel message that we would have owned our Christ and our saints and this by no means exteriorly”
What you need to do is the bible and its message, not a doctrine and idols, saints are never mentioned in the Bible, that is a catholic think, no biblical
Abraham, Noah, all depends where you want to start, we are one race (human race), all made from dust and going back to dust. if you depend on a church you will be angry all your life, so read your bible and live a life that reflects the principles and moral standards he gave us and you should be on your way to receiving salvation. You want to see a white, black idol? Catholic church is doctrine and culture, not biblical.
Culture? w
“Christ and ethnicity”,, Christ does not know ethnicity, love you neighbour as your self, one people
will never buy this book; for profit
What you should do, if you attend Church regularly especially on Sundays, you should listen to Catholic TV and Radio especially Eternal Word Television Network – EWTN and EWTN Global Catholic Radio. You will learn much about your Catholic Faith.
There is only so much the Bishop and Priests can do. When you go to Church, you attend Holy Mass, the Life, Passion, Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Remember, He took bread and wine, offered them to His (Our) Heavenly Father, blest them and gave to his disciples: saying: “Do this in memory of Me. . .”
The Holy Mass is not a Bible study class. You can study the Bible otherwise. I hope there is a Catholic Bible class in Dominica/Roseau.
You should also play hymns and religious programs. Bless your home, yourself and family with Holy Water and perform acts of love to your fellowmen, where needed. If you do this, you will be filled with the Holy Spirit and will not complain about your Church.
Some Catholics do not read religious matters of their faith. Some are not cooperative in the faith. They do not progress spiritually.
Some Catholic books to read: The Lives of the Saints which will inspire you, build your faith and enhance your Catholic knowledge.
St. Paul said, we do not know how to pray. How well do we pray?
In the book, Secret of the Rosary, written by St. Louis de Montfort, Our Lady said there are many graces but we do not ask for them.
Some of them love to view soap operas. If you are one of them what do you gain from that?
Mother Angelica, the Foundress of EWTN said, “If you watch soap operas for one hour, you should go to Confession. I laughed at what she stated. She is a funny lady who does not fail to teach the Word of God and the Doctrines of the Catholic Church.
What are you doing for the Kingdom of God, to appease him and receive his blessing and graces? These will help you to be a fervent Catholic and a non-complainer.
I will not buy the book. that is my contribution to the National cause.
Who cares? Who do you harm? Only yourself. You sound like a bitter person who is filled with hatred for the Catholic Church in general.
God heard as always. I do feel someday you will live to regret it, your very words.