The spirit of Malawi evident at Mass

Friday, Oct. 09, 2015

In a building with no glass in the windows, a cement floor, and row upon row of hard, backless wooden benches, I experienced one of the most spiritually fulfilling Masses I have ever been privileged to attend. This Mass, spoken in Chichewa (the native language of Malawi), brought to life the “community of saints” that we are all part of through our shared baptism.

I was in Malawi for a weeklong visit to see firsthand the work of Catholic Relief Services, the international humanitarian agency of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. When I arrived at the church with my six fellow American delegates, the choir was rehearsing. In a village of several hundred families, the choir had at least 40 members. A small keyboard was the only instrument, but the voices were strong and the music uplifting. As they practiced, children entered the church, wearing their Sunday best but barefoot, taking seats in front of us. Unlike us Americans, with our personal space well-preserved, the children sat shoulder to shoulder on the benches. They made no sound, though they did periodically look back to check out the strangers in their midst.

Other than the children and the choir, the church remained surprisingly empty as Mass time approached. We later learned that the adults wait outside the church until the priest enters, as a sign of respect. After Father Matthew processed in, the church filled quietly, women on one side and men on the other. 

As with the children, personal space was not put at a premium, as it typically is in our American experience, and people filled in every square inch of bench space. By the time Fr. Matthew reached the altar, the church was full. It also sounded as though all 300-plus community members were singing joyfully with the choir. 

Though the homily was not in English, it was clear from people’s reaction that the congregation was receiving a spirited lesson that resonated well among the faithful. Fr. Matthew walked the aisle, spoke to individuals, evoked laughter, and energized the flock.  Apparently, he also teased his American visitors, asking his parishioners to fill in our benches so we would be part of the community as well (and give up our personal space).  Within moments, I found two young girls sitting by my side, feet dangling off the bench. It was just the first of many silent, grace-filled moments to come during my visit to Malawi.

A less silent but also inspiring moment of community came during the offertory procession. Rather than pass baskets among the benches, 12 parishioners stood in front of the altar with plastic buckets. Each bucket had the name of a saint written on it. Every member of the congregation then stepped forward to put their offering in a bucket of their choosing. Some added money, some eggs, some  other items; but all, including the children and us foreigners, were part of the gifts presented.  

There is no effective way that I can fully communicate the sense of community and spirit that filled this spare church in a poor African village. Without taking readers to the parish to hear the music, see the parishioners, listen to the priest, join in the offertory, and shake hands with all involved after the Mass, it is impossible to bring the experience home. But in a church with no luxuries, where we knelt on concrete and sat on hard benches for more than the prescribed hour to listen to words spoken in a completely foreign language, we left feeling utterly immersed in God’s grace.  We were welcomed into what was truly a Eucharistic celebration, and sent off feeling rejuvenated. What we experienced in this Mass may best be summed up in the words of St. Francis, “preach the Gospel at all times, when necessary use words.”  

We spent a few days with Fr. Matthew, learning about the school, health clinic, and nutrition program that he and the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament sisters support, with help from CRS. The services he and the Sacramentine sisters provide are highly successful, to the point they are already outgrowing their capacity. The community spirit that was so evident in the Mass extends far beyond the church walls, and Fr. Matthew and the sisters are ready and willing to expand their programs, with a little help from their friends in America. 

I will highlight some of their work in future columns, but know that the admonition to go and live the Word of the Lord is put into regular practice in Malawi at Fr. Matthew’s parish.