Cardinal Kelvin Felix gives thanks

Kelvin Felix, in his Cardinal's garb, shares a word with Fr. Clement Jolly before the mass
Kelvin Felix, in his Cardinal’s garb, shares a word with Fr. Clement Jolly before the mass

In many ways it was a celebration of history.

He was the first Dominican to be ordained a Catholic priest for the Diocese of Roseau and he has become the first from the English speaking Caribbean to be named a Cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church.

Well wishers, which included prime minister Roosevelt Skerrit and president Charles Savarin, filled the Lady of Fatima Church in Newtown on Wednesday evening to celebrate a mass with the former archbishop of Castries, Kelvin Felix, in his elevation to the new office in the 2,000 old institution.

Bishop of Roseau, Gabriel Malzaire, said the new Cardinal has been called to serve the church on a different level.

Section of the church during the mass
Section of the church during the mass

“We see what we do as a service to the church,” he said. “Whatever level on which we operate we are carrying out a function. Our Cardinal, His Eminence has been called by the Holy Father to serve the church on a different level . He is yet to know how this is going to evolve, not only on the level on the Dominican church but on the level of the universal church and precisely on the level of the regional church.”

He thanked God for the Pope to see it fit to call “a son of the Dominican soil” to be named a Cardinal and described it as a “grace bestowed on us as a people, as a Caribbean people.”

Felix described himself as a ‘humble servant’ who has had the support of the faithful in Dominica since his ordination some 54 years ago.

He said his appointment was an unspeakeable act of kindness from God despite limitations. “It is a faith in God without whom such a task would be impossible…” he noted. “When he calls he makes us worthy.”

He said God doesn’t call one do great things “but wants us to be simply faithful, do little things.”

Felix noted that for the Pope to call him at his age means “there is something more the Lord is asking me to do.”

“As you know, I cannot do it alone, I need your help,” he stated.

The mass was attended by Nicola Girasoli, apostolic nuncio to the Caribbean, Jean-Yves Riocreux, Bishop of Pointe-a-Pitre, Gaudeloupe, among others.

Kelvin Felix was born in Dominica on February 15, 1933.

He was ordained a priest on April 8, 1956 at the age of 23.

On July 17, 1981 he was appointed archbishop of Castries and ordained archbishop on April 5, 1981.

He retired on February 15, 2008.

Felix has a long career in the Catholic Church, serving both in Dominica and throughout the Caribbean.

Members of the clergy lining up for mass
Members of the clergy lining up for mass
Cardinal Felix in conversation before mass
Cardinal Felix in conversation before mass
Cardinal Felix receives his appointment in Rome earlier this year while Pope Francis looks on
Cardinal Felix receives his appointment in Rome earlier this year while Pope Francis looks on

 

 

 

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18 Comments

  1. April 14, 2016

    to cardinal keliven fellix congratulate on your 60 years god bless you.from jeffrey warrington bradfrod west yorkshire uk.

  2. Anonymous
    April 12, 2014

    A good and humble servant may God graces continue to guide bless and protect you

  3. jalousie
    February 28, 2014

    Well, I for one is bursting with pride. My family are his parishioners and by visiting home, I was able to meet His Excellency. TO GOD be the GLORY indeed.

  4. February 28, 2014

    His Eminence Kelvin Cardinal Felix deserves our highest commendation for this singular honour. Dominica is proud of its native son. To GOD be the Glory, great things he has done!!!

  5. Cyrique
    February 28, 2014

    I am beaming with pride as I look at the photograph of our dearest Cardinal Felix of Dominica (and the Caribbean?)!!!! I know that Cardinal Vincent Nichols from London was looking forward to meeting him in Rome. What a special moment for many of us. Dominica is a blessed Island!! I was, however moved seeing the picture if Fr Felix with Fr Jolly another of my childhood priests. Growing up in Dominica was wonderful in my days – children grew up respecting their elders, we went to Mass very regularly( some of you will remember we had our church dress & Church shoes!!!) well done DNO for these lovely pictures and keeping us informed no matter what part of the world we’re in. Congratulations Cardinal Felix!! Xx

  6. lovely
    February 28, 2014

    we should all be proud as Catholics Keeep the faith

  7. February 27, 2014

    My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

    How can one go wrong serving the Almighty God! Yes, there will always be temptations, trials, tribulations, and name it all, and don’t forget as a servant you must carry the cross but truly, certainly, definitely, the end result is VICTORY, and life everlasting. There is a GOD! OH YES!HMM!

    Brothers and Sisters, please, regardless of whatever, LET’S OBEY AND SERVE THE ALMIGHTY GOD!

    Love Always,
    Vincent Rolle, Houston Texas, Laudat, Dominica.

  8. February 27, 2014

    Congratulations Cardinal Felix, may God continue to bless you as you continue in His service.

  9. red again ?
    February 27, 2014

    D
    N
    O
    I KNOW AM NOT LUCKY WITH ALL OF YOU.
    But please answer me you Administrator.
    Why is it that the Cardinal Felix and the PM’s wife and The President’s wife have to be dressed using red? Was this part od a dress code ? before all you people jump on me , let me make it clear that I am a bido catholic and a Poto labourite also.
    I was at the function in the church and Felix is my cousin and we was so proud but I was feeling a lil not comfortable because I wasn’t in any red. DNO please help me because I don’t know if I mage a fool of myself.

  10. !!!!!
    February 27, 2014

    This is such a proud moment for Dominicans!!!!

  11. Mammy
    February 27, 2014

    We are so proud of you Cardinal Felix! We wish that God will continue to Guide, Bless, Direct and Protect you!

  12. Views Expressed
    February 27, 2014

    Congratulations my parish priest, Kelvin Felix. My St. Mary’s Academy Principal, my mentor, my role model, my visiting Dominican Bishop from Bradford, to West London, Westbourne Park church.
    I hope that this celebration sent a holy message to ALL those present the importance of honourable service to people and country. Also that good service by good Godly men will be rewarded 100 fold by the Lord. He, the Lord, is always watching over his people. Cardinal Felix has served well, has earned respect and the Lord has blessed him and will continue to do and protect him.
    BLESS YOU

  13. grell
    February 27, 2014

    We all shold be proud,very noble man.

  14. Morihei Ueshiba
    February 27, 2014

    Everytime i read cardinal felix on the vatican website they saying from St.Lucia not Dominica, tell felix tell dem correct this as history will keep Dominica in the dark.

    • Francisco Telemaque
      February 27, 2014

      He may have lived in St. Lucia, at some point and time as his father I believe was the Chief of Police in St. Lucia, I also believe his brother Carlton Felix was the first Air Traffic Control officer at Melville Hall Airport.

      His brother was my friend when I was a kid.

      I hope I am not confused and delusional, and get them mixed up eh!

      FET.

      • Simply the Truth
        February 28, 2014

        Francisco, are you aware his brother, Carlton who resided in St. Lucia passed on the Monday after it was announced of his brother’s election as Cardinal? He was ailing for sometime. I was surprised it was not posted on DNO. I suppose Cardinal Felix did not inform DNO or did not want it posted (have no idea).
        Carlton’s wife, Angel Harris of St. Lucia passed away approximately six months ago. May their souls rest in peace. Amen!
        Cardinal Felix had his hands full in February. He traveled to St. Lucia to officiate at his brother’s funeral. Then I was told he went to T/T for a check-up on his eyes. Then to Rome.
        I heard there will be a Mass and celebration for him in St. Lucia in March.
        A brother, Val and sister Helen reside in Ontario. Both and some other relatives went to Rome. Another sister Irma resides in Ontario. She is now visiting in St. Lucia. Another sister, Sylvia resides in Antigua. It is a big family and a prominent one.
        Cardinal Felix did not forsake Dominica. It should be emphasized that he was born in Dominica. The preliminary news did not specify that.
        Dominica deserves the credit that he is a son of the soil. He was ordained a Priest in D/ca and taught at the St. Mary’s Academy in Roseau.

    • February 28, 2014

      @Morihei Ueshiba February 27, 2014

      Here is the reason they mentioning St. Lucia with him; the news article says here: “To celebrate a mass with the former “archbishop of Castries”, Kelvin Felix”

      This means that he lived in St. Lucia for a time that he become the “Archbishop of Castries” Castries is the capital City of St. Lucia. the now Cardinal Kelvin Felix retired with that Title of Archbishop of Castries–not Dominica.

    • jalousie
      February 28, 2014

      Dominique, st.liese, nou tout se pa mem?

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