Clement Paul - Catholic Priest on Crop Over

Clement Paul, who is one of the more popular catholic priest in Barbados, celebrated 33 years of priesthood on August 6th, 2009, and has said, The priestly life has been "one of the great privileges, the great mysteries in my life, for which I've been grateful". "In spite of ups, downs, failures, I continue to feel the joy of the priesthood. This, I ascribe to the grace of God and the love of Mary, our mother."

Clement Paul on Calypsonians

"I believe calypsonians are the social commentators, and sometimes even the prophets in our country. Through a single song, they can tell us some of the issues going on in the country," he stated, adding that besides reporters, calypsonians were the most creative people in a society.(nationnews.com)

Clement Paul on Crop Over

"....Crop Over is a good medium of cultural expression and social entertainment," writes Clement Paul, a Roman Catholic priest. Its impact is like a large catharsis which liberates the Barbadian soul. At this time of year, Crop Over music serves as an antidote to the inflow of foreign culture as local entertainment abounds and the radio airwaves are filled with local music.

From the Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes to the several thousands who will jam the National Stadium for the Pic-0-De-Crop Finals and the thousands more who will "let it all hang out" on Spring Garden on Grand Kadooment Day, let the spirit of Crop Over triumph.(caribbeanchoice.com)

According to a Barbadostoday report, Roman catholic priest Clement Paul believes more Christians should become involved in regular Kadooment bands, as oppose to the Christian, Walk Holy band.

"I appreciate the art form and Crop-Over itself. I look forward to the day when Walk Holy will not be a band and would in fact have its members in bands like Ooutraje (outrage) . . .", he said at the launch of Ooutraje's Kadooment band June 6, 2010 at the Village Gate, Waterford, St. Michael where he blessed the band.

Catholicism and Carnival

Of interest is that in any territory or country where the Catholicism is prevalent so is the carnival experience. Certainly of note is Trinidad, and Tobago, Brazil, and St. Lucia. In Trinidad and Tobago about 29 per cent of the population are Catholics. In Brazil about 85 per cent of the population are Catholics.

Wikipedia describes the carnival period as a festival traditionally held in Roman Catholic and, to a lesser extent, Eastern Orthodox societies. The season chiefly occurs immediately before Lent; the main events are usually during February.