Bishop O. P. Martin

On Saturday 18 November, the Bishop’s Office Of The Roman Catholic Church announced  that the Vatican had accepted the retirement of Bishop O.P. Martin as leader of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Belize & Belmopan City, and at the same time revealed the Vatican’s selection of Bishop Dorick M Wright, 61, to be the new leader of the Diocese.  Bishop Martin had submitted his resignation to the Vatican in December of last year (2007) upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75.  Bishop Martin has led the Diocese since 1984, when he succeeded Bishop Robert L Hodapp, S.J.

The Annual Tribute To Belizean Patriots was held in celebration of Belize’s 26th anniversary of Independence at the Radisson Fort George Hotel , Caracol Room on the night of September 18th, 2007 in Belize City.  National honors were conferred on nine Belizeans.  Belize’s highest award was conferred upon Most Rev. Osmond Peter Martin, D.D.   In addition to The Order Of Belize, Bishop Martin, a Silver Jubilee Mass was held in his honor celebrating his 25th anniversary as Bishop of Belize for the Roman Catholic Church.

Personal Data:
Name in full: Osmond Peter Martin
Date of Birth: 4th Dec1930 (Mother: Cleofa Lewis de Martin-Father: Justin Martin)
Place of Birth: Dangriga, Stann Creek District, Belize, Central America.
Place of Baptism: Dangriga, Stann Creek District, Belize, Central America.
Education: Primary- Sacred Heart School, Dangriga, Stann Creek District, Belize, Central America
Secondary: St. John’s College, Belize City, Belize, Central America
Seminary: Cardinal Glennon College – 1st Sept 1951- June, 1953
Kenrick Seminary – June 1953 – 1959

Ordination to Priesthood: 3rd April 1959 Dangriga, Stann Creek District, Belize, Central America

Other Studies:
Spirituality & Focus on Leadership
Posts held as Priest:
Associate Pastor: 1959-1966: Corozal District, Belize, Central America
Pastor: 1966-1975: San Ignacio, Belize Central America
Vocational Director 1975
Director of Diocesan Schools: 1980
Chancellor: 1980- Roman Catholic Diocesan of Belize
Administrator 1981: Holy Redeemer Cathedral
Appointed Bishop (Auxiliary to Bp. Hodapp) 25th June, 1982 (Title: Titular Bishop Of Thucca in Mauretania)
Consecrated as Bishop 7th October, 1982
Named Bishop of Belize City & Belmopan on 16th January 1984

Installed as Bishop of Belize City & Belmopan on 11th May 1984
“You have not chosen me, I have chosen you” was the assumed theme at St. John’s College gymnasium, Landivar, tonight where an estimated 4,000 Catholics from all over Belize witnessed the awe-inspiring ordination of the first Belizean bishop.

Fr. (Franklin) Osmond Peter Martin, 51, was consecrated to the episcopacy by Most Rev. Robert L. Hodapp, S.J., D.D. Bishop of the Roman Catholic diocese of Belize. C0-Consecrators were the Most Rev. Samuel J. Carter, S.J. D.D., Archbishop of Kingston (Metropolitan), and the Most Rev. Anthony Pantin, D.D., Archbishop of Port Of Spain (Metropolitan).
Presiding over the ordination ceremonies was Most Rev Archbishop Paul Tabet, Apostolic Pro-Nuncio of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and Apostolic Delegate to the Antilles, and the Pope’s representative to Belize.  In addition there were five other bishops, including the bishop from Chetumal Quintana Qoo, and 45 other Clergymen from Belize and abroad, present for the historic occasion.

The gym was gaily decorated with local flowers including the national flower of Belize the Black Orchid and banners hung from the rafters; one proclaimed: “A bishop cares and shares. Laughs and loves, lives and gives”.   Together above the alter flew the Belizean flag and that of the Holy see.

The great gymnasium rang with prolonged applause in a standing ovation for the new bishop when the Very Rev Msgr. Facundo Castillo, Vicar General of the Belize diocese and Pastor of the Belmopan parish, read the apostolic letter appointing Father Martin as Auxiliary to Bishop Hodapp, and stating in no uncertain terms, that he was most suited for the post.

In the homily, the Very Rev. David Fleming, S.J. Jesuit Provincial of the Missouri Province, adapted for the occasion the letters of St. Paul to the young churches.  He said that four words predominated through out: Chosen, Sent, Powerless and Service.  He asked the new bishop to reflect on each, and to remember, when asked: How did you become a bishop?  That it is the lord that chooses, when asked why were you chosen remember the words of Jesus “You did not choose Me, I chose you”…”I send you to the people”.  Fr. Fleming advised the new bishop to share with his people who are in need of spiritual strength.  How is it then that you were ordained bishop? Some might ask, said the Jesuit Provincial. It is not because of your physical and mental qualities.  God takes those who are powerless and gives them his strength.  How do we know that this will last beyond this day? Jesus said he would remain and abide with you.  Fr. Fleming added “I pray that he may abide with you and your people”.

Continuing, Fr. Fleming said that in reply to a question on his duties, Bishop Martin should recall the words of Christ who said “I send you fort to your people with one purpose: service”.  “To love as I have loved you”.  Here Fr Fleming asked the newly appointed auxiliary bishop to save a special place in his heart for his fellow priests.  He warned that the job of a bishop never ends.  It has no limits.  “Be Christ for your people, so that your people can be Christ to all”. He added.  Fr. Fleming ended his touching sermon with the words: “Take care of all that is entrusted to you.  Be watchful.  Do the work of an evangelist.  All that are with me in the Communion of Saints salute you”.

One of the most solemn aspects of the ordination followed as the ordained lay prostrate on the sanctuary floor while the litany of the saints was sung.  Then came the laying on of hands, by the principal consecrator, and by the concelebrants.  Enthusiastic applause again punctuated the solemnity of the occasion when Bishop Hodapp vested the new bishop with Mitre and Staff.

Included in the offertory procession were representatives of Belize’s ethnic groups, suitably attired, bearing gifts symbolic of the area of the country settled by them.  There were also pecuniary gifts from the various parishes throughout the country.

Papal Nuncio Tabet, who had brought the apostolic letter from Rome, conveyed to the new bishop and to all Catholics of Belize a message of love and blessings. Archbishop Tabet had words of praise for the civil authorities for as he put it “the close and harmonious collaboration between Church and State that exists in this newly independent nation”.  He prayed that this relationship continue for the common good and in the interest of all concerned.  He said that the Holy Father was following closely the events in Belize-the achievements and the problems-and that his prayers included the Belizean people.  Archbishop Tabet expressed deep appreciation to Bishop Hodapp for his long years of devoted service to the people of Belize.

Attending the two-hour ceremony was the Governor General, Dr. Minita Gordon, the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon George Price, members of his Cabinet, and other high government officials.  Among church dignitaries present was Bishop Keith Alfonso McMillan, Anglican Bishop of Belize.  In a prominent place were Bishop Martin’s proud parents and several members of his family.

The ordination ceremony was followed by a reception at which groups from different parts of the country entertained and at which refreshments were served.  The entire proceedings went off seemingly without a hitch.  Heartfelt congratulations must go to the people who planned and executed the whole affair.  And in the closing address, Bishop Martin was effusive in thanking all those responsible.

“Seriwaibai wabureme lawu abani ugundani” – Serve the lord with gladness.