Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Tyrells Marks 94th Anniversary | DSJB

The parish community of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Tyrells, Antigua, gathered on Sunday, June 28th, to celebrate the 94th anniversary of the parish with a special Anniversary Mass. The liturgy was presided over by the Most Rev. Robert Anthony Llanos, Bishop of the Diocese of St. John’s–Basseterre.

For nearly a century, Our Lady of Perpetual Help has served as a spiritual home for generations of the faithful in Tyrells and surrounding communities, witnessing to the enduring presence of the Catholic faith in the community. Sunday’s celebration was an occasion for parishioners, friends, and visitors to give thanks to God for the parish’s long history and to renew their commitment to its continued mission.

Homily Highlights

In his homily, Bishop Llanos reflected on the meaning behind the parish’s patroness, explaining that “Our Lady of Perpetual Help” carries a deeper sense than the word “help” suggests — closer to the comfort of a mother holding and protecting a frightened child, much like the icon depicts Mary holding the Christ child. He shared the remarkable history of the original icon: painted centuries ago as an act of devotion, venerated by crowds in Rome, hidden away for 300 years by a family unwilling to share it, and eventually rediscovered through the memory of an altar server’s grandson — leading to its being entrusted to the Redemptorist order, who carried devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help around the world.

Turning to the day’s readings, the Bishop spoke about the meaning of baptism — that each person receives “the fullness of God” as a free gift, regardless of merit, and is called to respond by offering their whole life back to God in love and generosity. He contrasted this with a worldly mindset that measures value by wealth, possessions, and reputation, urging the congregation instead toward gratitude and generous, sacrificial giving, illustrating his point with the Old Testament story of Elisha and the hospitable couple and two light-hearted parables about giving freely rather than out of obligation or self-interest.

Bishop Llanos closed by tying his message directly to the anniversary, noting that the church’s 94 years — and 68 years as a parish — were only possible because past generations gave generously of themselves. He challenged the congregation to do the same, declaring:

“If they did not give, this will not be a real reality… you and I must also give, so that Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church will last another 94 years, and as a parish, another 68 years.”

Words of Gratitude

Following the Mass, Parish Priest Fr. Jean Paul Sade expressed the parish’s gratitude to God for 94 years as a church and 68 years as a parish, inviting the congregation to “acclaim the Lord for his goodness.” He thanked Bishop Llanos for presiding, noting with appreciation that it was the Bishop himself who was scheduled to celebrate the anniversary Mass, remarking that “God has his own way of setting things.” Fr. Sade also recognized the parish’s young people and the volunteers who help broadcast the Mass on Facebook, allowing those unable to attend in person to take part in the celebration.

The full Mass was livestreamed by DSJB Live and may be viewed on the Diocesan YouTube channel.

The Diocese of St. John’s–Basseterre congratulates the parish family of Our Lady of Perpetual Help on this joyful milestone and continues to pray for its growth and flourishing in faith.