BELIZE CITY – A significant religious commemoration took precedence over parliamentary proceedings on February 6th as Prime Minister John Briceño and several government representatives attended a special mass honoring the Jesuit Society’s 175th anniversary of service to Belize. The ceremony held at the newly constructed Fordyce Chapel on the Saint John’s College campus drew international attention with the presence of Father Arturo Sosa, the Superior General of the Jesuits, who traveled from Rome for the occasion.
The Prime Minister, himself an alumnus of Saint John’s College, emphasized the importance of governmental participation in the historic event. “The leader of the Jesuits was here and I think it was important for us as the government to be there,” Briceño stated. “He brought significant representatives from Africa, the U.S., and Latin America. I felt it was crucial as Belizeans to demonstrate our support and reverence for their visit while acknowledging their remarkable 175 years of service to our nation.”
The Jesuit order has maintained a profound presence in Belize since 1851, contributing substantially to education, social development, and spiritual guidance throughout the country. Today’s celebration not only recognized this enduring legacy but also highlighted the ongoing relationship between religious institutions and governmental bodies in Belize. The delayed House meeting underscored the administration’s prioritization of cultural and historical recognition alongside legislative duties.