I am blessed, that I experienced this morning again, when I celebrated my 25th anniversary of being a priest in the parish of Manenberg. In Cape Town, for many people Manenberg stands for gangsters, drugs, violence, fear, gangs, guns – and so it was maybe not unusual that the drivers of a Ultraliquor store in town refused to deliver drinks to Manenberg on a Sunday morning, fearing for their lives. For me Manenberg is the place where I can feel that this is a place where one can touch who Christians call God. Different perceptions – but it was a great celebration with international flair:
- HIPHOP in church
USA, Malaysia, Austria, Germany and South Africa were represented – the parish priest and my friend Fr Wim brought down the Holy Trinity (Trinity Sunday) so that people could understand and feel what it means for them in their lives. The youngsters from the Amy Biehl Foundation – Catholic Church School Aftercare program contributed with music, flutes and HipHop dance in front of the altar. Liturgical dance brought another aspect of life into the celebration. Afterwards music of brass instruments and a warm soup, coffee, tea and cool drink… A wonderful celebration in one of the most neglected parts of Cape Town.
I am blessed – did I say that already?
Manenberg parish
Filed under: Reflection, Uncategorized, cape town, catholic church, Church Matters, HOPE Cape Town Association & Trust, Jubilee, Manenberg
God, AIDS, Africa & HOPE 