mkf. Do you think there is an African Holy Mass in Schoenstatt? Many of those who were asked did not think there was one, and shook their heads in disbelief as they were told that indeed, since November last year, Fr. Reginald from Nigeria celebrates Holy Mass, each second Sunday of the month at 6:00 PM, with a small but vibrant African community. This Sunday, April 11, the small chapel at House Sonnenau was filled beyond capacity with the “usual” community and thirteen Schoenstatt mothers from South Africa filling the place with African Easter joy.
Started as a joint initiative of some people – among them a couple from Nigeria with their children now living in Germany, Sister M. Lydia from Kenya, Sisters from Germany, and the USA, Schoenstatt Fathers from Nigeria – this Holy Mass celebrated in English and with a touch of Africa in songs and music, since November 2009, has attracted more and more people – and turned Schoenstatt into a home place for African immigrants in the region.
This Sunday afternoon, April 11, was different as thirteen ladies from South Africa added Easter joy, their songs, and music to the African Mass. For them it was a beautiful closing of their two-week pilgrimage to Schoenstatt.
The Lord your God is risen upon you
In his sermon, Father Reginald’s gave new insights into the stories of encounters by the disciples with the risen Lord, and why it was not enough that they saw Jesus once in order to really, really believe – a sermon that made one smile, laugh, (“Girls, wasn’t that cute how he admitted that the disciples just did not believe the women?”), and think. “It’s the sermons that make you smile and laugh that really catch you, isn’t it?” one of the mothers said. “You smile and open your heart and all at once you are really meeting Jesus who asks you: And you, do you really believe I am risen?”
The Mass could not be ended without a moment of dance to the tune of this beautiful African Easter Song, Jabulani, Africa (Zulu for: Rejoice, Africa) Jesus life and hope to heal our land, Savior reaching out with Your mighty hand: Sing for joy, O Africa! The Lord your God is Risen upon you. Sing for joy O Africa! The Lord your God is risen upon you now…
Then, it was time to share – food and experiences – in Sonnenau hall. Hardly anybody was aware that it was already 7:40 PM…
The African Holy Mass is celebrated each second Sunday of the month in the chapel of House Sonnenau at 6:00 PM.
