PM’s Corpus Christi Message 2015
Fellow citizens, I extend warm greetings to the Roman Catholic community of Trinidad and Tobago on the commemoration of Corpus Christi – the Body of Christ.
This most sacred commemoration in the Christian Calendar celebrates the tradition and belief in the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ and his real presence in the Holy Eucharist.
As Prime Minister, I share your deep pride in our rich and valued history of religious freedom as enshrined in our Republican Constitution, and appreciation as we have grown as a people.
There are no truer words that attest to the nation we strive to build, than in our National Anthem – “every creed and race find an equal place”.
It is very important to note that this year marks the 231st anniversary of the celebration of Corpus Christi in Trinidad & Tobago.
This public testimony of one’s faith is an inspiring example of the fact that we are a praying people with a deep-rooted belief in a higher power.
Since there is often a great deal of rainfall around the time of the Corpus Christi celebrations, gardeners in Trinidad and Tobago consider the day to be good for planting, as it is believed that anything planted on this day will thrive.
Both farmers and first time planters try to get the best fruit and vegetable plants for this occasion. Some planters have been known to carry their seeds to church services for blessing.
Perhaps this custom gives us a very good example of how, as one people and one nation, we can use religious celebrations to enhance our unity.
Just as the belief is that planting on this day brings the best harvest, so to must be we consider that devotion on this day will renew our strong nationhood and unity.
We must continue every effort to share our religious and moral values and traditions as a valuable legacy with our children.
These are the same values and traditions that have shaped our lives and moulded us into outstanding citizens of Trinidad & Tobago. We must always put God in front and follow Him in all that we do and hope to accomplish.
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, and on my own personal behalf, I extend Corpus Christi greetings to the Roman Catholic community and all citizens of the nation. May the religious seeds we sow today bear abundant and lasting fruit for ourselves and our country.
God bless you and God bless our nation.
Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC, MP
Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago