In his circular letter, From Remembrance to Commitment, the general superior announced that the closing of the bicentennial, on the general level, would take place in Tanzania in August, 2008. This decisión acknowledged that “the history which began in Sallent continues to be written today in other parts of the World, and it is a missionary history.” Africa is a primary example of the missionary history of our Congregation.
Thus, on Sunday, August 24, the ceremony closing this jubilee year of the bicentennial of the birth of our Founder, was celelbrated in Dar-es-salam (Tanzania) (photo ). The celebration was preceded by a gathering in Dar-es-salam of Claretian Missionaries working in Africa, concentrating on the upcoming African synod, which will take place in 2009, as well as the significance of our Founder’s missionary charism for the church in Africa.
The commemorative Eucharist, at which the archbishop of Dar-es-salam, Cardinal Polycarp Pengo, presided, began at 10:15 am. In attendance were the papal nuncio to Tanzania, Bishop Joseph Chennoth, and a large number of Claretians serving in Africa, the presidents of our interprovincial conferences or their representatives, our Claretian students from the theologate in Morogoro, other priests and religious, as well as a large and spirited representation of our parish in Kimara (Dar-es-Salam). These last carefully prepared the liturgy and the celebration, which followed.
The Eucharistic celebration was marked by the joy, typical of African liturgies. The parish choir enhanced the celebration immensely with its songs, which drew the entire assembly into the truly festive celebration. About a thousand people, most of them members of the parish in Kimara, were in attendance. In his homily, the cardinal described the missionary spirit of St. Anthony Mary Claret, and invited everyone to respond boldly and generously to missionary challenges in today’s world. At the end of the Eucharist, Father General explained why Africa was chosen for the closing ceremonias of the bicentennial, and thanked all who took part with the Claretians in this important event. The papal nuncio (photo ) congratulated the Congregation and urged us to persevere in our missionary commitment. At one point in the liturgy, there was a downpour which, given the fact that it had not rained for weeks, was welcomed as a blessing from God, prompting those who were not able to get into the church to feel more a part of the Eucharistic assembly. A huge image of our Founder, located to the side of the presbytery, presided over our celebration.
Following the Eucharist, everyone enjoyed a meal together, in which the cardinal and the papal nuncio took part. Songs, dances, and several performances added to the festivities. The Claretian community of Dar-es-salam and the organizing comité deserved the warm applause of all present.
There were messages from a number of major superiors of the Congregation, the Claretian Missionary Sisters and the Missionary Sisters of the Claretian Institute.
We are certain that our Founder was entertained and happy with his birthday celebration, which – who knows? – may have reminded him of celebrations in his beloved Cuba.
