The Eucharist at the Mariya uMama weThemba Monastery on Sunday is a joyous occasion. On Sunday mornings the church at the monastery is full of drumming, the singing of Xhosa hymns and songs, dancing, community communion, the Lord’s prayer said in whatever your native tongue is (so far I’ve heard Xhosa, Zulu, English, Afrikaans, Sotho), and much more. People of all ages and from all different backgrounds come to the monastery on Sunday mornings to worship.
The daily offices at the monastery (there are 5 per day starting a 6:00 am) are a bit more quiet and meditative in comparison. The regular offices are very nice and offer a great opportunity for prayer and reflection, but lack some of the energy the Sunday Eucharist seems to have.
On Sundays, whether it be watching the children and youth drum and dance to a piece of music, or seeing the older folks who experienced the hardships and horrors of apartheid embrace at The Peace, or joining in the singing of hymns in Xhosa, one begins to sense the beauty of relationship and community.
A few clips I took from a Sunday Eucharist. Please forgive the poor camera work!
The video looks great Stephen! I hope things are going well for you and the people you are meeting and sharing life with. What an interesting Eucharist. Yes lively!
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ReplyDeleteNice, thanks, Stephen!
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