HUNDREDS of Catholics around the island on Tuesday took part in an event organized by the Catholic Church in St. Lucia dubbed: “Walk with your Priest”.
And they did walked with their priests all the way from Massy Stores, (La-Tourney, Vieux Fort)) to Laborie, passing through Black Bay, Cantonment and Augier. They did so in a cheerful mood, singing and dancing along the way, creating quite a spectacle.
The walk ended at the Desmond Collymore Playing Field in Laborie, where a number of activities were held, which included a health fair and sports, among others.
In an interview with this reporter, Monsignor Patrick Anthony said the walk is an indication of the level of interest the Catholic Church has in the promotion of health.
“The Catholic Church is promoting healthy lifestyles…caring for our bodies which are the temples of God. We are asking people to help the nation by becoming conscious of what they eat and drink,” Anthony said.
He said the day is a fun day, adding that in having fun, they are exercising and giving their bodies the kind of sustenance it needs to keep healthy.
According to Monsignor Anthony, the Catholic Church has always been promoting health care and will continue doing so.
“If you have a healthy body, then you have a healthy nation,” he said.
Parish Priest of Choiseul/Saltibus, Kenneth Haakyav, said that he was excited about the event and overwhelmed by the turn out from Catholics in his parish.
Participants say the walk was worthwhile and was a source of inspiration to them.
According to Elizabeth Couman, a resident of Saltibus, Laborie, she enjoyed the walk very much and will always take part in it.
“It was more than a walk for me. It was spiritual… I felt Jesus in me.” she told this reporter.