In a remote village like Msoloni, many people had never experienced a Christmas Eve Midnight Mass or New Year’s vigil Mass – until this past holiday season. For the first time in living memory, the faithful of St. Francis of Assisi Outstation, Msoloni held Christmas and New Year’s vigil liturgies in their own newly constructed chapel, transforming the silent countryside nights into moments of great rejoicing[12].
Throughout Advent 2022, there was building excitement in Msoloni. The simple chapel structure had been completed mid-year – a humble yet beautiful church able to hold about 150 people. The outstation members, led by Sr. Mary Nzisa, spent days preparing: decorating the altar with locally woven mats, hanging homemade stars and lanterns (crafted from sticks and paper) around the chapel, and practicing Swahili Christmas carols fervently. Word spread to Catholics in neighboring villages, and even some non-Catholic friends were curious to attend what was being called “the first vigils in our history”[26].
Christmas Vigil (Dec 24, 2022): By 7:00 PM, families started arriving, walking on foot with lamps or flashlights through the dark. Children were especially excited to be out at night for church – an adventure under the starlit African sky. At 9:00 PM, the community commenced with a carol service, singing favorites like “Silent Night” (in Kiswahili) and a lively Giriama Christmas song. The tiny church was packed beyond capacity – latecomers peered through the windows. The choir, formed impromptu from youth and women, sang at the top of their voices, accompanied by a drum and rattles, their melodies echoing joyfully in the still night[27].
Fr. Desiderius (Fr. Deshi), SJ – who was then the assisting priest – celebrated the Mass. He wore a radiant white chasuble, a gift from the parish CWA for the outstation. When the Gloria was sung (for many, the first time hearing a Gloria in such a solemn Mass), some elders ululated spontaneously, and you could see smiles all around. In his homily, Fr. Deshi likened the shepherds of Bethlehem to the simple folk of Msoloni: “It was to people like you, in a place like this – a quiet night in the fields – that the Good News of Jesus’ birth was first announced. So tonight, know that Jesus is born anew here in Msoloni, in your hearts and homes.” That struck a chord; a few women wiped tears. For them, it was as if Christ truly visited their poor hamlet that night.
After Mass, there was chai (tea) and mandazi provided for all – a welcome treat at midnight. The faithful were so eager that they lingered singing and dancing outside, celebrating the Nativity in a very local style. It was nearly 1:30 AM when the last folks left, their hearts warmed by the experience. One young man remarked, “Tumesherehekea Noeli kama watu wa Mungu hapa kwetu!” – “We have celebrated Christmas as God’s people here in our own place!” The vigils brought a sense of ownership and belonging to the universal Church.
New Year’s Vigil (Dec 31, 2022): A week later, another first – ringing in the New Year with Mass. This vigil started a bit earlier (around 10 PM) and ended at midnight with the final blessing marking the start of 2023. Once again, the chapel was full. The singing was even more vibrant, if possible, with a bit of rhythmic dance as they sang the Te Deum in Swahili to thank God for the year. At the stroke of midnight, instead of fireworks, the congregation broke into the song “Mwamba, Mwamba!” (“You are the Rock, the Rock [of Ages]”), voices echoing in the night. It was electrifying – faith and joy combined.
One highlight: some of the non-Catholic villagers who had attended out of curiosity on Christmas came again for New Year’s, clearly touched by the fellowship and maybe nudged by the Spirit to consider the faith.
First Baptism of the New Year (Jan 1, 2023): The very next morning, on New Year’s Day (Solemnity of Mary Mother of God), history was made again: the first Baptism in the new St. Francis Chapel. Fr. Deshi baptized a baby girl named Neema (meaning “grace”) – appropriately symbolic as a “first fruit” of the young outstation[28]. The baptism took place during the New Year’s Day Mass. Because it was such a milestone, everyone present acted as godparents of sorts, joyfully renewing their own baptism vows as the little one was christened. The whole community erupted in applause when the newly baptized was lifted up. People felt truly the church is alive among them – “Imani imekuwa hai hapa kwetu,” said one catechist (“the faith has come alive here for us”).
Aftermath and Reflections: These liturgical events injected new energy into the Msoloni community. Those who had grown lax in practice were stirred. The outstation’s Sunday attendance nearly doubled in the weeks following – from say 50s to over 100 – because word spread and folks felt proud that “our little church” can do big things. The experiences also bonded the community; they worked together like never before to make the celebrations happen, and that unity carried into the new year.
For the main parish in Muyeye, hearing the reports of Msoloni’s successful vigils was a validation of our outreach efforts. Fr. Sossy shared the story in the parish bulletin, noting, “Speaking of early evangelization… the people of Msoloni have seen a great light. The Light of Christ born at Christmas now shines in a new chapel and in new hearts.”[29] It encouraged us to keep supporting the outstations wholeheartedly.
In sum, the end-of-2022 vigils in Msoloni were more than just liturgies; they were encounters with Christ at the periphery, fulfilling the angel’s message “good news of great joy for all people” – indeed all people, including those in a remote village who for the first time felt the full warmth of the Christmas and New Year liturgical feasts. Truly, God pitched His tent among the people of Msoloni that holy night, and we can only say Gloria in excelsis Deo!
(Photo caption idea: Msoloni faithful gathered at night in their modest new chapel, candles in hand, singing on Christmas Eve.)
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