Monsignor Martin Sirju Sees Hope For Reduced Crime Through Youth Development

As he celebrates 35 years in the priesthood and seven years since his appointment to the Cathedral Parish in Port of Spain, Monsignor Martin Sirju is confident that there will be a decrease in criminal activity in the capital city through youth development. Speaking to TTT News, he said that while there are some challenges currently facing Port of Spain, he is hopeful that the capital city will continue to be a beacon of hope. Acknowledging that crime cannot be fixed overnight, he noted that over the years he has witnessed a decrease and commended those once involved in gang activity who are now opting for peace. "That is really wonderful news because this year, in the Catholic Church, we celebrate St Francis, and St Francis is the apostle of peace, and so it’s a wonderful witness that we see from the gang leaders saying, 'Look, we need to have a time of peace.'" He said that while the church will continue to do its part to help uplift and preserve communities, God and education must also be prioritised for complete restoration. "I think people need to enter into the cave of their hearts and hear what God is saying to them, and I also think it is very important to place a very high priority on education." Monsignor Martin Sirju celebrated his 35th anniversary as a priest and his appointment as Chaplain of His Holiness by Pope Leo XIV, with Holy Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Tuesday.