Bishop appeals for renovation support for the Roseau Cathedral

Bishop of Roseau Gabriel Malzaire called on the hundreds of Catholics gathered at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium for the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe to make a monthly contribution towards the cost of renovation works on Our Lady of Fair Haven Cathedral.

The celebration began with a procession from the Dame Eugenia Charles Boulevard to the stadium where there was a festival of praise followed by Divine Office – Morning Prayer and a feature address by the Apostolic Nuncio His Excellency Archbishop Nicola Girasoli before a break for lunch succeeded by the celebration of Holy Mass.

In some remarks at the end of the celebration of the Holy Eucharist on Sunday November 24, 2013 Bishop Malzaire told Catholic faithful that foundation work was done, inner columns were being replaced and would be completed next February, and that would be followed by the roof being put in place. The order for roofing materials was done.

Bishop Malzaire indicated that the renovation was scheduled to take three years if all the money was available. The project will not stop, notwithstanding by God's Grace. And the sum needed for the full project was $8 million. So far $4.4 million had been raised with $3.6 million spent.

"We need to boost our fundraising", the bishop appealed to his church. He asked members of the church to pledge something every month, for example, 1,000 people contributing $100 a month for 12 months would translate to $1.2 million. And for those who could not make it $100, it could be $50 or $25 a month. To the acknowledgement of his listeners he revealed his awareness of the parishes each having its own project. But he called on all parishioners and businesses to make a contribution towards the building of "our cathedral."