Easter Mass in Mozambique

Easter Mass in Mozambique

One of my least favorite parts of this transition into adulthood is not being able to be with your family and take part in your favorite traditions because of work on holidays. But as my parents always tell me when I try to tell them my sob story, and whine about how life gets harder as an adult: to first of all, stop over-dramatizing. Perspective, honey! Then comes the sensible advice to find a way to enjoy the holiday in the place I am with the people I am with no matter where that might be in the world. So that’s precisely what I tried to do today.

My friend Vic, a devout Catholic, invited a group of us to attend mass at his church and then cook a big lunch and dye Easter Eggs. I enjoyed attending my first mass in Mozambique for many reasons. It was interesting to compare to the many different kinds of churches (Catholic, Presbyterian, Universal, non-denominational) I have attended in each of the three countries I have lived where Romance languages are the official languages (Mexico, Spain, Mozambique). I believe participating in the worship services has enhanced my travel experiences significantly.

The Easter mass was noteworthy because although the liturgy, rituals, and traditions were the same as the Catholic churches I have attended in the US and Spain, the feel of the service was different. When I went to mass in Spain with my host mother, I could appreciate the Catholic tradition by listening to the powerful organ sounding hymns and admiring all the beautiful artwork and architecture that reminded me of another world. Although, truthfully, I found the services a little dry for my taste. In the US, I have fond memories of attending my friends’ first communions and weddings in the Catholic Church. But never have I been to a mass so full of energy! From the moment it started, barefoot women dressed in heart-patterned sarongs processed down the aisle dancing to the famous hymn “Glory Alleluia” presenting those who were to be baptized. The whole service followed like that – traditional hymns and prayers, but the Mozambicans had tied in their culture. It was apparent in the songs and by the random whooping noises from the congregation, ha, which really livened up the service.

At one point all 5oo people in the congregation joined hands and we swayed side to side singing “Glory, glory, glory, is peace among all men.” Touched, I leaned over to Vic, half-joking “It’s like we’re acting out He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” Here we were on Easter Sunday, actually on the other side of the world, sharing the same faith with the Mozambicans, singing in their language we are learning, being graciously welcomed to join them, black and white arms literally linked. Yes, another sappy, yet wonderful moment in this experience!

I still would prefer to be with my family during holidays, but I have learned that you can find a strong community and good people anywhere. So in the end I felt fortunate to spend Easter 2009 dyeing Easter eggs with my Peace Corps friends who are my family in these parts. Oh, and how much I have enjoyed going to church services and seeing how people all around the world worship!