Dr Joseph laid to rest
Thursday, December 8 2011
Dr Cuthbert Joseph was a true patriot who loved his country with his whole heart and soul, according to Co-Adjutor Archbishop of Port-of-Spain, Rev Joseph Harris.
Rev. Harris at the time was officiating at the Mass for former People’s National Movement Member of Parliament, at the Assumption RC Church, Long Circular Road, Maraval.
He told the congregation, “anyone who has seen and read his autobiography comes to that conclusion. Here was a man who lived to do the best he could, not only for his own but for every citizen of TT.”
Six months ago Joseph launched his book, The Life I Recall: Other Pathways to Human Development. Harris told the scores of people who gathered that more than two months ago he had the privilege of working with Joseph to prepare the funeral service. “He asked that there be no eulogy at his funeral.” Joseph also chose the readings, hymns and wrote a poem–“The Holy Door.”
Joseph, 83, died on November 29 last, at his Cascade home. He had leukaemia, and was ailing prior to his death. Harris said the Gospel (John 6:37-40) Joseph chose for the service told of what he believed–no one is lost who believed in Jesus Christ and lived the values He brought.
“This is not a question of whether one is Catholic, Anglican, Hindu or Muslim those values are universal values. Since our land is not what we would love it to be all of us have to ask ourselves whether or not we live those values. Whether or not we are truly dedicated to building harmony.”
Dr Ronald Henry, Joseph’s son-in-law, told Newsday that Joseph was instrumental in introducing the Patois mass in Paramin and persons from the community attended to pay tribute.
Among those who attended the mass for Joseph included several current and former government members of the PNM led by Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley, former Prime Minister/Member of Parliament for San Fernando East Patrick Manning, Kamaluddin Mohammed and John Donaldson. Also present, former First Lady Zalayhar Hassanali, former Caricom Secretary General Edwin Carrington, and representatives from the PNM Women’s League.
Joseph leaves to mourn his wife Joyce, children- Dr Paula Henry; Jacqueline Joseph, Sr Kathleen Joseph, Angela Joseph and sons Peter, Keith and grandchildren.
http://www.newsday.co.tt/news/0,151913.html
