Bishop of the Diocese of Roseau, the Most reverend Kendrick Forbes, has described the late Rev Fr. Charles Martin who passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024, as “a man of profound intellect and unwavering commitment and a model priest.”
“The Diocese of Roseau regrets to announce the passing of Reverend Fr Charles Martin, aged 67, who served faithfully as the Parish Priest of St. Alphonsus Parish, Goodwill. He died peacefully today at the St. Alphonsus Parish Presbytery,” a statement from Bishop Fobes said.
“The loss of Fr. Charles Martin is great as he was a model priest both in his ministry and in the meticulous manner in which he shepherd the flock entrusted to him. He was an example to us and those in his priestly life and also how he embraced the cross of suffering in his own life and his loss will be greatly felt by the Diocese of Roseau,” Bishop Forbes stated.
He described the late Fr Martin as “a dedicated servant of the Church” who celebrated the 39th anniversary of his priestly ordination earlier this year.
“A man of profound intellect and unwavering commitment, he earned a Doctorate in Canon Law, equipping him to serve the Diocese in numerous distinguished roles,” the statement continues. “These included Vicar General, Judicial Vicar of the Marriage Tribunal, and Dean of the Cathedral.”
The statement adds, that Fr Martin’s ministry was marked by “deep faith, compassionate service, and a tireless dedication to his parishioners and the wider diocesan community. His contributions to the spiritual, pastoral, and administrative life of the Diocese have left an indelible mark.”
“We ask for your prayers for the repose of his soul and for the comfort of all who mourn his loss. Details of funeral arrangements will be shared in due course. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace,” the statement from Bishop Forbes concludes.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit described the late Fr. Charles Martin “as a prayer warrior.”
“Today I lost a friend, a prayer warrior, my priest-someone who loved Dominica, his homeland and with deep-seated love and passion,” Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said in a Facebook post…We have lost a Fr. Charles Martin, but heaven will be fortunate to have him.”
“May his soul rest in peace.”
Parliamentary Representative for the Soufriere/Scotts Head, Gallion, and Pointe Michel constituency Denise Charles-Pemberton the village of Fr. Charles Martin described him as, “a true disciple of the Lord and modeled his life embodied by love, joy and peace.”
“He never complained or showed unkindness to anyone even during his ailment and his light truly shone on so brightly. Dominica has lost a faithful servant of the Lord, a genuine friend and true patriot,” she said.
Dean of the Roseau Cathedral Fr. Nigel Karem described the late Fr. Charles Martin as “a dedicated priest, a man committed to God, the church, and the wellbeing of his parishioners, he was generous and whatever he had he shared, his arms were always open and hospitable to many, many people, we will all miss him.”