A Malawian Christmas Mass

It was impossible not to feel the excitement ... that something wonderful had taken place

By Mary Olenick
December 2007

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Scarboro missioner Mary Olenick with a Ngoni tribal warrior. Malawi.

During my time in Malawi, many of the masses that I attended touched me in very special ways. It was not unusual for the celebrations to last two or three hours, yet I always found that the time rushed by as the people joyfully celebrated their faith with song, instruments and dance. But this Christmas Mass in particular stood out.

The church was packed, the pews filled to capacity. People sat on the floor in the aisles with just a narrow path left open. Women carried sleeping infants on their backs or curled up on their laps. Those who couldn't find room inside the church, stood in the doorway or sat on the steps outside.

Despite the number of people, there was complete silence. The darkness was broken by one small light shining above the altar. Then the choir began to sing and drum quietly. Into this gentle scene, a Ngoni warrior appeared, traditionally dressed in animal skins and carrying a spear and shield. Tied to his ankles were bells that jangled as he ran up and down the aisles announcing loudly, "The Christ child has been born tonight! The shepherds have followed the star to a stable and found the child with his mother!" After this exciting announcement, the lights were turned on and Mass began.

Included in the celebrations was the reenactment of the Christmas story. To the side of the altar was a life size stable with Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus inside. A local mother and father and their newborn baby only two days old played the part of the Holy Family. Mary held Jesus lovingly in her arms. Shepherds sat outside the stable in silent adoration and the Wise Men came to offer their gifts.

After this scene, Mary and Joseph brought the baby out and presented him to Bishop Zuza, the main celebrant, for baptism. As the Bishop lifted high the sleeping baby for everyone to see, the drummers began their rhythmic beat and the singers broke out in full song.

In addition to the drummers and singers, around the altar were Ngoni tribal dancers and people dressed as angels. At the presentation of the infant Jesus, the whole congregation, even the children, began dancing at their seats and in the aisles. Joy was written on everyone's face. It was impossible not to feel the excitement, that something wonderful had taken place.

During our rejoicing, a priest carried the infant Jesus in his arms up and down the aisles for all to see. Then Mary and Joseph returned to the stable with their baby and the Mass continued.

After Mass, there was a special collection taken up for the baby and his family, and people had the opportunity to greet the family in the stable.

Mass lasted three hours, but this felt like only a short time. It was the most beautiful, touching Christmas Mass that I had experienced during my time in Malawi. I left the church with great peace in my heart.

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