Father Robert Christo from the Santa Rosa/Malabar RC Church in Arima has addressed the backlash he faced for blessing Carnival festivities at Dimanche Gras. In a thoughtful Facebook post, Father Christo explained that his act of blessing did not signify approval but rather an invitation for God to redeem and transform the event.
He challenged the notion that only perfect things should be blessed, stating that the world is in constant need of redemption. Father Christo emphasized that blessings are not validations of righteousness but opportunities for God to intervene and bring about positive change.
Highlighting the importance of bringing Jesus into real-world situations, the priest compared blessing Carnival to blessing homes, hospitals, and other aspects of life. He stressed that the purpose of blessing is to foster goodness, convict wrongdoings, and lead the lost back to the right path.
Father Christo clarified that while sin associated with Satan cannot be blessed, Carnival itself is not inherently evil. Drawing parallels to adding seasoning to food to enhance its flavor, he explained that blessing Carnival aims to uplift music, inspire creativity, uphold dignity, and promote unity in the streets.
He concluded by affirming the belief that by blessing Carnival, it can be transformed for the better. Father Christo expressed faith in God’s ability to work through blessings, bringing hope and goodness to every corner touched by His presence.
In a world where darkness exists, he emphasized the duty of priests and worshippers to venture into all spaces, including Carnival, to sprinkle blessings, ignite change, and nurture positivity. The act of blessing, in Father Christo’s perspective, is a powerful tool for channeling God’s grace and fostering hope wherever it may be needed.
