Kenyan Catholic Community and Friends inside St Luke Belmont MA. pic by V.K. Waweru
By VK Waweru, Ajabu Africa News
BELMONT,Mass. APRIL 30_Saint Luke Catholic Church in Belmont, Massachusetts over the weekend hosted the Kenyan Catholic Community and friends from the state and beyond to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.
As the Swahili saying goes, “Mgeni njoo, mwenyenji apone”, literally meaning “a guest come over so that the host can benefit; memories will resonate what they witnessed at Belmont for weeks to come.
The Kenyan Catholic Community comprises of St John Church in Winthrop, St Michael in Lowell and Sacred Heart in Quincy churches, all in Massachusetts.
On Sunday April 25th, Catholics and friends answered an invitation from Fr. Leopold, Fr. Petringa and Fr. Komu to take part in a holy mass.
“No doubt, this was the best well organized mass I have ever attended,” marveled one of the parishioners. From the splendid Choir to the very well choreographed liturgy dancers, the church tasted its first African culture.
During the day's sermon, Fr. Leopold challenged everyone to hold strong to family values that leads to vocations to serve God. He lamented that the changing time and lifestyle have been very misleading and that many people have abandoned the church.
A diversity of visitors who attended the mass in Belmont
“We are God’s sheep, He is our Sheppard. He leads and we follow” Just like the African sheep; everyone was urged to humility and answer to the calling.
Having been sponsored by an anonymous sponsor from Canada all through his seminary life, Fr Leopold, a native of Tanzania , and his friends, started a charitable organization called Give Hope Project that assist the less fortunate children pursue their goals.
The organization also supports seminaries in Africa.
A get-together party after the worship catalyzed the two communities to blend in. Traditional folk dances were performed as traditional meals were served. “This is a great experience. I only wish it happens every Sunday,” lamented Paul, a Saint Luke parishioner as he chewed his “nyama choma” from the cafeteria.
As the lights were turned off and the parking lots cleared, it was evident that the Kenyan Catholic Community and friends left an outstanding and remarkable impression, thus challenging their host to get more involved in the liturgy.
Cultural mix: Peter Wainaina and a St Luke parishioner enjoy a mix of American and African dishes
