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Saint Lucia celebrated the La Marguerite flower festival on October 17 with a “Gwan Fet Magwit” hosted in Castries and Soufriere. The cultural observance also brought together different Marguerite groups from various schools and communities islandwide.
The feast began with a church service at the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated by Monsignor Patrick Anthony. He highlighted the importance of the two flower festivals to the islands Kwéyòl heritage.
“The traditions and songs of the two flower societies, both La Marguerite and La Rose, are all held within the language—our creole language. That is why creole is the vehicle that carries our culture, our souls, our experiences,” he said.
Msgr. Anthony reminded congregants of the central role of Saint Marguerite in the faith.
“Marguerite Mary Alacoque was a nun who loved God so much that she had visions of the heart of Jesus. That is why we have the sacred heart in the Catholic church. It is of Marguerite Mary Alacoque. So as you continue to celebrate the feast of Saint Marguerite Mary Alacoque, you must love the heart of Jesus and try to have a heart like Jesus.”
La Marguerite activities were also held in Soufriere, with students from schools in District 8 attending mass at the Church of the Assumption in Soufriere, followed by a parade through the streets of the town. In Castries, the mass was also followed by a parade culminating with a La Marguerite group presentation at Constitution Park.
