The Anglican Priests among us here at the Pacific Theological College led the community for worship on Ash Wednesday: a traditional service including the imposition of ashes. I appreciated that. In ecumenical communities which reflect a whole variety of Church traditions there can sometimes be interesting additions or omissions in the cycle of the Church year...
Then, having taken services in Methodist churches for the past two Sundays, I had no leadership responsibilities today so went to the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart for Lent 1 as I'd done for Advent 1. Their catechumens are coming along apace and looking forward to Easter baptisms. The Rite of Elections was carried out this morning where candidates and their Godparents sign their names before the whole Church to demonstrate their serious commitment to this faith journey.
His Grace the Archbishop of Suva Peter Loy Chong presided and the great thing was that nine different ethnic communities combined to celebrate the Asian New Year Mass. It's the Year of the Sheep/Goat according to the Chinese Lunar calendar and so the theme for the liturgy was, appropriately, Jesus the Lamb of God. Here's the scene under the High Altar.
Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese, Sri Lankan, Indian, Korean, Filipino and iTaukei (Fijian) worshippers took part in the liturgy, in a packed Cathedral, and it was a real blessing to be there. The wider world Church in Suva. Something to value and celebrate.
If you're having a go at reflecting, repenting and reforming this Lent, all blessings.
How about we pray for one another?
If you're having a go at reflecting, repenting and reforming this Lent, all blessings.
How about we pray for one another?
Psalm 79.13.
Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise.
The Korean community preparing for their part in the liturgy
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