Sunday, June 27, 2010

Earlier that morning, I read a letter of a Bishop in a neighboring diocese here in Kenya appealing to the people of Kenya to stand together in faith against the elements of the new constitution proposed for a referendum vote in August. I thought the vote was in October, but it will be as soon as August 4. The concern of this bishop and all the bishops of Kenya are a few items in the proposed constitution which waver on the issue of human life. Though the article itself proclaims that abortion is wrong, it leaves a wide gap for interpretation when dealing with the health of the mother and her right to choose treatment. 

Also in the proposed constitution are vague areas of consideration for the rights of children, granting citizenship of children 7 years and older who are orphaned or displaced. On the surface, this seems charitable and reasonable, but the Bishops have pointed out that this encourages the Somali Government to round up children and drop them in Kenya. This increases their influence in the country—one that is largely Islamic and divisive. There are other parts of the constitution which hints at euthanasia and other provisions which fly in the face of the traditional respect of families to care for each other until death. 

The celebration at the liturgy, of course, was not the forum for this discussion, but it was something that certainly hangs in the background of all the people at mass today. I gave a homily based on today’s Gospel of Luke detailing the decision of Jesus to enter into Jerusalem to complete his Father’s mission, which included the cross. I shared with them the experience of Jim Caviezel speaking to the young people at St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower about 5 years ago, before the release of the film “The Passion of the Christ.” I recalled his insistence with the young people that day that they turn to Christ, take advantage of the sacraments, and preserve their faith at all costs. How struck we all were that day that Mr. Caviezel insisted that his goals are not about success in Hollywood, but the salvation of his soul. 

The choir was magnificent and lively, swaying and clapping hands with such jubilation! It was infectious. The singing was both in Kiswahili and English, but predominantly English. I was touched by the children in traditional dress who greeted the Word of God by processing the Word to the sanctuary with such beautiful and youthful dancing. This was done after the opening prayer before any of the Word was proclaimed. How I wish I had a camera capturing these little ones in their dress and movements! 

At the offertory, the gifts were processed with baskets of food—many baskets of food. This procession, too, was led by the little liturgical dancers. 

After communion, there were many announcements. In fact, the chairman of the finance committee gave a report concerning recent fund raising events. Another member of the committee spoke again addressing upcoming events. And then the pastor spoke to the issue of the upcoming referendum. I would suggest that these after-communion talks were all of 30 minutes. Yet, not one person fidgeted or left. All remained seated and very attentive. 

I began the liturgy with this greeting: “Karibuni sana! Habari za asubui!” This means, “You are all very welcome (here)! Good morning!” That was met with laughter and applause. The whole liturgy was rich with dance, with incense, with lay and children involvement, and with a joy that was hard to contain! 

Now, this morning, I will pack my things and bid farewell to Upper Hill and the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, the provincial residence, and all who have hosted me here. After our lunch meal, Fr. Sebastian Kolyadil will come to take me out to shop for some cultural items and souvenirs. In the next few days we will visit the parish where he used to work with young adults. We will take a day’s safari to see some animals. And soon it will be time to leave. 

My experiences here will remain with me for a very long time! How blessed to be part of this large, international, Salesian Family!