One of a Jamaican Kind: Fr. Bertram Chin, C.P., page two

They Come from All Over

Fr. Bertram points out the invaluable form Passionist preaching has taken in his homeland. Mount Calvary Retreat House, Mandeville, is the island's retreat house. "Our people have the opportunity for quality retreats. They come from all over the island -- Protestants and Catholics alike. At Mount Calvary they are spiritually formed, young and old."

Jamaica is a small country with tremendously large problems. This Third World country is beset with massive social and economic isssues that dominate the lives of all, bringing much suffering, especially to the "little people". "So much dignity and self-respect have been taken from our people," says Bertram. "People in countless neighborhood communities have to stand at the street corner, out in the open, taking their daily bath at a fire hydrant. So many simply have lost hope."

Fr. Bertram recognizes, maybe more than most, the need for the charism of the Passion in his country. "It speaks to these people," he assures us. "It speaks to their inner dignity, even if the man's house is a shack and he has no shoes. Our Passionist mission is to celebrate dignity, inspire hope and validate their humanity. If we can help our people to root their suffering in the sufferings of Jesus; if, rather than curse the darkness, we can light the candle of some quality of life for those from whom so much has been robbed, we will be true companions of Paul of the Cross."

Fr. Bertram is joined by other Passionists in this mission where he is also the superior. With him are two Passionist priests and a Brother from the Province of St. Paul of the Cross. There are three Passionist Sisters, natives of Ireland, now belonging to their Congregation's New England branch. Another Passionist, Most Reverend Paul M. Boyle, C.P., is Bishop of Mandeville, one of the three Jamaican dioceses.

an ordinary Mass?

A Missionary Looks at Jamaica • One of a Jamaican Kind: Fr Bertram Chin, C.P. - beginning
A Retreat House Keeping Dreams Alive • Sister Una Is Building a College
Editor's Note • Act With Compassion

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