Palm Sunday (March 24, 2013)

Today we celebrated and witnessed an incredible Palm Sunday Mass. We weren’t sure exactly what to expect but knew it would be an adventure. We arrived at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 7:15am but weren’t sure where to get our palms for the service. We were told there would be a processional with all of the congregation and to simply follow the path. We started walking, eager to find where this beginning point was. We walked with two nuns and enjoyed casual conversation (some in Chichewa – yeah, we’re learning the language!).  As we approached the edge of the parish property (which was across a primary & secondary school yard), we finally found the gathering spot. There was a huge pile of palm branches waiting for the congregation and a portable PA system was being set up. The choir was signing, people were gathering. Several of the parishioners made a point to come over and greet us. Everyone has been so warm and welcoming to our family – especially the parishioners of St. John the Baptist and its outstations.

Lily, Tonya & Josie participating in processional march

We were told Mass would begin at 7:30, however we also have learned that there is a lot of truth to the term “African time”.  Father Somanje along with 18 alter boys entered the area in which by this time, hundreds, probably well over a thousand Malawian’s had gathered. The palms were blessed (can you pick out Jacob in this picture?) and the Mass began. The processional for Mass included everyone walking along the main road, waiving their palms and signing. The walk lasted probably a half hour, but who knows as we don’t wear watches here! It was absolutely beautiful, an amazing site to see & event to participate in.

One of our friends, Elizabeth (who greeted us at the airport when we first arrived), found us and had us follow her to find a seat. Mass today was outdoors. We are so thankful for Elizabeth’s wisdom as she ensured we sat in the shade during the Mass! We sit together as a family during Mass as we did back in the United States, however Malawians do not sit with their spouses or their children. The men sit on the left, the women on the right and children in front on the floor/ground. The women with small children (3 & under) typically gather in the back or outside the church doors.

Another view of the processional march

So many amazing things take place during a Malawian Mass, I don’t even know where to begin! As Father Somanje entered the outdoor church, everyone was waving their palms, singing loudly. There is a group of young girls who dance during the processional and a few other times during the Mass. Lilyanna is very excited as she began practicing with them on Saturday and will eventually join them during the Mass! The Mass is typically at least 2 hours, but often times much longer. Part of the reason its so long is how many people attend. I bet there were well over 1000 people attending today’s service. Also, there is a lot of singing which is lead by a beautiful choir. Actually, St. John’s has 3 choirs and they are all amazing! The music is absolutely delightful to listen to, we’re actually beginning to learn a few of the songs and are able to sing along—in Chichewa! Did I mention the entire Mass is in Chichewa?

Father Samonje (Comboni Priest)

Another beautiful element to the Malawian Mass is the offertory. Not only are the gifts of bread, water, wine and collections brought forward but also several other items in which one of the small Christian Communities have put together. The offerings are typically food, drink and useful household items that support the Parish, particularly the Priests. It’s amazing to think this is one of the poorest countries in the world, yet the people are so giving. The gifts are offered with reverence and sincerity, children and adults all participate in the offertory – several of them (maybe 20+ if I had to guess)

Only a portion of participants in the offertory

One final thought on Malawian Masses in how they differ from the Masses we are accustomed to is the announcements. Wow, let me just say that we in the U.S. are so fortunate to have a bulletin! I would guess announcements take at least 30 minutes but probably a lot more. In addition to not having a paper bulletin, there is a lot happening in this particular parish. We are humbled by the passion and expression of faith we have witnessed at Masses here in Malawi. We look forward to becoming closer to the people of the parish and sharing and deepening our faith with them.

After celebrating Palm Sunday (4+ hours at church), we headed home for lunch. Shortly after noon, we were greeted with a surprise visit from Fr. Dario who was accompanied by two sisters who are currently on retreat. They went to one of the outstations where Fr. Dario said Mass. We love that the visitors to our home now mainly consist of the Comboni Priests! Fr. Dario came to offer us some of the vegetables, drinks and sugar cane in which he received during the offertory at the Outstation. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the thoughtfulness the Comboni’s have demonstrated since our arrival. Today we received potatoes; onions, pumpkin, soda, sugar cane and a handful of other items which will certainly help us feed our family this next week! The Comboni’s have taken good care of us and continue to check on us often, making sure we are comfortable. We are truly blessed to be part of this community.

The week ahead will consist of our language classes as well as participating in the various Masses of Holy Week and daily Mass. Please continue to support our family by keeping us in your prayers! We’d love to hear from you, feel free to send an email from time to time – kleven4@gmail.com

You are in our thoughts and prayers daily!

Your sister in Christ,

Tonya

(Jacob, Lilyanna & Josephine)

Only a glimpse of how many were gathered for Mass! There were people in front of us as well as in front of the church which can't be seen in this image. Amazing how many gather for Mass, its beautiful!