Mbarara (Fides Service) - "In sub-Saharan Africa the Eucharist has a social value, it represents a moment of encounter for the community. But people still have difficulty in understanding fully its spiritual value and to penetrate profoundly its symbols of bread and wine, which are not the typical food of African families", Fides Service was told by Fr Gianfrancesco Sisto OFM, a missionary in the Franciscan African vice-province of St Francis which includes numerous missions.
Father Sisto has missionary experience in Tanzania and Uganda. "At Butimba, in Tanzania, a very poor area, he says, for the people Mass is not only a celebration of a Mystery, it is also a time to come together. It is necessary to communicate what is happening in other parts of the parish, to announce international and national news, to inform people about medical and scholastic initiatives. At times I had the impression that the surrounding elements prevailed over the Sacrament. Mass is a time to socialise as it happens on the old continent. It is a service which you go to because everyone goes, it is part of African mentality, which is very collectivist."
In Uganda liturgical celebrations include dancing as well as singing. "In Mbarara diocese dance is used to express with the body praise to the Lord of life: there is dancing at the beginning of Mass, at the offertory, after Communion and at the end of Mass". "At the Franciscan mission in the hills in Kakoba, a mainly Muslim area - says Fr Sisto - it takes more courage to pray and to bear witness. Weekly Adoration of the Eucharist is very well attended: there is singing, silence, readings from the Word of God, long spontaneous prayers. I think that when people are able to speak directly to Jesus present in the Eucharist, it means they have a deep relation with him".
"One particular experience - the missionary says - was the celebration the Eucharist in the prison for minors in Mbarara. Despite their precarious situation during the celebration of Mass the young offenders were able to make space for the Word which made them realise they are children of God in spite of the wrongs committed. I think I can say that the most moving Easter celebration I ever experienced was in that prison. The Risen Lord gave us his peace and his joy in a place similar to hell. We experienced his presence many times through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit." (Fides Service 16/4/2003 EM lines 41 Words: 486)