Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon used yesterday’s Corpus Christi celebrations to call for a moral and spiritual transformation of Trinidad and Tobago, declaring that “God needs to change the heart of this people, the heart of this nation”.Addressing hundreds of Roman Catholic faithful gathered at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Port of Spain, Gordon warned against what he described as a growing culture of materialism and self-interest, urging citizens to place greater emphasis on caring for one another.The comments came as worshippers braved overcast skies and intermittent drizzle to participate in the annual Corpus Christi procession through the streets of the capital. While large numbers attended the procession and Holy Eucharist, the crowd appeared smaller than in previous years.The Holy Mass followed the traditional procession, which moved from Independence Square along Henry Street, Park Street, Piccadilly Street, Duke Street and Nelson Street before returning to Independence Square. Schoolchildren from several educational institutions joined the procession dressed in their uniforms despite the light rain.Three benediction points were observed along the route, including the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the Rosary Church.Among those attending were Ministers Kennedy Swaratsingh and Saddam Hosein, as well as Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro, who was dressed in civilian wear.Drawing a parallel between the Israelites’ journey through the desert and Trinidad and Tobago’s development as an independent nation, Gordon said the country had been blessed with natural resources and opportunities but had often failed to use them for the benefit of all.“We have become a nation that has wanted only the material stuff, wanted only to feed off of the sensational stuff, wanted only what is glamorous,” he said.He said rather than using the country’s natural resources for the development of all citizens, “we have taken it, brothers and sisters, to feed ourselves and for us to benefit and leave others behind”.Criticising what he described as a culture of self-interest; Gordon told the congregation: “Everybody trying to eat a food.”He added that many people were “storing up more for themselves than they absolutely need, leaving many in want and in destitution”.Delivering the homily, Gordon reflected on readings from Deuteronomy 6:2 and 1 Corinthians 10:16-17, urging worshippers to become their “brother’s keeper”.Referencing the biblical story of Cain and Abel, he said the answer to the question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” was clear.“Yes, I am my brother’s keeper. I am my sister’s keeper,” he said, calling on Catholics to take greater responsibility for the welfare of others.He also linked devotion to the Eucharist with service to the poor, saying care for the vulnerable was inseparable from faith.Noting Corpus Christi has long been regarded as a traditional day for planting, Gordon said it should also be seen as a time for spiritual growth.“Today is also the day when the seed of faith is planted deeper,” he said, encouraging worshippers to open their hearts to God and allow their faith to take deeper root.Seminarian Jameke Brown echoed that message during the procession on Nelson Street, saying Catholics were called to bring about positive change in society through their faith.“We are called to partake of God’s body and blood so we can transform our country,” Brown said.“We can transform our communities; we can transform this community. Jesus left two commandments for us: love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul and all your strength. The second commandment is to love your neighbour as yourself,” he added.Brown told residents gratitude was central to developing a deeper relationship with God. “The secret of coming to love God, as I have come to understand it, firstly, is by having a heart of gratitude. Despite our situations, there is always something to be grateful for.”