Government Adds Condolences as Remembrances of Bishop O.P. Martin Continue

Osmond Martin

The Government of Belize has joined in with official condolences to the family, friends and Roman Catholic community on the passing of first native Bishop of the Church, the Most Reverend Osmond Peter Martin.  Bishop Emeritus Martin died on Thursday morning at home of natural causes at the age of eighty-six. While he was appointed in 1983, he formally succeeded Robert Hodapp in 1984 and served until November of 2006. The Government release said, “Bishop O.P. Martin served the Catholic community with great dedication, faithfulness and apostolic vision.”  On Thursday News Five spoke with contemporary and Anglican Bishop of Belize Philip Wright, as well as Martin’s niece, Lucy Zuniga, on how the late Bishop will be remembered.

Lucy Zuniga

Lucy Zuniga, Niece of Deceased

“People would come in and tell stories of how he helped them in their family relationship, husband and wife relationship, daily difficulties that people would have, and they would give stories of how he was able to help them to solve their problems.”

Bishop Philip Wright, Anglican Church

“I think it’s to celebrate those who rise up among us and take up leadership roles; to appreciate the fact that their efforts has come to mean a lot to us, especially those who are following them, and that we indeed must be grateful overall for the fact that God continues to guide and protect his church. And I think any transition in the Church must be embraced with that sort of confidence and faith in a God who has the best interests of his church at heart.”

Philip Wright

Reporter

“A God who never changes.”

Philip Wright

“A God who never changes, yes.”

We await further details on funeral arrangements. The Most Reverend Osmond Peter Martin, Bishop Emeritus of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan, dead at eighty-six.