Archbishop Joseph Harris says in order to build a society that is acceptable to God, its political leaders must be trustworthy. In delivering his Ash Wednesday sermon at Our Lady of Perpetual Help RC Church in San Fernando, Harris said now was not the time to lament the vulgarity and licentiousness that took place over Carnival Monday and Tuesday, unless something was going to be done about it.
Emphasising Pope Francis’ Lenten message that Christians needed to confront selfish attitudes, he said this societal problem was the reason for the violence T&T faced.
“In building a society which is acceptable to God, we must dream of a society in which we are the protagonists of gentleness and compassion, a society in which people who visit public offices are routinely treated well, a society in which those who are ill are confident of adequate healthcare, a society in which the population trusts the justice system, a society without the scourge of corruption, a society in which our political leaders can be trusted.
“This demands of us the building of habits which facilitate such a programme. It means developing habits of truth, of kindness, of concern for the other and of compassion.”
He also called on professionals, especially doctors, lawyers and engineers, to do pro bono work for less fortunate citizens. As the Catholic faith celebrated the beginning of Lent, in remembrance of the 40 days and 40 nights Jesus Christ fasted in the wilderness, Harris reminded them that it should be a time of sacrifice and penance. He said Ash Wednesday symbolised that we did not have an eternal earthly life and everyone would die someday.