‘We have plenty of work to do’- new Bishop to Catholics in Dominica

“We have plenty of work to do”, new Bishop of the Diocese of Roseau, Most Rev Kenrick Forbes, has told Catholics in Dominica following his ordination.

He spoke after the celebration at Our Lady of Fair Haven Cathedral in Roseau on Thursday evening.

“To the faithful of this diocese, when the dust settles we will turn our attention in earnest to the work that needs to be done,” he said. “But we will strive to do this work together. The Holy Father wants a synodal church, a church that walks together.”

Forbes, who is from The Bahamas, stated in the short time he has been in Dominica, many have told him that he has a lot of work to do” And while I embrace that work, know that I will seek to enlist the participation, the involvement of all the faithful,” he remarked. “Because we, emphasis on we, we have plenty work to do.”

The clergyman said as Catholics, including himself, go about doing their various tasks, they must keep in mind the number one priority of the church.

“That priority is to continue the mission that Christ entrusted to her,” he remarked. “We must make a priority the Holy Father’s insistence that we rediscover the word of life that resonates in the church and not be overwhelmed by the barrage of words about the church. That word of life is the word made flesh, Jesus the Christ. When I visited you in May of this year, I shared with you that I will seek to do most of all in your midst one thing, to proclaim Christ crucified, risen from the dead, our salvation, hope, and life. I recommit myself to that pledge. If we keep Christ at the center, as our focus, then everything else will fall into place.”

In formally handing over the administration of the Diocese of Roseau to the new Bishop, Metropolitan Archbishop of Castries, Gabriel Malzaire said he was inheriting a mature diocese with great and conscientious people.

“I want you to know Bishop Forbes that you are inheriting a mature diocese,” he said. ” I am certain you have already begun to see that the people are very warm and welcoming.”

He stated that with 15 parishes, the new Bishop will have the opportunity to meet people on an intimate, community level.

“I am handing over to you a great and conscientious people who are ready to build the church spiritually and otherwise,” he said. “Love them and they will love you in return.”

Malzaire, who was Bishop of the Diocese of Roseau for over 20 years before he was made Metropolitan Archbishop of Castries, told Forbes after the ordination he is expected to hit the ground running.

“However, do not fear to take some time to study the people and the situation which you are about to embrace and to serve,” he said.

He also told Forbes that his new diocese is the only one in the region to have a Cardinal to watch over it. He was referring to Cardinal Kelvin Felix, who passed away recently and who is buried on the grounds of the cathedral.

“He was the first son of the soil to be ordained in this cathedral,” Malzaire said. “May he intercede for you and for your diocese while he enjoys his peaceful and eternal rest with our Father in Heaven.”

The elaborate ordination ceremony, which was filled with ancient Catholic traditions and symbols, was attended by President of Dominica, Sylvanie Burton, Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit, and Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Philip Davies.

Also present were seven Bishops from the Antilles Episcopal Conference and priests and religious leaders from across the region.