Celebrating 50

As promised, though one week late now, here is a short recap of the Jubilee celebration from last Wednesday:

Fr. Bob arrived two days before the celebration and stayed for four nights in Hanga. Very short visit, but it was great to see another SJU face around for the celebration.


My whole school sat together for the celebration of the Eucharist which began at 10:00 AM. I did not sit right by them, but when i walked by, they all said, "hello teacher ben!"


Recognize any faces in the crowd from the opening procession? The procession started a little after 10AM, but the opening prayer didn't happen until about 10:20 after the long procession!














during the presentation of the gifts, there was a long line of gift bearers...with offerings ranging from simple bags of beans to hamsters. Yes i said HAMSTERS! (see the right picture close-up)














There were quite a few important people up on the altar con celebrating! Including, the head of all Benedictines, from Rome, the Cardinal, and some other important Benedictines :) also notice the Papal blessings (framed) that all of the monks celebrating their 50th anniversary of taking their first vows, as well as the Abbey itself received.

After Mass, came the feast! one of the best meals we have had here yet. and of course there was beer and coke and fanta...and chemi chemi water bottled by Hanga abbey... all sitting and ready for us on the table. and wine brought from italy. (Charlie is enjoying the feast)

...and afterwards, CAKE! (there was even a traditional "cake" song that all the Tanzanians sang as they were presenting the cake to the head table. I will have to sing it for you sometime.


The other table of guests (Ben and Jean in the back...Fr. Kevin to the right, and Serena (rt) and Claudia (lft) )

After the meal, there was an afternoon full of more celebrations outside in many different parts of the village. right outside of the hostel where i live there was a village rock band playing ALL afternoon with people crowded around and watching. There was a little trade show area set up where different foods and woodcarvings, and jubilee tee shirts were being sold... but the "main stage" was back where Mass was. The kids from my school were walking around all day selling CDs and Abbey history books.


Notice any important familiar face at the head table watching the dances and singers on the "main stage" ? (hint: the white guy in the middle with the smile on his face) it was a full afternoon of programming, but it was a blast!


later that night, there was more of a party inside our dining room with music by the brass band! All in all, it was a full and fun crazy day. celebrations like that only come around every 50 years! more pictures from the day after will come tomorrow. and i might try and see if a video will work to post...

thanks for reading. i do appreciate all your comments, too!