No room at the ‘inn’for Christmas Mass

THE EDITOR: For the third year in a row I attended Christmas Mass at the church I grew up in, St Finbar’s RC Church. I come back to Trinidad regularly to enjoy the love of family and friends, the sight, sounds and taste of everything Trini and to enjoy live steel pan. It’s always a treat.

The Mass at St Finbar’s was particularly enjoyable this year because of the beautiful blend of the choir and the accompanying pan. The Christmas carol solos were also lovely.

I was disappointed, however, to find our church was overpacked and there were no seats for what seemed like hundreds of us.

We arrived early, long before Mass started. What was disappointing was people sitting in pews and holding seats for family and friends who were not there. I walked down the aisle and asked at several such pews, “Any room at the inn?” Each responded callously with a resounding “no!”

Two years ago there was a single woman in one pew who told me unapologetically that she had reserved the entire pew for her family. This reminded me of my mother’s younger days when her rich aunt had a brass plate with her name engraved on her seat in church and my mother was made to stand outside. She fainted on one occasion.

Manners seem to have gone out of style with the St Finbar’s congregation. Seats were filled by men and boys and many elderly were left standing as well as parents with babes in arms. Why did the parish priest not ask the congregation to allow the elderly, infirm and parents with children to sit? Why is there no announcement that seats are not reserved for those not there? It is unjust, uncharitable and unfair that those present get no seats as others hold seats for those arriving later.

Men and young people should be asked to give up their seats to those in need. Last year I gave up mine. The other two years, including last night, I got none. If I had gotten one I was giving it up anyway for I have good legs and strength by the grace of God.

I hugged a woman who looked to be in her 80s and told her if I had a seat I would give her. My brother-in-law returned home soon after arriving, realising the situation.

On Christmas night, why can’t we express more charitable concern for our neighbours, beginning at church? St Finbar’s is a very poor example of brotherly love. I hope Mass on New Year’s Eve and all those to come will be better. No reserved seats. Men and youths should yield to the aged, handicapped and to women.

May each of you enjoy a peaceful, happy and holy Christmas, remembering that Christ is the reason for Christmas. And without the spirit of Christ it’s just another day.

RUFFINA F ANKLESARIA

Trini visiting from Missouri

Comments

"No room at the ‘inn’for Christmas Mass"

More in this section