News Article Archive
March 2005
EASTER 2005 FOR PROJECT LINKUP IN DAR ES SALAAM
Irene Wilson
The Linkup Team explore a theology of accompaniment as they prepare to leave for Tanzania.
In their book, Towards an African Narrative Theology, (Maryknoll, New York: Orbis, 1999), Joseph Healey and Donald Sybertz reflect on aspects of hospitality as an African cultural value, and point to the fresh ideas and insights with which it can, and does, bless Christian theology.
For example, the African custom of escorting a visitor part of the way back to the person's home undergirds a theology of accompaniment. This is expressed in the pastoral practice of walking the journey with others, when, for example, catechists and sponsors accompany catechumens, when spiritual directors accompany directees, when small church community members accompany one another, or when, collaboratively, they take responsibility for the spiritual and pastoral nurture of the catechumens in their midst.
During Holy Week, 2005, the catechumens of the Msimbazi parish, Dar es Salaam, and their “escorts” will be joined by Project Link-up members Annette Hanigan and Irene and John Wilson for the liturgical celebration that marks the culmination of their two year journey.
Project Link-up will post a short report from Msimbazi on the Easter experience and a longer report by Annette on the travellers' return.
In the meantime, you are invited to mine the archives and re-read Joe Healey's earlier articles on adult initiation in East African parishes.
Has your own parish been active during this past cycle, making links between the Catechumenate and small faith sharing communities?
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