Jesuits in Guyana

March 1857 marked the beginning of an organized mission by The Society of Jesus in British Guiana with the arrival of James Etheridge, SJ and two Italian companions, Aloysius Emiliani from the Roman Province, and Fr Clement Negri from Naples. Six more Jesuits arrived 8 months later in November. They were James Jones, Frederick de Betham, Henry Segrave and Peter Sherlock from the English Province; another Italian, Joseph Pavarelli and a Maltese, Benedict Schembri. Segrave was soon posted off to pastoral duties in Barbados, also under the care of the Guiana Mission. Sadly, it was not long before Sherlock was also on the move; in his case it was ill-health that prompted his return to England.

The Jesuit constitutions forbid Jesuits to be appointed bishops. Only in exceptional circumstances for urgent pastoral reasons and at the direct request of the Pope, can this provision be set aside. The early years of the Guiana mission were, however, a clear example of just such circumstances so in 1858 James Etheridge returned to England to be consecrated Bishop by Cardinal Wiseman in Farm Street Church on 17th October. The presence of Bishop John Hynes at this mass fittingly expressed the handing on of the care of the flock from one worthy shepherd to his successor. Bishop Hynes and his 4 exhausted priests had withdrawn from Guiana in 1857 following Etheridges’ arrival. Sole responsibility for the Church now rested with the newly consecrated Vicar Apostolic and his small band of Jesuit companions.

As if British Guiana did not present enough challenges, Bishop Etheridge soon found himself caught up in pastoral activities beyond the frontiers of his growing mission. The resignation of Archbishop Spaccapietra of Port-of-Spain left this important neighboring diocese in need of an administrator, Etheridge was asked to step into the breach, until a suitable permanent replacement could be found. In addition, the Pope later asked him to act as Apostolic delegate to Haiti. Such activates outside of Guiana occupied Etheridge till November 1861 when, struck down with fever, he had to return to England for 5 months convalescence.

One of the greatest challenges and at the same time greatest strengths of the Catholic Church has always been its desire to be authentically Catholic; creating a truly universal community united in fellowship and service yet respecting differences of culture and background. he situation facing Etheridge was to proclaim the gospel of God’s love in a country whose population was made up of indigenous Amerindians, recently emancipated African slaves, the European colonialists who had enslaved them, and ever increasing numbers of arriving indentured labourers from a variety of countries. Among the indentured laborers, there were, of course, the Portuguese form the island of Madeira. These arrived already steeped in Catholic faith and tradition and while their practice of their religion might leave much to be desired, they still clung to it with a fierce pride. The Italian and Maltese Jesuits who arrived with Etheridge had been picked specifically with the needs of the Portuguese community in mind. In a short time they mastered the Portuguese language and began intensive work among the Catholics form Madeira. This way the pastoral need among the Portuguese community became more and the congregation attending the on Catholic Church on Brickdam became far too large for the small building. A plot of land was purchased in Main Street through the help of a wealthy Portuguese businessman Manuel Fernandez and a new church dedicated to the Sacred Heart was built by 1861.

One significant group of Catholics that presented particular challenge was the Arawak Amerindians in the Moruca area. This community had always been especially dear to Bishop John Hynes and from 1840 until 1853 it had been well served by a much loved and respected resident Irish priest, Fr. John Cullen. With Moruca as his base, this intrepid missionary had made numerous visits to outlying villages even as far as Orinoco. Under his direction a new church had been built in Moruca which was solemnly dedicated and opened by Bishop Hynes on 27 October 1844. The saint selected as patroness for this church was St. Rose of Lima. From that day to the present Catholics have referred to the Moruca community as “Santa Rosa.”

Fr. Anthony Butler SJ, a former soldier with the Royal Irish Fusiliers was chosen to replace Bishop Etheridge. On August 16, 1878 in a packed Georgetown Cathedral, Anthony Butler SJ was consecrated Bishop, becoming the third Vicar Apostolic for British Guiana. He was a tireless worker for any cause that furthered the living standards of the poor. Many families owned the ownership of the their small plots of land to revisions made to the Crown Land Regulations in 1898, due in no small measure to Bishop Butler’s campaigning.

Another notable name in the Jesuit history in Guyana is of Fr. Cuthbert Cary- Elwes SJ. He undertook the long and hazardous journey to the Takutu River in 1909 to establish Rupununi mission; which later became “St. Ignatius Mission.” Today, this mission has spread in regions 8 and 9. Frs. Ronnie, Jim, Vargheese and Edwin are working tirelessly in this mission, to date. The legacy of the early Jesuit missions is still continuing in the mission with taking up new initiatives such as bilingual educational projects, collaboration with the neighboring diocese of Roraima.

Jesuits Today

We are ministering to the people of God in different part of Guyana and mainly involved in pastoral ministries in the parishes. Our ministry is concentrated on two important parts of Guyana, namely, interior and coastland. The interior mission has two components, namely, St. Ignatius Mission and North West Mission.

St. Ignatius Mission covers Rupununi and Pakaraimas with having to pastor about 35 communities stretching from Kanuku Mountains to Pakaraima Mountains. There are only four Jesuits currently doing this strenuous mission. Distance is a huge challenge for the Jesuits in the interior. Fr. Jim Conway SJ is the Mission Superior for St. Ignatius Mission. The Jesuits in this mission are also exploring the possibility of Bilingual education in collaboration with ministry of education. We are also exploring and reflecting on the social reality of the indigenous people in the border region. Apart from distance, lack of Jesuits makes our availability more challenging.

North West Mission has been entrusted to the Jesuits recently and Frs. Amar, Malcolm and Marlon are establishing this new mission in this large area of Guyana. Fr. Amar is mission superior for the North West. The Jesuits are mainly involved in pastoral ministry in this region. They are also exploring to contribute to the social reflection and educational initiatives in this area. Distance and lack of Jesuits poses a greater challenge to the mission.

The Coastal Mission comprises of Berbice, East Coast, East Bank of Demarara and Georgetown. The Central residence for the Jesuits is Arrupe House in Queenstown from where our missions are supported, inclusive of interior missions. Our ministry primarily has been in the parishes on the Coastal areas. We are involved in the pastoring to several parish communities. Fr. Britto SJ with the help of other Jesuits is exploring to establish a mission on the East Bank of Demerara, that is, from Timheri to Peters Hall. This long stretch is the home of the many people; hence, the need to access a priest is greater.

The Guyana Human Development Centre in Port Mourant has been helping the poor people of the area to impart skills in order to settle in life with self employment or employment.

There are other ministries, such as, Catholic Media, Retreats, Spiritual Guidance, Jesuit Scholarship, Indigenous Students in tow, Hospital ministry, Care Homes and so on.

In conclusion, I would like to say that this is the synopsis of us in Guyana. I would like to encourage you to pray for the Jesuits who are working different parts of Guyana and if possible get to know them. They are hardworking and pleasant to talk or share with. I also would like to encourage our young boys to take up the call the God has given you to be priests and do not bury that desire to serve the Lord as priest. If you have a desire in your heart, contact me or any other priests and we will make you feel comfortable. What we need is, you willingness and to serve the Lord with all your heart, mind and soul. Jesuits always seek to do for ‘ad majorem glorium’ ‘for the Greater Glory of God.’