One hundred and fifty years ago, The Rt. Rev. William Weldon Jackson, the third Bishop of the Diocese of Antigua (now the Diocese of the North Eastern Caribbean and Aruba (NECA), introduced Anglicanism to the people of Puerto Rico.
For many years, Puerto Rico and Vieques remained part of the Diocese of Antigua until the Missions of the Church of England, in those territories, were transferred to the Episcopal Church of America.
Thus, the Rt. Rev. Rafael L. Morales Maldonado, Bishop of Puerto Rico, invited the Rt. Rev. L. Errol Brooks of Anguilla, (Retired Bishop of NECA), to share in the celebrations in observance of the 150th Anniversary of Anglicanism in Puerto Rico.
The celebrations, which included a historical review, and visits to important sites – culminated with a Concelebrated Eucharist at the Coliseum in the city of Ponce. The Chief Celebrant and Preacher was Bishop Morales. Along with Bishop Brooks, the Concelebrants were the retired Bishop of Puerto Rico, Bishop Ramos, the retired Bishop of Venezuela, Bishop Orlando, and Bishop Dede Duncan-Probe of the Diocese of Central New York.
The Rev. Geoffrey Smith represented the Most Rev. Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the USA. The Clergy and parishioners from parishes throughout Puerto Rico, Seminarians and members of Religious Communities, were present.
The music, the singing, in fact, the whole service, were upbeat. Bishop Morales, in his sermon, challenged the faithful present, and those worshipping via television, radio and social media, to follow Jesus, the Christ, and allow Him to reign in their lives. This message is applicable to all of us.”
– Press Release
