byTania DrebenstedtIn Focus
A corner to worship on theBluff on Cayman Brac
byTania Drebenstedt
The splendour of our treasured protectedjewel will become the stage of tomorrow's prize-winning production,the new attraction called: The Brac, a symbol of hidden treasures,on land and beneath the sea; attributes purposely kept secret;unspoiled beauty being released like a long ago written script.
The stage is set.
It is Sunday morning and the slow-movingpace is almost at a standstill all around the Brac. I am drivingfrom West End toward Stake Bay, listening to the single churchbell calling the worshippers to service at the Cross Road.
As I am enjoying the tranquil morning, Iam with my thoughts at the two beautiful Catholic Churches onGrand Cayman: St. Ignatius on Walkers Road and Christ The Redeemer,on Rev. Blackman Road in West Bay.
But, very few Catholic worshippers know,that Monsignor Meaney, much loved, retired pastor of St. Ignatius,is not at all 'retired'. And for all Catholics living on CaymanBrac, what a blessing to have Father 'retire' on the Brac.
If you visit the museum in Stake Bay, nextto it, toward the West, a white Caymanian-style house shaded bybeautiful old trees greets you invitingly, appearing at once peacefuland almost sleepy.
Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. and everyevening during the week at 6:00 p.m., worshippers find their wayto the small Chapel that was constructed at the side of the house.
I love attending Mass in this unique pleasingsurrounding. All stormy surges that may be lingering in your heartand soul just disappear; the feeling of total peace is fulfillingthe moment you enter the house; it is as if a natural balancewith unspoiled beauty brings the Lord even closer to your heart.
The Mass is celebrated by Father Meaney,and on many occasions, we even have the luxury of a pianist. Aclose-knit small community united in prayer. I am also lookingforward to the fellowship after each Mass, sitting down in FatherMeaney's living room, having a cup of tea and solving the illsof the world; discussing world and local issues and enjoying thetotal fulfilment of the end of a perfect day.
Last year, on Easter Sunday, with many ofthe winter visitors and local worshippers attending Mass, theChapel could have been double in size to hold all who were attending.Father Meaney opened the door to the porch and to his living-roomso that everybody was part of this jubilant Mass. A crowd of birdswere captivated by our singing and joined in, therefore creatingan orchestra premiering this Easter morning.
On many of the other Sundays, the Chapelwelcomed new worshippers. I remember the big celebration thatwas held when Quincy was baptised. What joy! What beautiful fellowship!
Everybody misses Quincy's singing, especiallyon Sunday mornings. He was offered a position with Radio Cayman,and we may call on him in a few weeks' time, when every worshipperin the tiny Chapel needs to hear his special song on Easter morning.And if Damian could come across from Grand Cayman, we could reallysing : "All is well with my soul...all is well..."
During the weeks that followed, the parishionersand visitors alike ask Monsignor Meaney, what we needed to doto have a fair-sized Chapel on the Brac. All of us had our heartsset on a location on the Bluff. A parcel of land located on theBluff had been donated a few years ago to the Catholic Church.
And during the following day, Damian, whowas at that time a government surveyor on the Brac ( he is nowon Grand Cayman, but still involved with our great dream of havinga Chapel on the Bluff ) and two of the parishioners went to checkout the location.
We know a road is needed to get to the parcelof land. As everybody in life should have a dream that one workstoward, we are setting the necessary ingredients in motion tohave our Chapel on the Bluff.
Once access is gained to the property, wewould like to build a prayer station first; erecting a cross andbuilding a few benches in a shaded area, where in the lustroussurroundings, fringed by wild orchids, the Lord will always bearound, to be worshiped at any time of the day or night.
Any weary wanderer finds a setting to unburdenone's soul, experiencing the foundation of creation, what betterplace could be found than the existing environmental foundationpresented on the Bluff.
The small Catholic community on the Brachas already many volunteers, a multicultural group, ready to fulfilltheir objectives and goals; ready to physically help to buildthe Church.
Everything is only in the planning stages,but the Chapel on the Bluff will truly be the spot, were we asChristians want to give the Lord a standing ovation, looking aroundand giving thanks for the beauty that he created.
We also pray that Father Meaney will bewith us for many years to come. After all, he needs to be therewhen the first Mass will be read, and prior to that special day,when we have our first prayer at the cross.
The next time you visit the Brac, let goof your bruised soul; come in to the little house next to themuseum and stay for a short prayer at the tiny Chapel. You willhave drawn from the enormous peace you find there.