Punta Gorda Parish Marks 175 Years of Catholic Church in Belize

The Roman Catholic community in Punta Gorda Town, Toledo District, joined the nationwide observance of the 175^th anniversary of the Catholic Church in Belize with a special celebratory mass yesterday at St. Peter Claver Parish.  Parishioners filled the church for the historic commemoration, which reflected on the growth of the Catholic faith from its missionary beginnings to its present-day presence across the country.  Senior Correspondent Paul Mahung spoke with parish priest Father Matt Rohl, who explained that the Catholic movement in Belize began in the nineteenth century when Belgian Jesuit missionary Father Eustace du Peyron arrived in the territory and began establishing the foundations of the Church’s ministry.

Church leaders say the anniversary is not only a moment to celebrate history but also an opportunity to reaffirm the Church’s role in education, social outreach and community development.