President of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO) of T&T is calling on citizens to emulate members of the Catholic and Hindu faith who worship the La Divina Pastora statue and unite to heal the ills of society. Brother Harrypersad Maharaj made the call as both communities geared up to pay homage to La Divina, known as Soparee K Mai to the Hindu community, on Good Friday. Every year thousands of devotees journey to the La Divina Pastora Roman Catholic Church in Siparia to pray for their wishes to be granted or to give thanks and offerings for prayers already answered.
“It is amazing to see how two religions combine in their worship and acknowledgement of La Divina/Soparee Mai,” said Maharaj. “The unity we have seen in their worship over the years is what is needed to rid our country of the ills we are facing.” Maharaj said both faiths worship the divinity represented by La Divina. “They pay homage to the divinity La Divina/Soparee Mai represents. If only we can have that divinity in our lives throughout the year, we can restore godliness and peace to our country.”
Devotees usually start arriving from early on Holy Thursday. Hundreds of needy people also converge on the area surrounding the church, often camping out overnight to receive alms from pilgrims. Maharaj urged citizens to emulate the qualities of the Hindu deity Hanuman, as the Hindu community prepares to celebrate Hanuman Jayanti this Saturday.
“I think that people should strive to remember the characteristics of Hanuman, the things he did that made him unforgettable to Hindus around the world. He was self-sacrificing, faithful, loyal and above all, humble.” Maharaj said Hanuman was also recognised by the Spiritual Baptists for his humility.
“Even members of the Spiritual Baptist faith worship Hanuman and I hope more people can emulate his humble nature more. As Hanuman’s faith helped him to build the bridge to Lankar, as told in the Ramayan, so too our faith can help us to build the bridges we need to find success in family life and as a nation.” Hanuman Jayanti or the birthday of Hanuman is celebrated in prayer and song and by the chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa.