To: Clergy and People
From: The Bishop
22nd October, 2021

Greetings!

Independence 

St. Vincent and the Grenadines celebrates its forty-second anniversary of Independence on Wednesday 27th October, 2021. I ask your prayers for Her Excellency Dame Susan Dougan our Governor General, Dr. The Honourable Ralph E. Gonsalves, Prime Minister and Dr. The Honourable Godwin Friday, Leader of the Opposition, Parliamentarians and people. Happy Independence!

Collect for Independence 

O God our Father, whose will it is that your people should live in ordered societies; inspire the people of this nation with the spirit of justice, truth and love; and so guide our leaders, and all who make decisions on our behalf, that they may direct our affairs in righteousness and peace; that we may live in peace and harmony and to your honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.

The following lessons with the collect above may be used this Sunday or on Wednesday: Old Testament Lesson -Deuteronomy 8: 11-20 

Psalm 146: 4- 9 

Hebrews 11: 8- 16 

Mark 12: 13-17 

Provincial Youth Fellowship Week-End

We commend the Provincial Youth Commission on the organization and execution of the Provincial Youth Fellowship Week-End of 8th, 9th and 10th October, 2021. We also commend the young people from the Diocese of the Windward Islands who participated in the various activities and Youth Service. Thanks to Mrs. Sheree-Ann Auld Mark, Diocesan Youth Director and Youth Coordinator Archdeaconry of Grenada, Ms. Ronnise Henry, Youth Coordinator, Archdeaconry of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Mrs. Glenda Polius, Youth Coordinator, Archdeaconry of St. Lucia for coordinating the Diocesan involvement and participation and all others who assisted. May God be praised.

Congratulations

We congratulate Mr. Deale Lee on being appointed as an Independent Senator to the Parliament of St. Lucia. Mr. Lee is a member of the Parochial Church Council of the Parish of The Holy Trinity, Castries with St. Mary, La Caye, St. Lucia.

Obituary

We have learnt of the passing of Mr. Seon Alexander of Tempe, St. George, Grenada who died on 12th September, 2021 and was buried 2Pt September, 2021. Mr. Alexander was a former Lay Reader and synod representative of the St. George’s Parish Church, Grenada, for several years he was the only layperson administering the chalice.

He was a man who was very dedicated and committed to his ministry and service to God, a hard worker, a good husband, father and family man. He gave a lot of his time, talent and treasurer in the service of God and the Church. He was a faithful servant of God.

We extend our deepest sympathy to his widow, Constance, Children, relatives and friends. May they experience the comfort of God’s Holy Presence and know the consolation of God’s love. Amen.

Rest eternal grant unto him 0 Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

COVID-19

I take this opportunity to remind you that the COVID-19 Pandemic is still with us, it is true that we have to learn to live with it, however, we cannot let down our guards and I also stress the need for continued strict compliance with all of the protocols currently in place in the three states that make up the diocese. I also encourage you to vaccinate, to stay away from crowds and large gatherings and stay at home as much as possible, pray, commiserate with those who have lost their loved ones and support and encourage each other. God is Faithful.

Blessings and peace,
Yours sincerely

The Rt. Rev’d C. Leopold Friday
Bishop of the Windward Islands