From the outside looking in

By Joan Munkanta
Special to The CS&T

Twenty-four years have past. What will I see? How will it be, back in Africa?
Hot, hot, hot. I was visiting Johannesburg, South Africa, Dec. 10 through Dec. 31, for the first time, as a tourist. I also had the opportunity to visit relatives and friends in Zimbabwe and in Zambia. I must tell you, it was great.
Johannesburg was the first stop. I was able to go to Mass the evening of my arrival. Participating in the Mass, you could really appreciate the universality of our Church.
It was also interesting to see the laity at work. The priest was not seen until the procession. Lay people set-up the chairs for the choir, set-up the screens to show the words of the songs we would be singing, took the collection baskets to the back, and checked to make sure the correct readings were on the lectern.
I visited Soweto and found it quite different from what I had seen in the media. Did you know Nelson Mandela and Bishop Tutu lived around the corner from each other? It was interesting to go through the house from which Mandela was taken to jail, and where he returned upon his release.
Visits to museums dedicated to the apartheid years were informative, and reminded us of how important it is to love our brothers as ourselves. When will we get it right?
My three sons were with me in Zambia. I had not been there for 24 years. It wasn’t then the Africa depicted in Tarzan movies, nor is it now. There are roundabouts, strip malls, skyscrapers, movie multiplexes, internet cafes, TV stations with soap operas, music videos, and a religious channel. There are fast food shops, pizza, hamburgers and french fries, even a Subway that had opened two days before we arrived.
As I write this, I realize, I was amazed at the growth that had taken place. In areas where there was nothing, you found development. Though it is to be expected, I wish that the growth were less western.
Attending Mass in Lusaka, Zambia, was enriching. I was immediately engaged, and the warmth of the greetings was heartfelt.
It seemed that everybody was singing at Mass. The harmonies were magnificent. The movement of the bodies was so reverent. I must tell you, in one song that was sung in their language, when they sang the word ‘Yahweh’ I could feel them thanking and praising God. It was really something.
Throughout the assembly, I would see people from other countries who were probably working there. Many people sat quietly after the Mass ended.
Outside, the courtyard was full: people leaving, people coming, people happy to see each other, talking about the results of a fundraiser, and lots of families. Men looked happy to be there. That struck me.
They are building a new cathedral in Lusaka. Pope John Paul II has visited there, and the site is already affectionately known as “Pope Square.”
Walking down the road to go home, and observing others going this or that way, I could not help but think everyone was there to love and serve the Lord.
I heard comments about the good work the Church is doing: “The Catholic Church really helped her when her husband died,” and “a Sister took that little girl to see about her weak leg, and now she has a brace. The Sister makes sure she gets to all her appointments.” It made me feel good, and proud.

Joan Munkanta is a parishioner of Saint Cyprian Parish, Philadelphia.

Some Good News in the Black
Catholic Community in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

• Saint Athanasius Parish, in the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia, has 18 catechumens and five candidates receiving sacraments at the Easter Vigil.
• Saint Francis de Sales Parish in West Philadelphia has seven catechumens and five candidates receiving sacraments at the Easter Vigil.
• There are 56 people actively pursuing the Pastoral Ministry Certificate with a concentration in Ministry to African American Catholics (MAAC) at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. This is the largest number of students for all the certificate programs offered.