UPDATE WITH PHOTOS: Cardinal Kelvin Felix described as a national treasure; a living testimony to youth

Cardinal Felix has been a priest for 60 years
Cardinal Felix has been a priest for 60 years

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has described said His Eminence Kelvin Cardinal Felix as a national treasure and a living testimony for Dominica’s youth.

On Sunday, a special mass, attended by hundreds of Catholics from across the island, was held to celebrate Cardinal Felix’s 60th anniversary of priestly ordination at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium.

“Cardinal Felix reminds me of our late Church leader Pope John Paul II, for his commitment and dedication to the Church and to his faith and I think he is a living testimony for all us especially the young,” the Prime Minister said in giving tribute.

He noted that Cardinal Felix is a national treasure and a regional treasure.

He said the Cardinal came from humble beginnings and sixty years “did not come easy.”

“So it is not our circumstance which would determine our destiny, it should be our commitment, our dedication, our perseverance and remaining true to what we believe in,” Skerrit stated.

He noted that the youth must emulate the qualities of Cardinal Felix which includes the love for God and the Church.

“We need to emulate the commitment, the dedication and the love for God and for our Church which Cardinal exemplifies on a daily basis,” he said. “But above all, I believe one of my greatest admiration of the Cardinal, His Eminence, is his humility, a very rare commodity in our society these days.”

Skerrit stated further that his personal hope and prayer is that in his (Cardinal Felix) celebration of 60 years as a Priest, “it can raise the consciousness of many of us to come forward and be Priests, Deacons and lay ministers.”

“I believe now more than ever the Church needs us,” he noted. “It needs us to remain committed to the faith and it needs us committed to serving, and serving with humility.”

He called on all parishioners to remain committed to the Catholic faith

Meanwhile, President of Dominica, His Excellency Charles Savarin said Cardinal Felix left his mark in the lives of the Dominican people.

“Within the church and wherever he served the Cardinal left his mark in the many little things that he did to change lives and to improve both the spiritual and social conditions of God’s people,” he said. “His ability to calm troubled waters and to restore order where this order threatens were preeminent in the turbulent period of 1970’s when a wave of black consciousness and the revolutionary fervor of Marxism, Leninism swept through the Caribbean.”

The President said that he agrees with His Eminence that even at the age of 83, “God has more work for him to do.”

“As a Bishop and Archbishop, we know that he has carried his crosses not least among which was an assault on his person in his cathedral in St Lucia during Holy Mass, but through it all he has never stopped smiling and has always been welcoming and forgiving to everyone,” Savarin remarked.

He went on to say that as Cardinal Felix continues to discover the ever unfolding will of God for him, “All of Dominica asks him to continue to be the humble, engaging, welcoming man of peace we know him to be.”

“We greatly value his presence among us and pray that the good Lord whom we all serve will continue to bless and keep him, and give him the strength to continue God’s work,” the President said.

Cardinal Felix was born on February 15, 1933 in Roseau. He served in many capacities including Associate General Secretary of the Caribbean Conference of Churches, President of the Antilles Episcopal Conference, Archbishop of the province of Castries, among others. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia and elevated to the rank of Cardinal in the Catholic Church in February 2014.

He is retired and is presently assisting in the Soufriere.

See some photo below from the ceremony.

All Photos by Cecil N.A. Clarke – Eve’s Photo

 

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45 Comments

  1. Tjebe Fort
    April 19, 2016

    Is Cardinal Felix the new supremo of the labour party? I see him all in red in the DNO photo. And Roosevelt Skerrit there in his red shirt, he wants to be like Chavez? That really looking like a labour party rally in the name of the catholic church.

  2. Roman Catholic Satanists
    April 19, 2016

    Jesus Christ did not put on robes and jewels to fool people. He did not own a ‘palace’, nor was he ever a member of the ‘Roman’ Catholic Church.

    These people are Satanists and must never be trusted. Be viligante, trust in the bible and give Skerro and his mates the finger.

    • Face the Facts
      April 19, 2016

      You know nothing about the Catholic Church. What you also do not know is, this is The Church Our Lord Jesus Christ established. He approves everything that the Catholic Church does and the attire of the Priests and Hierarchy. He is satisfied with the worship and manner of worship and how He is adored. The devotions are inspired and approved by the Holy Spirit.
      The enemies of this Church are spurned on by Satan. You are the satanist. Your envy and hatred is evident.
      Our Lord did not give you a mandate to call the Catholic Church satanists. Our Lord taught us to love one another. You are offending Our Lord by not doing so. One day you will pay for it. I feel sorry for you.

      • Please
        April 20, 2016

        your zeal blinds you.

  3. Face the Facts
    April 18, 2016

    Excellent tribute to His Eminence Cardinal Kelvin Felix by Prime Minister Roosevelt Skeritt and President Savarin.
    God and all of Heaven smiled on this Holy occasion. Even the weather cooperated in giving Dominica a beautiful, sunny day. :) Thank you Lord!
    Beautiful pictures DNO. Thank you!

  4. Me
    April 18, 2016

    The Vatican has plenty of treasure. Cardinal Felix is only one of them. Good for Felix. I wonder if all the children in Dominica went to bed last night without hunger and safe from human predators..

  5. informative
    April 18, 2016

    It was a great celebration. To God be the Glory, proud of my Catholic Church, may God bless his church.

  6. Blessed
    April 18, 2016

    Poe Francis is showing deep commitment to his faith and his flock. Pope Francis from the 3rd. world country Argentina, is showing much bravery in tackling corruption in the Vatican itself. He continues to speak loudly against sexual abuse, poverty, corruption, abuse of citizens the weak, the poor, the children, the elders.

    Note that Skerrittt mentioned the late Pope John as a man committed to the church. What about that present Pope Francis, who in so short a time, has been very influential all over the world and an advocate for truth, liberty, equality.

    But the hypocrisy is that Skerritt has been found to be involved in questionable, secret deals. Evidence a-plenty. Facts to show. Handing of diplomatic passports to crooks, criminals, millionaires. signing of all kinds of agreements and Dominicans do not know anything, etc., etc. Those who dare question corruption are harassed, searched, victimized.

    A few making quick wealth by dubious means Blessedly corrupt.

  7. please
    April 18, 2016

    This whole affair DISGUSTS me. This is my dear church that I was once proud of. The church has relegated itself to being a mere vassal of the state, hijacked by, and in service of, the political agenda of the ungodly. Politicians USING the church to further their pervasive, perverse agenda. AND SO MANY ARE FOOLED. But no all are FOOLED. The enlightened will muster the strength to stay apart and rescue those who are still trapped in its cage of deception. It HURTS to see the church use the people like that.
    Congrats CARDINAL Felix.
    DNO please post my comment, please

    • Face the Facts
      April 18, 2016

      Who are you? I can tell you, you are not genuinely on the side of God. You hate. You are envious and filled with prejudice. This is projected in your comment. :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:
      Know that GOD IS DISGUSTED with you for making such a comment. You think you know it all? You know nothing. Your heart, mind and ears are veiled. This is what happens to Satan and his followers. You are the one who is fooled.
      We faithful Catholics know better. One day all will be revealed to you.
      If you knew anything you would know that Our Lord Jesus Christ said: “Love God and love others as you love yourself. Do not judge. Do not condemn lest you be accordingly and two-fold.”
      A genuine Christian wishes everyone well and want what is best for them. You have projected your true colors. It is not a good sign. Someday you will pay for your words. :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:

      • Please
        April 20, 2016

        Oh yeah! You sound like a REAL Christian. So compassionate and amiable. So graceful and forgiving. I wish I were like you; so Christ-like. Beautiful. But wait! That “satan” word sounds familiar. Oh yes. It is akin to what the Pharisees called Jesus. Yeah. He questioned the CORRUPTION of his religion as well, didn’t he?
        Oh, and what about Cardinal Ratzinger’s (Pope Benedict XVI) supporting statements: “how much FILTH there is in the church.”
        I did not say it bro; the POPE did. so remove your head from the proverbial sanctimonious hole in the sand and look at reality for that it is. Because LOOKING AT REALITY FOR WHAT IT IS is what the church calls TRUTH!!!

    • anonymous2
      April 19, 2016

      The church, especially the ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. is VERY political. That is the core of its’ existence. It is a prime controller of world political affairs. It is superior to the royalty in England and elsewhere. That is why all heads of state kneel and kiss the ring of the Pope It controls Washington D,C, et al. Washington DC is a replication of Rome’s GOVERNING UNIT, Capitol Hill, Oval Office, Washington Monument ( (phallus).. The area of Washington DC was formerly called Rome.

  8. JoJo
    April 18, 2016

    Roosevelt you make me puke, honestly. And did you have to wear that red shirt to the ceremony. Why you want to provoke all the time. I’m glad I did not come because I would be so embarrassed.

    • Face the Facts
      April 18, 2016

      You were not missed. No one missed you.

  9. The truth
    April 18, 2016

    Congratulations, this was indeed a very great event. I wander whether the Opposition leader was invited? Its not politics but we need Ecumenism , the Pope is true example of same. Dominica need unity in all aspects and should start with our Religious leaders

    • Face the Facts
      April 18, 2016

      The opposition leader? What if he were the PM, would he attend? Who expected him to be present? I would not be surprised if he got an invitation, being the opposition leader. He could have declined or did not consider attending.
      For one, he is not a Christian Catholic. He hates the PM and no doubt the President.
      A political leader, whether the opposition represents the people, whatever their religious or political affiliation.
      Linton was invited to attend the function when Baroness Scotland was in Dominica. He boldly and proudly stated through the Media that he tore up the invitation. Everyone knows what he did which was a disgrace on his part.
      Linton has not yet learned courtesy/good manners and to suppress his personal and political feelings especially at times as these. This is another reason why he will never make a good PM. He has tarnished his image as a leader. I hope Dominicans keep this in mind. Never forget it.

    • Me
      April 18, 2016

      Keep on wandering while I I wonder.

    • Tjebe Fort
      April 19, 2016

      Cardinal Felix is a good man but he not the Pope. Skerrit hijack that celebration for propaganda, that is very poor and disgusting.I think I even see representatives of his Holy Order of St. George in the pictures.

  10. truth
    April 18, 2016

    if cardinal had spoken against child abuse, he would’nt have been described as a roll model for sure, Not by this pm, mark my words, oh what a shame

    • Face the Facts
      April 18, 2016

      At a time as this, it was not the Cardinal’s position to speak of it. He will have time to do so at another time and from his pulpit.

  11. Just Me
    April 18, 2016

    Pm hush your mouth ….. and how dare you come boasting about yourself while doing the tribute to the Cardinal?

  12. syncronize
    April 18, 2016

    As usual Skerrit and his BS words, flaunting rhetoric in our faces and Dominicans gargling and swallowing all of this man Skerrit’s talk. This man is just about meaningless words, professing to be a philanthropist himself. Always knows about everything that is good and wholesome but exhibits everything that is wrong and questionable. Who cares what Skerrit thinks awnyway, he is such a fraud and the catholic church backs this man.,

  13. Roseau
    April 18, 2016

    It is very unusual for a P.M in any country to give that kind of praise to a religious person. I don\’t see this happening any where else. \”Is it because it is wrong?\”
    There most be something very strange about Dominica and its politicians and the way religious leaders meddle in politics.
    I would think that a religion has members from all political parties , Eh!? Maybe that\’s why they don\’t choose sides?

    • please
      April 18, 2016

      good point.
      I myself am still a Catholic at heart. but i am not part of this EVIL.

    • Face the Facts
      April 18, 2016

      You need to broaden your mind. It could very well happen if the circumstances call for it. In this case you forgot this is Dominica, you are in Dominica and are a Dominican. So is the PM. Next time think before you comment and click the Send button.

  14. The Real Thing
    April 18, 2016

    Well, the Cardinal is no doubt a good man.However the tributes come from two hypocritical people.How they can stand to utter these words is beyond my moral compass.

    • Face the Facts
      April 18, 2016

      If God were to come to you and inform you, the way He sees you, as you stand before Him and the words you stated, based on your lifestyle, you are one big hypocrite and not a good Christian, that you must mend your ways if you hope for eternal salvation, you would pass out if not die immediately. Where would your soul end up in eternity? :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:

    • Truth and Knowledge
      April 18, 2016

      Doubtless because you do not have one!

  15. All Fool's Day LIE
    April 18, 2016

    Everyday is all fools day in Dominica and according to the minister Ian, Skerrit cannot fool me again

    • Face the Facts
      April 18, 2016

      All fools day begins with you, every day you wake up, go about your business and debase and insult people. :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:

  16. Massacre
    April 18, 2016

    The cardinal is a good man.
    He should also say more about child abuse in Dominica.

    • Face the Facts
      April 18, 2016

      Give him a break. Use your head. This celebration was in his honor; not the opportunity to speak about child abuse. Furthermore, you can do your part in speaking against it. Some of you think that God did not give you, as a person, probably a Christian Catholic or other Christian, the mandate to do your part.
      God expects that each one of you will do your part. Too many are not doing that but only talk. Write your MP if you do not approach him. Writing is best Do so respectfully.

      • Please
        April 20, 2016

        He should have used the opportunity and the his prestige to denounce that scourge in Dominica. Think of The Pilot on the Hudson River and Bravo. They used their moment in the limelight to appeal to a cause, to appeal to justice. All the more so should the Cardinal. So Massacre has a valid point.

  17. The Evangelist?
    April 18, 2016

    “Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit described said His Eminence Kelvin Cardinal Felix as a national treasure and a living testimony for Dominica’s youth.”

    I do not know Cardinal Kelvin Felix so I will be careful not to say too much. However, based on the way he was described by Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, I have to conclude that the Cardinal is exceptionally good I guess he has a special love and care for the youth. My only concern though is, I never heard him open his mouth against all the sex scandal against our youth, especially the three top ranking men that were alleged to have behaved inappropriately against a 15 year old girl.

    Another thing is, when I hear politicians praising preachers, I am often left to wonder if the preacher is really a servant of God that will not compromise the truth of God’s word and will rebuke politicians when they are off or, if the preacher is a secret politician that receives a secret pay cheque from politician

    • Say What
      April 18, 2016

      Get behind me Satan. Regardless to what is being said in your twisted mind it has to be politically motivated. Please allow the PM to breath the same air like YOU!

      • Dominican
        April 18, 2016

        He does not breathe air but sulphur.

      • please
        April 18, 2016

        you must be from one of those villages. You know. The special ones.

    • abc
      April 18, 2016

      this is the first time im hearing about cardinal felix .

      • Me
        April 19, 2016

        Ignorance is bliss.

    • Face the Facts
      April 18, 2016

      So what type of evangelist are you? I am not impressed.
      You are one who is against the Catholic Church in general. I wonder if you were once a Catholic? If you were, little do you know that once baptized always baptized. No one has the power to erase this baptism when the Priest said: “I baptize you in the Name of God The Father, God The Son and God The Holy Spirit” which God blest from above. No mere person on earth could erase it. Some of you are too easily deceived and falsely influenced. As I always state and end with, when you die or before you die or while you are dying, the truth will be revealed to you. Hope it will not be too late for you.

  18. informative
    April 18, 2016

    God’s blessings on Fr Felix.

    • Face the Facts
      April 18, 2016

      When he retired and visited Ontario, as Archbishop, he concelebrated a Holy Mass in Ontario, the parish his brother resides in, attends the Church and is active in, he stated in his Homily, many people will continue to call him Fr. Felix. :) He does not mind. This is how I knew him at first.
      I was a child when I attended his ordination at the Roseau Cathedral.
      He is a very nice, humble person. We all love him and wish him well.

  19. FORKIT
    April 18, 2016

    oh really… national treasury or de papal treasure…allu doh tired fool people

    • FORKIT
      April 18, 2016

      treasure

    • Face the Facts
      April 18, 2016

      You are not a smart person and are a wicked one. Be careful of your words, the stones, the mapwee that you throw. They will return to haunt you and condemn you. What you sow you will reap and what goes around comes around in time. Keep heaping the burning coals on your head. :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen: :twisted: :mrgreen:

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