Bishop Reece appointed as Archbishop
By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter- SKNVibes.com
Charlestown, Nevis: The St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Charlestown, Nevis, hosted a farewell service today for The Most Reverend Donald James Reece, who has been promoted to the post of Archbishop and has been asked by the Pope to return to his home country, Jamaica, to take charge of the Catholic Church there.
Archbishop Reece has been was born on April 13th, 1934 and was in charge of the Diocese of St. John’s- Basseterre, which includes St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands, from 1981 to 2007.
In his address, Bishop Reece told the faithful that the Christmas mood should not overshadow the advent season. He said there was need to prepare for Jesus Christ’s second coming.
“Prepare to meet our Lord….He is coming to judge the living and the dead…Face his second coming confidently but not presumptuously,” he said
The new Archbishop told worshippers to remember to pray daily so as to develop an intimate relationship with God and he also reminded the worshippers to read the scriptures daily and to honour the sacraments.
“Jesus comes into our lives daily, so let us not dismiss people. May you find that Christ in your life,” he added.
Bishop Reece has been an ordained minister since 1971.
He was ordained to the priesthood in Jamaica on January3, 1971 and made the position of Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. John’s – Basseterre on October 8, 1981.
According to Father Ritaccio Antonio, of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Charlestown, Bishop Reece is particularly loved amongst the Roman Catholics on the island of Nevis because of his pastoral love and care.
Bishop Reece will take up his new appointment in Kingston, Jamaica, on the 14th December.
His replacement will be announced in due course.
Photos: Nevis gave Bishop Reece a warm send-off
