The sound of a beating drum slices through the still morning air. Red clay crunches under our shoes as we stride down the dirt road that leads to the Catholic parish in Nkokonjeru, Uganda.

The road from Nsuube to Nkokonjeru

We join the crowd as it floods into the church and then squeeze into a wooden pew near the front of the sanctuary. Light shines through both the stained glass windows and the holes in the worn-out roof. The walls are plain, but the old high altar is ornate.

Light pours into the sanctuary from the holes in the roof.

Birds swoop down from their nests overhead, and the Holy Spirit begins to move. A single voice intones the simple refrain of the entrance hymn, and countless others echo the melody in return. Then the drums join in again as members of the congregation break into soaring harmonies. Nearly everyone is singing as the building shakes with joy.

The church is full.

So begins the victory celebration of the Risen Lord, Jesus Christ, here in Uganda.

Bedecked in red and white cassocks, the altar boys process into the sanctuary ahead of the priests who are clothed in flowing green vestments. Sweet-smelling smoke wafts up into the rafters as Father JohnBosco Wasswa, the pastor, swings the golden thurible of incense around the altar.

Father JohnBosco at the start of Mass.

And just like every Mass in every church around the world, we begin our prayer in the Name of the Triune God by tracing a cross upon our breast and saying, “Mulinya lya Patri ne lya Mwana ne lya Mwoyo Mutukirivu Amiina… In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.”

On the way out of the church.

As such, Mass unfolded with the usual smells, bells, standing, and kneeling. It was truly incredible, because even when I didn’t understand the language, I always knew what was going on. This is because the Mass is so much more than just words – it has substance, and nothing is more substantial than the Word Himself made flesh in the Eucharist. How beautiful to be in global communion with the one, holy, universal Church!

The Light shines.

Kollin is the author of Reflections of Caritas, posted weekly each Wednesday. This week Kollin writes from his mission trip in Uganda with CARITAS For Children founder, Chris Hoar.