video

Got a little bit of video of some of the proceedings from this morning...

Exciting Day!

Whew!  So much went on today - from opening prayer to evening liturgy...it was fun and enlightening.  We started outdoors with the drummers once again leading us, this time to prayer.  Fiona told us the story of creation, African style.

Then, representatives from each continent lit a torch and led us to the next phase.

We eventually ended up inside, with greetings from Br. Emili Turu and His Eminence John Njue, Cardinal Archbishop of Niarobi.

Br. Emili reminded us why we are in Africa - to have a different perspective, as Br. Tony's map does, and as Pope Francis has asked us to.  To view the world from the peripheries - a necessary way to look at a  world that is turning quickly upside down.  Br. Emili also pointed out that the entire institute was present in the room, through the spirit of the individual representatives.  (I'm sorry I don't have photos - can't get them off the camera for some reason - working on it though)

The Archbishop also had a reminder for us - that this is a time for the institute to look in the mirror, the mirror set by our founder, Marcellin Champagnat, to see "how am I doing?" in order to move forward.

Afternoon saw us in our groups, sharing our own personal journeys.  A period of silent reflection immediately before Mass set the tone for the evening.

The stage being set up for Mass

A lion decorates the edge of the stage.

It was a really great day - our fellow Marists are interesting and interested.  Everyone is sharing about families, work and about being Marist.  So far, Africa is great!

Dinner and a Dance

In the United States the term dinner and a dance would mean something different than our experiences last night at the Marist International Center (MIC).  Here the food and festivities were distinctively African.

After a tour of the MIC - the formation center and university for young, African Brothers - we were ushered into the gathering space by Nigerian dancers - and invited to dance, as well.  During the opening remarks we were told that this dance is one used to greet a king.  In true Marist hospitality, we were treated like kings and queens.  A program of traditional dances from several African countries was followed by a feast complete with meat on a spit and a variety of dishes representing the continent - and a lot more singing and dancing.  And this wasn't the official welcome - that comes tomorrow! 

Here are a few pictures to help you to visualize the events...