Our Story

Emmanuel means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23)

The Emmanuel Community of Trinidad and Tobago stands as a testament to the power of unity, mercy, and reconciliation. Our journey is one of faith and service, dedicated to building a compassionate community where every individual is supported and every voice is heard.

The Emmanuel Community is a public association of Christ’s Faithful under the authority of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Port Of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, serving the national community through spiritual and temporal works of mercy.

Founded in 1983, the community was formed in 1984, and incorporated as a Public Association of Christ the Faithful on July 22nd 2003. The Emmanuel Community is comprised of over 75 members who serve those who continually come to us with spiritual and/or material needs.

Journey Through Time

1950's & 1960's - The Foundation

It began with Violet D’Ornellas and George Pritchett both receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Violet then visited Ann Arbor at the USA (Word of God Community) and received teachings on evangelizing.

In 1957, both Violet and George joined Curley Moreau who was leader of the prayer group at St. Theresa’s Church Port of Spain. This group was formed for Christian growth. Judy Farfan and Joan Blanc joined the group which by this time was called “Little Flock”.

The group the became a sharing group. The Charismatic renewal had already started in Trinidad and other groups attempted to form Christian Communities, however the Little Flock remained independent.

George then became involved with Full Gospel Business Men Fellowship and became a leader of the Port of Spain Chapter and local representative of the International body. Prior to this, the Little Flock prayed to seek where God wanted them to go. However, many felt that they could not join the journey and the group was almost broken up.

1970's- Covenant and Commitment

During the 1970s, the small but dedicated group that had grown out of earlier prayer gatherings deepened its sense of purpose and direction. Through prayer and discernment, the members sought God’s will for their future, recognizing a call to move beyond informal fellowship into a more committed way of life.

This led to a defining moment in June 1975, when the core members Violet D’Ornellas, George Pritchett, Judy Farfan, and Joan Blanc entered into a covenant with one another. In the following year Rosallino Street was occupied. The first major event was an extended invitation by the group to Fr. Rick Thomas of El Paso and his helpers. They presented teachings on evangelization and the power of God’s Word. The group received prophesy calling it to evangelization.

1980's- Growth and Formation

In 1983, a house on Alberto Street, Port of Spain, was rented by the Full Gospel Business Men Fellowship for the purpose of teaching Businessmen the Christian walk. Violet visited the house twice per week to conduct counselling sessions. Life in the Spirit Seminars began, attracting many seeking spiritual renewal.

By 1984, weekly prayer meetings expanded rapidly from 30 to over 100 attendees signaling the birth of a wider community. The group relocated to Rosallino Street as attendance grew.

In January 1987, a Fire Rally was held where the group learnt about the international Association of Communities called “Sword of the Spirit” and made the necessary contacts for the teachings on family life. George and Violet went to Stephenville to obtain these teachings. Also, the People of Hope were invited to come to Trinidad to present teachings on Family Life. There the group learnt how they could structure their community. However, the People of Hope’s structure were based on men dominating the leadership role and if the Emmanuel Community were to follow this would mean that only George would be in leadership.

After much prayer and seeking the discernment of the then Spiritual Director, Fr. Reginald Hezekiah, decisions were taken that the Community would not be following the teachings according to the pattern of the People of Hope”. Also, the community decided that they would not be stressing the governmental role of men and there was a need to recognize a single leader.

Accordingly Violet was appointed Moderator (Leader) and George was appointed Pastor.

During this time:

The group adopted the name “Emmanuel”, inspired through prayer.
A “Service Team” was established.
The community embraced its identity not just as a prayer group, but as a faith community with a mission of evangelization.
Major teachings and international influences strengthened their structure and purpose.

2000's & 2010's- Recognition and Transition

On July 22, 2003, the Emmanuel Community was officially incorporated and recognized by the Roman Catholic Church as a Public Association of Christ’s Faithful.

In March 2017, John MacKay was elected as Moderator, continuing the leadership and vision of the founders.

John MacKay was succeeded by Jacqueline Gonzalez-Allamani