Cardinal Felix was One of God's Anointed, says mourner on Archbishop’s death

Sister islands are mourning the passing of Eminence Cardinal Kelvin Felix Archbishop Emeritus of Castries, St Lucia.

Born in the Commonwealth of Dominica in 1933, his eminence passed away aged 91, leaving the Catholic Church grieving.

Following years of service, he returned to Dominica and retired in 2008. He started his ordained to the priesthood in 1956, and he was appointed the Archbishop of Castries in 1981.

Notably, Cardinal Kelvin was the first-ever cardinal to be named from the Antilles Episcopal Conference.

Prime Minister of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit also posted a grieving message upon the passing of the Archbishop. He said that Dominica mourns his passing, “we mourn his passing, we remember his valuable service to the church and to the faithful,”.

The Govt of Dominica is saddened by the passing of His Eminence Cardinal Kelvin Felix, Archbishop Emeritus of Castries, St Lucia.

Cardinal Felix was a Dominican cleric of exceptional standing who entered the priesthood in 1956 and was consecrated Archbishop in 1981. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/ddLfuuPZyg — Roosevelt Skerrit (@SkerritR) May 31, 2024

He also sent out sincerest condolences to the members of the Archbishop’s bereaving family, the Diocese of Roseau and the entire Catholic community of the Caribbean.

Minister of Tourism Dominica, Denise Charles also expressed her sadness and said that Eminence Cardinal Kelvin Felix Archbishop Emeritus of Castries had a “life well-lived, one of service, sacrifice and love”.

“You will always be remembered in our hearts for your commitment to uplifting the lives of people, your sound counsel, and your humility,

[caption id="attachment_71868" align="aligncenter" width="338"] Minister of Tourism Denise Charles with Eminence Cardinal Kelvin Felix Archbishop Emeritus of Castries[/caption]

"We celebrate you and may the good Lord receive you with open arms as you join the ranks of the faithful departed” great generals” of the Lord! Rest in Eternal Peace,”

Many locals have also expressed their sadness on the sudden demise, a social media user named Marcia Tinto said that she had the honour to meet Cardinal Felix in Saint Lucia on two occasions. Sharing details, she said, “Felix was truly one of God’s anointed who followed the footsteps of Jesus in his all ways,”.

“It is no coincidence that the angels welcomed him into Paradise at 3:00 p.m., at the same time Jesus died and on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ,”

Notably, in 2014 on a very rare occasion the Saint Lucia Postal Service introduced its Christmas Stamp with Archbishop’s image. Postmaster General, Josiah Charles had explained this as a very rare occasion when the Postal Services celebrated a living person with a stamp.

Another local from Dominica named Bertha Joseph w recalled the memories of childhood with Cardinal Felix. She said that Felix was like a part of her family and it was always a privilege.

“As a child who grew up as a Catholic and went to Catholic Schools, Fr Felix was a very important person in my life. He was also a regular visitor at our family home in King's Lane, Roseau, Dominica,” said Joseph.

She further added that Cardinal Felix celebrated all the baptisms of herself and her siblings, also they were fortunate to have him as their Parish Priest.

“I offer my deepest & most sincere condolences to Cardinal Felix's family, his brothers in the Clergy, his present and past Parishioners, his friends and acquaintances. He will be missed. Thank God that he was made a Cardinal before his transition. May the Angels take him to Heaven with trumpets blazing and may his sweet and gentle Soul RIP & rise in Glory,” she further said.

Many other people expressed their sadness and talked about the good memories spent with the Archbishop. Some recalled the days of his priestship and how he was baptised them.

“You baptized me my first communion and confirmation. You was a strict person but so loving. May your soul rest in peace Father Felix,” added a Facebook user named Janice Baptiste.