Two remarkable events took place at the Cathedral last weekend. One was the ordination to the transitional diaconate of Robert Christo and the other, the annual Mass of the neophytes that brought together new members of the Church from parishes all over the country to a grand celebration with Archbishop Edward Gilbert.

Celebrations of these kinds are significant by their very nature but the ordination of one of the nation’s sons at a time of drought of vocations to the priesthood is a pertinent sign of hope for the local Church.

On the following day, the Cathedral packed for the Neophyte Mass was yet another important sign for the Church, that today is more often spoken about in terms of a loss of members.

Last Saturday’s diaconate ordination stood out in particular ways. It will be remembered for its drama and the unmistakeable joy it evoked, evident on the faces in the congregation.

The event, although drawing principally on Indian and African themes, reminded us of the diverse nature of our heritage as a people and as Church.

The liturgy, sometimes startling in its effect, with rhythmic tassa drumming, the joyful bearing of the Book of Gospels by a Carmelite Sister and the plaintive singing of a bhajan during the distribution of Communion, may have surprised many.

But it all should have spoken to us about a Church that must proclaim the Good News in every age and across cultures while itself being enriched by the cultures in which it is immersed.

Different forms of culture

When in the mid-60s the Church entered into a time of self-examination with Vatican Council II, seeking “to renew the Church; to restore unity among all Christians…; and to start a dialogue with contemporary” society, it emphasised its need to speak through the culture of the time.

The Council document “Church in the Modern World” states: “The Church is faithful to its traditions and is at the same time conscious of its universal mission; it can, then, enter into communion with different forms of culture, thereby enriching both itself and the cultures themselves” (art. 58).

The Mass, because it celebrates our redemption, offers a unique opportunity to express “the mystery of Christ and the real nature of the true Church.” Last Saturday’s Mass, because of the significance of the occasion, offered that opportunity in a special way and those who planned the liturgy seized the moment gladly.

But, it should have served as a reminder to us all of what is possible, not only on particular occasions such as this one at the Cathedral, but in our parishes and other communities where the Church gathers.

At the end of the Mass, Archbishop Edward Gilbert was moved to say, “The Church is alive and well.” He might well have said the same after the Mass of the Neophytes the following day.

We have come to expect a large attendance at the Neophyte Mass, and have never been disappointed, so much so we may have come to take this for granted.
These celebrations were testaments of the Spirit of God among us.

On this Feast of Pentecost, it is important to remember that God is with his Church and that His Spirit is alive among us. The good things that happen among us and the signs of growth and maturity that we see are all assurances of the constant and powerful breath of the Spirit among us as Church and in our nation.