PM’s Corpus Christi Message
Following is a message from the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago on the occasion of Corpus Christi 2014.
Dear fellow citizens,
Tomorrow, Thursday, 19th June 2014, marks the observance of two distinct holidays, which are characteristic of the multifaceted diversity of the people of our beloved Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Feast of Corpus Christi celebrates the tradition and belief in the body and blood of Jesus Christ and his Real Presence in the Holy Sacrament. It emphasizes the joy of the institution of the The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. (Roman Missal, 2011 Latin to English translation).
It is a symbol of redemption; the personal sacrifice by Jesus Christ of the offering of his own body and blood to save mankind from punishment. We should try to emulate the example of selfless duty He set even if we do refrain, as is perhaps wiser, from personal sacrifice.
Civic duty is a responsibility of every citizen of sound mind and body: ‘Together We Aspire; Together We Achieve’. To aim higher than the circumstances of birth and chance that encircle us is a duty and responsibility that falls to every man, woman, and child of Trinidad and Tobago.
We cannot and must not leave our duties and responsibilities to our colleagues, family, friends, and fellow citizens in the ill-considered hope that they will solve our domestic problems and our nation’s difficulties for us.
We need to face our difficulties fearlessly, without trivializing them, but in the expectation that, because we are willing to work together to bring focus, concentration, and goodwill to tackling the issues that impede our progress, our united efforts will bear fruit. We are a gifted people. We are a well-educated people. We can make a difference to all our lives; real progress is within our reach.
We do look, naturally, for leadership from our leaders who have made the pledge that they will not tire in their efforts to provide continuous guidance to our fellow citizen. However, we must remember, too, that “many hands make light work”.
It is the right of all good citizens to challenge their leaders to aim for excellence in the exercise of their public duty but it is also imperative that we receive the universal support of our people.
Our nation needs real and effective commitment from all of us to make our true and selfless actions speak louder than our words.
Whatever the public perception of the role of our leaders be assured that it is our Government’s constant preoccupation and determination that our best efforts will determine our actions on behalf of all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.
As Prime Minister and proud citizen of Trinidad and Tobago I am gratified that our nation possesses a rich legacy of cultural, economic, political, religious, and social freedom that is enshrined in our constitution and cherished by the diverse people of our nation. That enviable freedom is admired by people of all nationalities, whatever the social and political realities of their particular situations.
Because we are a people of faith we must recognise and appreciate the empowerment that comes from thoughtful reflection, prayer, and a deeply-rooted belief in a higher power who loves, guides, and protects us all. May God Bless Our Nation!
18 June 2014