Visit to the Maasai - Part 4 - Congregation of the Resurrection 2025

As we gathered for Eucharist, I was informed that since I was the Superior of the Tanzanian Mission that I would be presiding in Swahili. I quickly looked at the Sacramentary to practice as quickly as I could. I was in a bit of a panic mode. Just as we were entering the church, Fr. Daniel whispered to me: “Don’t worry about the Swahili. Most people do not understand Swahili; they only understand the Maasai dialect!”

Procession with Fr. Marek, Fr. Daniel (preacher), and Fr. Jim (presider) in the midst of great singing.

After each reading, the catechist translates the Swahili into the Maasai dialect.

Fr. Daniel proclaiming the gospel in Swahili. It will be translated into the Maasai dialect before the homily, which will also be translated.

There was great singing with the youth choir. Most people do not speak Swahili, so in the Eucharist there were parts of the Mass that were said in the Maasai dialect, including the Sanctus (Holy, Holy) and the Lord’s Prayer.

At the presentation of the gifts, almost every person presented me with items from their home: laundry soap, matches, fruit, vegetables, soda, water, small amounts of money, and a chicken.

There was great joy in everyone’s participation. Fr. Daniel was so happy and enthusiastic. I was very proud of him.

At the end of the liturgy, the parishioners presented Fr. Daniel, Kevin and me with Maasai cloths, Maasai crosses, and a huge horn that was filled with cow’s milk. I was wondering if I needed to drink this in front of people, but I was relieved that I did not have to do this. Later, Fr. Daniel and Fr. Marek drank the milk. Kevin and I thought that we made the best decisions in our lives by saying, “NO.” It looked like drinking cottage cheese. Later, someone told me that there is rice mixed in the milk. Hmmmm!!!!

People were shy and did not engage us so much after Mass. However, I saw that people were standing around. It only took a small gesture on my part for them to come over and begin to talk. I know a little Swahili now, but it became very clear to me that even what little I knew did not help because most people do not know Swahili. So, we resorted to signs and smiles and laughs to communicate.