“I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Look to him that you may be radiant with joy…” – Psalm 34: 5-6
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“I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Look to him that you may be radiant with joy…” – Psalm 34: 5-6
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“Live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God.” – Ephesians 5:2
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Kollin was recently on a mission trip with founder, Christopher Hoar, visiting the Ugandan locations of our Catholic child sponsorship programs.
“For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” – John 6:33
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.
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.
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.
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.
And just like every Mass in every church around the world, we begin our prayer in the Name 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.”
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!
Lord Jesus, give us the Bread from Heaven that we may have life in its fullness, as one, in Your Name. Amen.
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“Live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love.” – Ephesians 4:1-2
Read MoreEach Wednesday, Rev. Father Frank Kyazze writes a blog reflecting his experiences with CARITAS & also on the core mission of CARITAS: Jesus' calling to "Love One Another." Fr. Frank is the first Seminarian of CARITAS For Children to be ordained. He is currently assigned to St. Joseph Minor Seminary in Nyenga, Uganda, as Dean of Studies. He is also a member of the Diocese of Lugazi, Uganda and sits on the CARITAS Board of Advisors.
