This was the scene yesterday at the fourth of our five regular Sunday liturgies. I was at the first three and took some people out to lunch and had to miss this service, but I was there for the opening. I'm only fluent in one language - there were four in use during the service - so I really wasn't qualified to be at the altar.
From Greta Huls account of the service:
Members of the Sudanese congregation lead the processional with singing and dancing accompanied by the sound of pounding drums. They also offered music during the offertory and the recessional. Mariachis provided most of the additional service music.
The Rev. Anderia Arok of St. Paul's gave the sermon while The Rev. Canon Cameron Guerrero of Catedral de la Trinidad translated his Dinka-accented English into Spanish - which lead to a little confusion and a few laughs at times.
The Rev. Canon Licia Baldi Affer of Trinity Cathedral celebrated the Eucharist and offered the Bendición in her native Italian.
More information, with pictures here. Thanks Greta for putting up the article!
Nick,
You've never been to one of our services over here, then. This liturgy sounds wonderful!
I have done the final blessing in up to six languages (I fake good).
Blessings for Christmastide,
Pierre Whalon
Posted by: Bp Pierre Whalon | December 21, 2009 at 11:28 PM
You are more than welcome! IT was a joy to be at that service and I hope that it's done again.
Posted by: Greta Huls | December 22, 2009 at 08:36 AM