ARCHBISHOP ANTHONY
PANTIN
AN EXEMPLARY
SHEPHERD
By Debra Wanser
Trinidad Guardian
March 13, 2000
Page 4
Shock, grief and sadness prevailed in the country yesterday as news of
the death of Roman Catholic Archbishop Anthony Pantin was announced.
Among
reactions yesterday were:
Bishop
Rawle Douglin of the Anglican Church of Trinidad and Tobago:
"He
was a brother in the faith to me and countless Anglicans, I thank God for his
outstanding leadership in this nation.
His leadership was among those of all faith. His Grace was a person of prayers and great devotion to church
and his contribution in many spheres of life will live on in those who have
been inspired by his message because of the God he served so faithfully. May he rest in peace and rise in glory."
Satnarayan
Maharaj, Secretary General of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha:
Archbishop
Pantin was a national figure whose passing will leave a void, not only in the
religious community but also in other areas of national life. One of his greatest achievements was the
role he played with the Maha Sabha, ASJA and the Anglican Church in the
creation of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO).
"The
Maha Sabha will remember him as a stabilizing force in our national life."
Reveena
Sarran-Persad, President of The Hindu Women's Organisation of Trinidad and
Tobago:
"I
extend out deepest sympathy to the Roman Catholic community on the passing of a
great soul and leader, his worship Archbishop Anthony Pantin. Much will be said of his work in nation
building and as an exemplar in the days to follow. As Hindus, we note with pride, his sincere devotion and
commitment to his community. For us,
his passing, in this the holiest period of Lent, signifies God's personal
tribute to him on earth and indeed acknowledges his greatness as a most devoted
servant of His."
Anthony
Smart, Political Leader of the National Alliance for Reconstruction:
"I
am deeply shocked and saddened by the news of the Archbishop's death. On behalf of the NAR I extend my deepest
sympathies to the family, the Catholic Church and the nation. Pantin was someone I knew well. He was someone of great humanity, he was a
humble and witty man."
Abbot
Francis Alleyne, Mt St Benedict:
"I
want to extend profound gratitude for his life. He was an exemplary Shepherd.
He had quite an amazing pitch of energy during all those years in
office, which was extremely admirable.
He will be very difficult to replace.
Dr.
Mansoor Ibrahim, President General of ASJA:
"We
must understand that his death was appointed by God. I want to extend profound sympathy to his family and the Catholic
community on the passing of this human being who crossed all barriers of race,
class, colour and creed to perform his work as a young teacher to hold the
highest position in the Catholic Church in this country. He always maintained dignity. We can all learn from his life style and the
way he mixed and related with everyone.
As a founding member of the IRO he was exemplary."
Nizam
Mohammed, one of the leaders of the Muslim faith:
Although
the Archbishop was ailing his passing is cause for deep grief and shock. He will always be remembered for his
outspokenness and forthright approach.
He was a friend, a leader and true brother to all humanity.
John
Rahael, Mayor of Port of Spain:
"Over
the years I have gotten to know his Grace on a more intimate level,
particularly when I assumed the role of Mayor.
I shared so much in common with him.
Our latest concern was the plight of street children and trying to find
solutions to deal with these problems.
I am personally affected. It is
a very sad day for the nation."
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HE LIVED WHAT HE
PREACHED
Guardian South
Bureau
News
of the death of Archbishop Anthony Pantin interrupted Sunday mass services at
the Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church at Harris Promenade San
Fernando as dozens wept openly and knelt before the altar to pray upon hearing
the sad announcement.
Fr.
Clyde Harvey became aware of the loss about one hour after Sunday mass began,
according to church members. When the Guardian
visited the church around 10 a.m. a flustered Harvey who had just confirmed the
Archbishop's death, declined to speak to the media.
As
church members cried and clung to each other for support, an emotional Fr.
Harvey began reciting the Lord's Prayer: "Precious God and Father we thank
you for the Archbishop's goodness, for that boundless trust which he displayed
in each one of us."
"Archbishop
Pantin is a great loss to society since he provided strength for the weak and
immense faith in each person he came into contact with," he added. "He was a man who lived what he
preached."
As
the service came to an end, several church members walked before the altar and
knelt in prayer amid whispers that it looked as if "all the good people
dying this year…"
Camille
Khan, a crippled woman who sat in a wheelchair, seemed inconsolable and several
people gathered at her side in an attempt to stop her sobs.
"I
have no-one now, he was my guide, I always kept contact with him because I am
physically challenged," she lamented.
Khan
said several months ago the Archbishop came to the church and he spoke of
problems affecting society.
"Just
last night I was going to write to him to talk about some problems within the
Roman Catholic faith, now he's gone," she added.
She
said before his death, Pantin sent several messages to the youth of the nation
and it seemed like he was especially trying to reach out to them.
Another
mourner, Gwendolyn Greene who also was at mass, said it was shocking news for
her: "He was indeed a great man who will be missed."
News
of the Archbishop's death also interrupted another function in South yesterday
- a strategic planning workshop which was being held at the Petrotrin gymnasium
in Point-a-Pierre. Participants
observed a minute's silence.
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PAPAL NUNCIO
MOURNS
Trinidad Guardian
March 13, 2000
Page 4
His
Excellency, Fr. Angelo Accattino, Secretary at the Papal Nunciature in Port of
Spain said yesterday the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Eugenio Sbarbaro was shocked
at the news of the passing of Archbishop Anthony Pantin.
He said
the Nuncio was very sad when he received the news from Fr. Pereira and
immediately went to view the body of Archbishop Pantin and said prayers there.
The
Nuncio then went to the chapel where he said Mass for the repose of the soul of
the deceased prelate.
Archbishop
Sbarbaro then communicated the sad news to the Holy Father, and expressed his
sympathy to the clergy, religious communities, Catholics and citizens of
Trinidad and Tobago.
The
Apostolic Nuncio considered Archbishop Pantin as a person belonging to and
respected by people in all sections of the nation.
Fr.
Accattino said Archbishop Pantin was a holy man, we should pray for him and
that a suitable successor would be found.
He added
the mood at the Nunciature was one of profound sadness.
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