Sunday, July 1 2012

Today, thousands of Christians are expected to flock onto the main roads leading into Port-of-Spain for the March for Jesus 2012.

The march will take place under the auspices of His Grace, Archbishop Joseph Harris, who, despite being in Rome at this time, has given his full support.

The march is geared to “return Trinidad and Tobago to prayer and reduce the incidence of crime in the country,” the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) National Service, organisers of the event, have said.

While the CCR is the main body behind the event, it is expected that people from all walks of life will take part in the event. In fact, all religious denominations and national groups have been invited to participate.

The Anglican, Baha’ai, Spiritual Baptist, Muslim and Methodist communities have confirmed their participation, along with Lawyers for Jesus and Legion of Mary, the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force and several primary and secondary schools.

The Archbishop says the ecumenical and multi-religious aspect of the march is important, since Christian churches and religious bodies need to move away “from what separates, to things we hold in common.”

“This March focusses on the messages and values which our faith in Jesus Christ brings to us. As we reflect on 50 years as a nation, we give God thanks for the good things that happen, but also look at what we have not done well so as to better ourselves,” the Archbishop was quoted as saying of the event.

The Archbishop said crime and the lack of respect for the sacredness of the human person were areas citizens needed to improve on. CCR chair Deborah de Rosia said Christians needed to make the statement that “we have faith, and our faith is in God … that God underpins everything happening here. We all need to turn our eyes, hearts and lives towards God, who created us.”

She said the march was timely given the escalating incidence of crime, road fatalities and debauchery in the country. “We wanted an event that could draw in the entire nation towards a shared purpose of positive change through prayer. Indeed, we want everyone to make this journey with us,” she said. The March will begin at three locations: The Croissee, San Juan at 11 a.m; Morvant Junction at 12 noon and the Jean Pierre Complex at 12 noon. Particpants are expected to enter the final meeting point, the Queen’s Park Savannah (QPS), from both ends of the Grand Stand. The event will culminate with a short programme of praise and worship, led by a 200-strong choir and music ministry under the direction of Winston and Debbie Garcia. The prayers, praises and music at the QPS will be broadcast to marchers along the routes via music trucks. Parking will be available at Boundary Road, Fernandes Compound; MTS compound and JP Complex. A shuttle service has also been organised.