OUR JAMAICA TRIP

We started our journey on Fri 15th of Feb. We were originally to be 13 pilgrims, but a 14th joined us at the last moment. We had organised three cars to take those who had not already organised a lift with friends, but at the last moment we got a fourth car because we could not fit all the baggage in three.

Because of the many gifts from the parish, we each had the airline limit of 100 lbs each, so there was a mountain of baggage. We had been warned, only two days before by Fr Peter McIssacc that we might have problems with that amount of baggage when we got to customs in Jamaica, but Ana & I decided to ignore the warning, and tell no one. It was just as well since there was no problem in Kingston, except the one hour wait in line to get through immigration. We left Toronto at noon, and got out of the airport in Kingston about 6 pm, where we were met by Fr. Tom Frink, pastor of St Anne’s, with the St George’s bus. We were then driven to the St George's campus, to our lodging which was originally a Jesuit residence. It was a two story building with a central courtyard, and outside balcony on two of the upper floor walls. We got double rooms to share, each with a minimum of furniture, but adequate.

We were given a meal that night, washed down with Redstripe and wine. We were told nothing would happen in the parish on Saturday, so Fr. Tom had organised a trip to Mount Royal, the old capital, and lunch at a seafood restaurant. So eventually to bed
On Saturday we had mass in the chapel followed by a slow breakfast (cereal, coffee, toast and fruit, no marmite!!). Then on to the bus to Port Royal, to visit an old fort, and lunch of fried fish at an open air restaurant. The food was enjoyed by all but a couple of non fish eaters. We returned to our residence late afternoon, to have a meeting on how we felt, what we wanted to do, etc. All our meetings were held on the upper balcony, overlooking the St George's college (high school) playing field, quite often with a drink at hand. These meeting in the evening became a fixture each evening after we had been out all day. They were meant to be along the lines of a Jesuit examine, but reduced generally to a discussion of our personal highs and lows of the day. That night for food we fended for ourselves with hamburgers and hot dogs. I think it was the only night that happened. Normally a meal was prepared for us, consisting of a casserole of some sort, rice and salad. It was often spicy, but I enjoyed it. Sleep that night was hindered a bit by a local street party with the loudest loudspeakers you can imagine. The party I think stopped about 4:30, at which time I got some sleep. Apparently, these very noisy parties travel around the poorer areas, mostly at the weekend, and often last all night. Luckily this was the only time they came close to us.

There is a satellite church of St Anne’s parish called Holy Cross. It had Sunday mass at 8 am, and on this Sunday, three people went to Mass there with Fr Tom. The rest of us walked to St Anne’s, led by Don and Pat, who visited last year, for the 10:30 am mass. The church was about half full. The congregation was either older people or under 12 children. Not very many in between that age range.

The music instruments consisted of keyboard, drum set, bongo drums and an electric guitar. The singing was led by an older woman, with her face always in the microphone. It was very load and completely drowned out the congregation’s singing. In fact it was hard to know if they sang at all. During mass the younger children started to come and sit beside us. We were in at least three groups around the church, and, in the end, we each had a little one beside us or on our knees. They were totally open, and fascinated by us. The adults and the children were all dressed as if they were going to a wedding, and the young ones were adorable. Fr Tom was very active during mass, particularly during the sermon.