Archbishop Roland Clarke – An accomplished son of Jamaica
Published:Monday | February 24, 2025 | 12:06 AM
THE EDITOR, Madam:
Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Kingston Edgerton Clarke died a day before his 96th birthday. I was privileged to have personally known Archbishop Clarke for over 40 years, when he served as Roman Catholic Bishop of Montego Bay. We became close friends. I distinctly remember speaking to him sometime ago when he took the opportunity to commend me and spoke positively about my letters published from time to time. I thanked him at that time for his kind comments. It meant so much to me as a Roman Catholic coming from a retired archbishop.
He was also close to my immediate family and his many visits to our home were filled with joy; many discussions with this humble Archbishop Clarke left us feeling inspired.
Pope Paul VI selected Edgerton Roland Clarke as the first Bishop of Montego Bay.
Bishop Clarke was very devoted and had a plethora of successes in the diocese. He was immensely loved and respected. He was highly educated, and, in fact, successfully trained and mentored many young Catholic seminarians over the decades, both from the Montego Bay Diocese and Archdiocese of Kingston, who later became ordained Roman Catholic priests. The overall membership of the Roman Catholic Church in both dioceses increased significantly during his tenure. He had friendly relationships with both political parties and was never seen as supporting any one of them. He always remained neutral. He was also honoured with the Order of Distinction.
As Archbishop of Kingston, he did exceptionally well and had quite a successful tenure. Even in retirement, up until a few years ago, he was quite active in conducting mass at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and in former years, on occasions, came back to Montego Bay to celebrate Mass at the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral. He retired in February 2004 as archbishop. He served as Roman Catholic priest for seven years.
Archbishop Edgerton Clarke was born in Cambridge, Montego Bay, on February 14, 1929. He was ordained as a priest in 1960 and appointed Bishop of Montego Bay in 1967, and ordained as bishop in November of that year. He was appointed Archbishop of Kingston in November 1994 until his retirement in 2004. His monumental service to the Roman Catholic Church and people of this country will be remembered for decades to come.
May his soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine upon him. An outstanding, productive and accomplished Jamaican son of the soil.
ROBERT DALLEY