Dear Editor,
On Sunday morning, I went to St Pius Roman Catholic church on Cemetery Road to share in a celebration. It turned to be something akin to a coronation. The occasion was the fortieth anniversary of Monsignor Terrence John Gordon Montrose’s ordination as a Roman Catholic priest.
He might have come from the hood a long time ago; but on this day, the people came from all over-far and near, old and young, solemn and joyful, and the grateful and prayerful-to honour and love “Father Monty” as he is affectionately called. It was a blessed, glorious tribute to a humble man who has served communities, country, and church through highs and lows, political eras, social upheavals, and changing church times.
There he was: grey, bearded, bespectacled eyes embracing the moment, peering ahead into the heart of the future, and remembering the spiritual sinew and soul of every day of all those forty years that brought him to this radiant day, this grand moment. Fr. Monty is one of those true rarities: a good man in many meanings of that godly word. He has been a beacon to the young, a comforter to the poor, a friend to the outcast, and a confessor for the apprehensive. Yes, he is all of those, and then some more.
The crowd of assembled congregants has known him, in some fashion, for decades; there is respect, love, much adoration. It is the way it ought to be, and most deserving. I really know the man, the priest, the thinker, and the spiritual sounding board for a mere three years only. It is enough; and for me a treasured relationship, and powerful blessing, which can be so elusive most of the time, particularly here; or for that matter any place else.
I salute this man of God, this inspiring preacher, this enduring minister and evangelizer. I will hold this moment dear. Thank you Fr. Monty. May God bless him with more decades of the same stalwart dedication and unflinching commitment to His work and people.
Yours faithfully,
GHK Lall
