We, the parishioners of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, are deeply disturbed, anxious and
concerned by the sudden and unexplained “disappearance” of our parish priest, the Honourable and
Reverend Father Cecil Edmund Columban Goodman.
We are disturbed because no explanation of any kind has been issued by or, given on behalf of Your
Grace, Archbishop Robert Rivas, OP, D.D. An Acting Administrator who showed more interest in the
benefits, perks and advantages that the position offered rather than in the life of the parish was imposed
on us. Additionally, the “secrecy” surrounding Fr. Goodman’s disappearance has provoked rumours and
gossip of an unsavoury nature against Fr. Goodman as well as against Your Grace to whom base
motives are attributed.
We are anxious because Fr. Goodman’s disappearance has left our parish in a state of limbo. When the
good father came to the Cathedral parish some five years ago, he not only found the buildings in a state
of disrepair but also, the people of the parish in a demoralized condition. He set himself to work and
within three months had provided the Cathedral with washrooms for the convenience of worshippers.
Work began simultaneously on the restoration of the Cathedral, which is a national symbol and historic
site of Castries as well as Your Grace’s Episcopal seat. Fr. Goodman motivated us to raise the necessary
funds for the repairs to the iconic choir loft, the belfry, the sanctuary and the sacristy. The fruits of his
labours are immediately visible on entering the Cathedral.
Yet, his principal purpose was not in restoring stone and mortar but, in building up souls for the
kingdom of God. His concern for our spiritual welfare and salvation can be seen in the numerous
devotions he re-established or introduced, the improved quality of our worship and the training of the
ministers of the Altar. He also showed himself a true pastor by his efforts to heal the numerous
divisions in our community.
The Cathedral Parish was particularly blessed when the Government of St. Lucia recognized Fr.
Goodman’s forty solid years of pastoral activity throughout our country by investing him with the St.
Lucia Cross: “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.”
1 Cor.12:26
We are concerned because Fr. Goodman has been subjected to measures that have infringed upon his
civil and human rights. Thus, there is no mention of what he has been accused of nor, of the results of
the Review Board. Further, we understand that the very same person who has replaced Fr. Goodman,
the Cathedral Administrator, is also posing as the chairperson of the Review Board, investigating him.
Thus, we are even more concerned that this may be deemed a conflict of interest. Additionally, you
asked Fr. Goodman to vacate his office, leave the Cathedral presbytery and take up residence in the Gros
Islet presbytery, where you ordained that he is not permitted to have visitors. Therefore, we are denied,

especially in the midst of this corona pandemic, his spiritual advice and consolation. Hence, we are
directly punished.
We, the undersigned parishioners of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, respectfully request of
Your Grace, Archbishop Robert Rivas, OP, D.D, for an open and speedy resolution to this scandalous
and atrocious situation, especially as you wrote in your January 6, 2020 Pastoral Letter “Practise works
of charity and works of mercy. Love … and be bearers of hope to others. Let justice and honesty
embrace in your life … and build bridges of peace and reconciliation. We must practice what we
preach. … The Word must lead us to forgiveness as well as greater caring and sharing.” Page 4.
On page 39, you also wrote that “St Paul, after outlining different gifts of the community, speaks of
‘unity in service, building up the Body of Christ’. Unity is vital to the life of the Church. … we must be
ready and willing to work together to build unity by being planted in faith, rooted in love and
communion with each other and anchored in hope.” You also asked “why have we at present no local
vocations” If we consider the treatment being meted out to one of our longest serving and committed
local priests, this question is rhetorical!
We, the parishioners of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception would like justice to be speedily
done and Fr. Cecil Goodman reinstated.
Sincerely,