The Value of the Mass

The Value of the Mass
Up to our own times, it has been the constant concern of supreme pontiffs to ensure that the Church of Christ offers a worthy ritual to the Divine Majesty, 'to the praise and glory of His name,' and 'to the benefit of all His Holy Church - Pope Benedict XVI, Summorum Pontificum

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

For Charismatics

I want to start by saying that I have nothing against charismatics, but just that I think that the charismatic movement is patronising to young people.
That being said, I would like to share these pictures of a traditional parish in Nigeria. So much for the charismatic movement being the force of strength in Christian Africa.








What surprises me is that the African people get sold short when it comes to the way Christianity is portrayed. I recently heard of a conversation between a priest friend of mine and an African bishop and, according to my friend, the bishop commented that the Motu Proprio was the greatest thing to happen for Africa. This is because African priests, sent to western seminaries, go away with great spirituality and then return with these ideas of "how African Catholics are supposed to be." They bring back things lie wacky liturgical dance and the like.


The African people, at least the ones that I have met, are extremely contemplative, and they have a great history of being so in a Christian context. A case in point is the Ethiopian Orthodox (once Catholic) Church.


In short, true African Christian spirituality is a very beautiful thing. St. Augustine of Hippo, pray for us and especially for Africans.





No comments: