Come on the weekend to join in a Mass with locals and visit on a weekday to find tranquility inside this this light and airy church.
The St. Joseph the Worker Parish is a 20th-century church built on the foundations of a historic chapel from the 1700s. It has a colorful interior comprising vibrant stained glass windows and ecclesiastical works of art. Get a glimpse into the local culture and traditions with a Catholic Mass on Saturday night or Sunday morning.
Relax in the small plaza outside the church and snap photos of the grey façade, noting its yellow rose window and markings. Wander along the enchanting adjacent streets and see the brightly colored building façades. Enter the church and chat to the friendly local congregation.
Listen to the soothing sounds of the singing voices during the 90-minute Mass. Inspect the range of colorful artworks adorning the walls of the nave, which stands out for its large size in this small town. The altar is ornate with religious artifacts and is illuminated by light permeating the large windows above.
Walk between the whitewashed columns that flank the nave and sit on the wooden pews. Enjoy the tranquil ambiance and meditate in this holy location.
The church can get crowded and hot on weekend afternoons. Bring sufficient water and wear fairly light clothing to stay cool, while remaining formal enough for the religious occasion.
Note that the initial chapel was constructed here in around 1771, a couple of decades after the arrival of the first missionaries. A church replaced the chapel in 1778, before undergoing further reconstructions and renovations over the years.
The St. Joseph the Worker Parish is in the old town area in the heart of Gros Islet, near the northern point of St. Lucia. Get around the narrow alleys of this quaint central district on foot or take a taxi to the church. Visit nearby attractions, such as the Gros Islet Square, the Splash Island Water Park and the Pigeon Island Beach.
