As Emmaus Travelers we welcome any opportunity to visit one of our churches. And one such opportunity came in a most delightful way, an invitation to attend a wedding in Toco. We immediately contacted the parish priest of the Toco Mission church and asked, if as a deacon, my wife and I were afforded the dignity of overnighting in the presbytery. An affirmative answer was followed by a delightful drive along the scenic road to Toco.
This church has a long history. Between 1758 and 1760 Aragon Capuchin Fathers from Spain founded the Toco Mission. A mission was a religious community set up to convert and protect the indigenous people. Missions have a long conflicting story of good and bad. The way of life for the indigenous people disappeared with the founding of the missions. Once they were at the mission, they were made to do things that were unfamiliar to them. They were settled, made to grow crops, raised livestock, and built structures. Often they were pressured into being baptized.
Today’s church has retained the name of ‘Mission’ even though the Capuchins dedicated the church to Our Lady of the Assumption. It sits on a small hill that was part of the mission. As I walked about its scenic suroundings, overlooking the ocean, and knelt to pray inside, my thoughts drifted to its long turbulent history. What secrets this sacred ground held in its bosom? Secrets of the sacred and the profane! I said a silent prayer asking for forgiveness and blessing.
That very evening we dressed in our finest and made our way to the reception that was 30mins on the way back from Toco. The reception was delightful, with good joyful company, delicious food, exotic drinks and breathtaking views of the sea. We got to pose at a special decoration made for the bride and groom. It was a truly wonderful experince.
Further along the Toco road, on our way to Matelot, we encounter a truly magical small hotel by the name Hosanna Toco Resort. The property is nestled on a hillside commanding a panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea and Tobago with direct access to a secluded beach. It is owned and operated by two special friends of ours, a married couple, Michael and Motilewa Theodore.
The two acres of spacious grounds provide the seclusion and privacy to give you a peaceful holiday away from life's daily hustle. It is ideal for a wedding with its own honeymoon cabana. Sands and I were blessed to spend a romantic night there.
As Emmaus Travelers we returned home changed persons for having had a special encounter with Our Lord. We encourage you to visit the Toco Mission Church.
We joyfully recommend and encourage anyone seeking a rejunenating or romantic getaway to contact Michael and Motilewa.
Their website can be accessed at the link below and an Instagram Reel of the visit is also linked below.
Hosanna Toco Resort Website Link
Looking forward to more exciting journeys and insiprational accommodations as Emmaus Travelers.