The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features

Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

Anglican priests from all across the Bahamas last week assembled in North Long Island for a highly anticipated annual clergy conference that takes place during the month of May.

The Anglican clergy has maintained this tradition since it was started by the late Bishop Michael Eldon in the 1970s.

“From Grand Bahama in the North to Grand Turk in the South, clerics assembled for rest, relaxation and discussion,” said Father Chester Burton, Anglican Church rector.

“After the rigours of Lent and the relentless Holy Week services, clergy members take this opportunity to use this as proverbial down time and to charge their liturgical lithium batteries.

The week-long festivities began with a welcome dinner where Bishop Laish Boyd and clerics had the opportunity to meet and greet members of St Peter’s Parish. 

Father Burton said the personnel at the Stella Maris Resort should be commended for their excellent and diplomatic service of visitors on the island.

“On Wednesday, May 3, St Mary Magdalene Church in Glintons was a beehive of activity from early in the afternoon as this would be an historic moment in the life of the parish and indeed the church,” said Father Burton.

“Some 60 plus clergy members were present to celebrate this eucharistic meal. Catechists were present and assembled to hear the Bishop of the Diocese’s admonition to members and clerics.”

He said Bishop Boyd in his sermon challenged persons to exhibit a life worthy of that of St Monica, who never gave up praying for her son. 

“He reminded the congregation that she is the patron saint of difficult marriages and disappointing children, thus sharing that everyone seated under the sound of his voice knows the repercussion of both. Bishop Boyd pontificated that we should not give up on any individual, but must be patient and prayerful just as St Monica was in her Christian walk.”

The Church of St Monica is located in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, is led by Rev Dr Tellison G Glover.