paxabbey at The Abbey of Our Lady of Exile, Mount St Benedict, Tunapuna, Port of Spain 00014 TT - Fr Abbot's Mother passes on

Rita Pereira (née Cattine) died peacefully on Tuesday 21st July 2009. She was the daughter of Florence Reece (deceased); widow of Albert V. Pereira, who predeceased her in July 1972. She gave life to many persons by her love and care. She was the mother of Christian (Msgr.), Felix, Maria, John (Lord Abbot – MSB), Gerardine  and Nadine, grandmother of Richard, David and Elizabeth, mother-in-law of Francis Marin and Patrick Kirton. The Funeral mass was celebrated on Friday 24th July 2009 at 10.30 a.m. at St. Finbar’s Church in the presence of Archbishop Edward Gilbert, several concelebrating priests and a very large congregation.  Several of the monks attended.  The burial took place in Laperyouse Cemetery.  On Thursday 23rd there was a Vespers Service at the Funeral Home. 

The Chief Celebrant at the Funeral Mass was her eldest son, Msgr Christian Pereira, Vicar General and Parish Priest of Santa Rosa Church in Arima.  He was assisted at the altar by Abbot John and Fr Clyde Harvey.  Abbot John delivered the homily and the text is in the homilies section of the website.  The eldest daughter, Maria, did the First Reading of the Mass from the Prophet Isaiah.  The Intercessory Prayers were led by Felix, Nadine, David and Elizabeth.  Bro Marius from Mount St Benedict sang the Responsorial Psalm.