Second Belizean Bishop to be ordained Thurs.

For many Roman Catholics across the country, this week marks an important event in the diocese. For only the second time in the history of the religion here, a Belizean will be named as Bishop. News 5’s Jacqueline Woods went to the presbytery earlier this week and found out how such an honour is handed down from priest to priest.

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting

On October seventh 1982, Father Osmond Peter Martin became the first Belizean Roman Catholic Bishop. The ordination, which took place at the S.J.C. Gymnasium, marked a historical moment in the Catholic Diocese of Belize.

Osmond P. Martin, Bishop, Roman Catholic Diocese

“It was really an awesome responsibility that I was called to. First of all being a Belizean and I would be measured by really and truly if a Belizean can measure up to a task like this. Through the grace of God, I have been able to accomplish quite a bit, not only through the grace of God, but through the help of so many people.”

Following his ordination, Bishop Martin worked tirelessly performing his duties. Unfortunately, a severe back problem has affected his ability to continue carrying out his responsibilities.

Bishop Osmond P. Martin

“In 1990, they performed a spinal fusion in my lower back. I was hospitalised for about five months and they had told me then that there would be a deteriorating condition in my back, so I saw the need to have someone to help me.”

Following a selection process, three names were submitted to Pope John Paul The Second who chose Monsignor Father Dorrick Wright to be the next Catholic Bishop of Belize. Wright, who will be ordained on Thursday, April fourth, will be appointed as Auxiliary Bishop.

Monsignor Father Dorrick Wright, Designate Bishop

“It was not a very, very pleasant idea. I was thinking about all the responsibilities that go along with being a bishop. So for a while it was something that was very frightening and I guess with time and praying I have gotten use to the idea.”

Monsignor Father Wright will be the second Belizean Catholic Priest to be ordained as Bishop. Monsignor Wright says it’s not only a significant time for him.

Monsignor Dorrick Wright

“I’m not the one that’s being honoured, it’s the whole Belizean people. And so I have to make sure that I do a good job to keep up our reputation, to make sure that whenever they need a third bishop, they wouldn’t mind looking again among us for that person.”

Monsignor Wright’s appointment as Auxiliary Bishop will have him assisting Bishop Martin with a number of duties, especially performing confirmations throughout the country…a task that Monsignor Wright has been assisting the Bishop to do for the past six years because of his health problem. Monsignor Wright says despite the challenges of the job, it is one he has accepted to do.

Monsignor Dorrick Wright

“I worked with Bishop Martin between 1975 and ’76 as his associate and I’ve been here working with him since 1985. I’m grateful to Bishop Marin for the confidence that he has put in me and I’m also grateful to the Belizean people. It is a challenge, but I believe that with God’s help and with people’s prayers I will be able do a good job.”

Reporting for News 5, Jacqueline Woods.

The ordination for Monsignor Wright will take place at the S.J.C. Gymnasium on Thursday afternoon starting at 4:00 p.m.