Life of Rev Fr. Charles Martin
Fr. Martin hailed from the village of Scotts Head and desired to become a priest from an early age. However, before making a final decision, Father was engaged in the teaching profession and taught for three years.
Fr. Martin’s conscious decision to become a priest materialized in 1979 when he entered the Regional Seminary in Trinidad where he pursued studies for five years when he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Theology.
Having completed his studies, he returned to Dominica, and on August 18, 198,5 he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood and was first assigned as assistant parish priest at the Roseau Cathedral. He later worked in several other parishes and was also the Dean of the Roseau Cathedral.
In 2017 he was transferred to the St. Alphonsus parish where he remained until his death on December 2, 2024.
In his zeal to shepherd his flock with the knowledge of Christ’s divine teaching, he went to the Urbaniana University in Rome where in 2004 he obtained a Licentiate degree in Canon Law and 2008 was appointed Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of Roseau. He also post-graduated from studies in 2012 was honoured with a Doctorate in Canon Law in 2008 was appointed a Judge of the Eastern Antilles Interdiocesan Tribunal.
In delivering the homily at the funeral Msgr William Jno-Lewis described the late Catholic Priest, Fr. Charles Martin as a dedicated priest who gave great service to the Diocese of Roseau, the Caribbean, and beyond.
“For 39 years Fr Charles faithfully served the Diocese of Roseau and beyond, his priesthood was a shining testament to completely surrender to God’s will, whether ministering to the poor, comforting the sorrowful, or celebrating the eucharist,” Msgr Jno-Lewis stated.
He stated that the late Fr. Charles lived as “a servant of God, obedient to His divine plan”.
“I think of his 39 years of dedicated priestly service to this diocese, the Caribbean, and beyond, and throughout his ministry, Fr. Charles demonstrated sincerity, humility, and unwavering love for his folk.”
“He was a Priest who lived for others and what comes to mind is the number of people he housed at his home after Hurricane Maria for a long time. And some were very grateful and others could have been more grateful…he also housed several people at the Parish Hall in Goodwill.”
“He brought joy to his parishioners, inspired his peers, and cultivated unity in the communities he served. Those who encountered him could not help but appreciate the genuine love he poured into his vocation. A love rooted in his devotion to Christ,” he said
“As we commit Fr Charles to God’s eternal embrace, let us carry forward his example, let us remember like him, we are gifts to one another called to love, to serve, and to bring glory to God.”
His body was laid to rest at the Soufriere Catholic Cemetary as his request.
