by Fr. Kevin R. Murray, C.Ss.R.
Since arriving in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Redemptorist community has reached out to many areas where people are in need, particularly considering the volcanic eruption earlier in the year. Even before that event, though, evangelization was beginning in communities within the parish territory. The focus being in areas where there is no Catholic church or chapel building.
One such place is Fancy. Nestled high at the top of Saint Vincent, it is the northernmost community on the island. The landscape is lush with locally grown crops. They can be seen for miles as the terrain is rather steep. The road there is narrow and bumpy and covers many hills. Fancy is not the easiest community to reach, but the trip is well worth the time and effort.
The main shop in "town" is owned and operated by a lovely lady who is affectionately known as Tanty. She is very warm and gracious. The initial contact on the part of the Redemptorists with Tanty came on a tour of the island. Stopping by her shop for refreshments, our conversation with Tanty evolved into asking for eventual use of space for a prayer service for the community. She opened her heart to the idea and soon afterwards her shop.
It was the day after Ash Wednesday 2020. Parishioners from Sandy Bay and youth group members from the wider parish communities accompanied the Redemptorists for a Lenten prayer service. The evening service was advertised with flyers posted around the community, including in Tanty's shop. All were welcome to come and sing, pray, listen to Scripture and reflection, and to pray some more – giving thanks and praise to God.
A small group gathered in the simple yet cozy space and outdoors. The evening was pleasant and uplifting. A return visit and service netted a few more persons than the first. The plan, at the time, was to continue monthly; however, mass gatherings were suspended shortly thereafter due to the pandemic.
More than a year passed without a return to Fancy, the reason now compounded by the volcanic eruptions of La Soufriere. Being in the red zone, the area was off limits and visits there strictly prohibited for a long time. Weeks turned into months before the "all clear" was given by the government to travel again to the top of the mainland.
Finally in mid-August, the Redemptorists, this time with young relief workers, water, and supplies, were back in the area. Sadly, as in so many places within the parish territory, much destruction was witnessed.
The roads were passable but hardly devoid of debris. The heavy ash from the explosive eruptions (over 31), coupled with the effects of heavy rains and winds, left its mark on Fancy, including Tanty's shop. She herself was still away, an evacuee since April, and her shop was inoperable. The door was opened – due to damages – and the flyer announcing the inaugural prayer service still hung on the ash-scarred wall. A keen reminder of the first prayer gathering and a sense that the Church never left.
A few more relief visits followed before seeing Tanty at home again. She was happy to see those who ventured up to share goods. She was asked about using her shop again – this time to bring more parcels of food, water, and necessities for distribution: 180 bundles! Names of returning evacuees had been collected by parish volunteers, who also helped in preparing for the distribution.
Again, Tanty was a very gracious host. She was all smiles, happy to see her shop, which is still recuperating, used for the good of the community. Upon leaving, gratitude was expressed as well as the desire to see each other again. With a twinkle in her eye, Tanty – who is not Catholic – asked, when are we having another prayer service?
With an invitation so kind and welcoming, it will be soon. Hopefully during the Christmas season – giving thanks to God who has taken on our flesh and always, be it in times of tragedy or triumph, dwells among us.