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There were four Masses at the Cathedral for Easter. The first one was, of course, the vigil. We started at about 9 pm for the blessing of the fire outside. I could not really see how many people were there. It was only when we reached the altar and we waited for everyone to come in that I realise the place would be packed. We waited for a long time until everyone came in. The Cathedral that had been completely dark, became full of light thanks to our own candles. A beautiful image of our faith.
The Mass was celebrated in English and SiSwati and, of course, Zulu which I add here an there.
After each one of the readings (one in English and one in SiSwati) a member of the community shared a few words. After the gospel, proclaimed by Fr Magagula, it was my turn. We read the Gospel of Matthew and remember Jesus' words to the women: "‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers that they must leave for Galilee; they will see me there.’" I asked them to be my Galilee, the place where I can find the Risen Jesus. "In February someone would ask you... would you be my Valentine?". On Easter day instead we are asked: "would you be my Galilee...?".
We then celebrated 28 baptisms and 52 confirmations of adults.
Mass finished at about 2.30 am. People had a break and there was another Mass at 5 am which was presided by Fr Magagula. I was back at 9.00 for the Easter Mass in English with the baptism of 7 children, followed by another Easter Mass in SiSwati at 10.30 with the baptism of another 15 children.
While I had a few hours' sleep, other probably had nothing: members of the choir, altar servers, those cleaning the church... I saw them all the time in Church.
The Easter Season has just started!
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