Archbishop Emeritus Edward J. Gilbert has died.
The Catholic Church in Trinidad and Tobago is in mourning, following his passing on October 16th.
He led the Archdiocese of Port of Spain from 2001 to 2011, after serving as Bishop of Roseau.
His ministry was marked by deep commitment to church unity, vocations, and diocesan development.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, on December 26, 1936, Archbishop Gilbert was the ninth Archbishop of Port of Spain.
“During his episcopal ministry, he strengthened diocesan structures, promoted vocations, and fostered deeper collaboration between clergy, Religious, and laity. We offer our prayers for his soul and extend condolences to his family, the Redemptorist community, and all whom he served. May he rest in peace,” read a statement from the Archdiocese of Port of Spain.
Before that, he led the Diocese of Roseau in Dominica from 1994 to 2001.
In a tribute, the Archdiocese of Roseau remembered him as “a canonist who was able to restructure the diocese, a catechist who taught with clarity, delivering many memorable homilies and sermons, and as a Christian who worked to build the Kingdom together with us all.”
Archbishop Gilbert studied theology at St. Mary’s College in Pennsylvania and Mount St. Alphonsus Seminary in Esopus, New York.
He will be fondly remembered by Catholics across the region for his dedication, intellect, and pastoral leadership.
