Prime Minister Philip Pierre has led tributes to Robert Rivas, the former Catholic Archbishop of Castries, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 80.
Pierre said that for many years, Archbishop Rivas served the people of Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean with dedication, humility and compassion.
“His years of spiritual leadership touched countless lives, and his contribution to the Catholic Church and our nation will long be remembered,” Pierre said.
The Prime Minister also offered heartfelt condolences to the clergy and faithful of the Archdiocese of Castries, his family, friends and everyone mourning this loss, on behalf of the Government and people of Saint Lucia.
The Antilles Episcopal Conference (AEC) released a statement on Sunday saying that Rivas, Archbishop Emeritus of Castries, passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Archbishop Rivas was born in Trinidad and Tobago on June 7, 1946, and was ordained as a priest in the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) in 1971. He served the Church in Trinidad and Tobago before becoming the first Bishop of Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, in 1990.
He later served as Apostolic Administrator of Bridgetown, Barbados, before becoming Coadjutor Archbishop of Castries, Saint Lucia, in 2007. He became Metropolitan Archbishop of Castries in 2008 and retired in 2022.
“Throughout his priestly and episcopal ministry, Archbishop Rivas served the people of the Caribbean with dedication, particularly through his work in pastoral ministry, evangelisation, communications, youth and formation,” a statement from the AEC said.
“The Antilles Episcopal Conference gives thanks for the gift of his life and ministry…”
Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon of Trinidad and Tobago said he was deeply saddened by Rivas’ death.
“On the Sunday before his death, I met Archbishop Rivas at Medical Associates where he was receiving treatment. We shared a beautiful human moment. He was serene, seemingly at peace with the possibility of death, yet looking forward to time with the family who had loved and supported him so faithfully. I treasure that final encounter as a grace,” Gordon said.
The funeral Mass for Rivas will take place on Monday, October 5, at 10 am at St Finbar’s Church in Diego Martin, Trinidad. Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire of Castries will lead the service.
