July 24, 2017
Religion Reflections (Mallori)
Today I was given the opportunity to experience the blending of the Catholic cultures. While at St. Luke Foundation's children hospital, I saw the similarities and differences between Catholic and Haitian masses. The preparation of the mass included the gathering of all the children that died in the middle of the night, to give them one final blessing. This experience filled me with emotions that are difficult to express in just a few words. Each child was laid in a casket (similar to a cardboard box) in front of the alter. As mass began, we started with a prayer for the dead; a prayer for the innocent children that were not given enough time for a full experience of freedom and youth. The priest went around to each casket with incense and blessed the children. The actual mass was said mainly in Kreyol; however I was able to keep up with the use of hand gestures and beautiful tunes of worship. Although there were a few alterations, it still felt like Mass at home. I know the Catholic church has always been described as universal but it wasn't until this trip that I truly understood what that meant- its not about the place, language, traditions, or cultures, it's about being united under one faith, worshipping together as one. We joined hands to pray the Our Father, creating a circle around the children that had passed. I was completely connected. Moved by the losses, but more moved by the sense of community it created. American, Haitian, it didn't matter. Our only concern was being present with God. How often do we let our differences keep us from truly "seeing" each other?
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