CHURCH MUSIC

In September Tim was asked to give a presentation for an all night vigil program which is held once a year for choirs in the area of the St. Francis Care Center. The Sunday before the event, all of those at Mass at the Care Center were also invited to attend.

The vigil was scheduled to start at 7 P.M. on Saturday, October 9, 2010, so Tim and I arrived at the hall about half an hour early. There were six people practicing singing in this hall that can hold over 400 people. Without any amplification they sounded like a full choir of beautiful voices in four part harmony. It was amazing.

Gradually more choir members came and the sound grew. Eventually there were at least two adult choirs and a youth choir. The only instruments for accompaniment were bongo drums of various sizes and a soft organ. All of the singing was in Zulu.

The Mass started about 8 P.M. and of course the music was great. After Mass there was a break during which there was the first rain storm in many months. After the break there was an inspirational talk by Sister Connie. More singing followed this and then Tim gave his Bible Study presentation. Tim and I left then during the break that followed. On the program for the remainder of the night was the Rosary, 3 hours of Spiritual Revival/Faith Sharing (probably all in Zulu), and from 4 A.M. to 10 A.M. praying was scheduled.

The Sunday Mass was celebrated at 10 A.M. with all the choirs in attendance. There has always been great music at the Sunday Masses since we have been in South Africa. But this Sunday's music with all the choirs from the Vigil was incredibly beautiful.

During the normal Sunday Mass every week there are three groups that lead the singing. One is a group of singers and drummers and an organist from Malawi. Another group also sings in an African language. The third group sings in English. There are 17 times that there is song during the Mass, and the groups take turns preparing and singing for these hymns by a pre-planned schedule. Most of the congregation joins in with voice, clapping, and body swaying. I have been asked to chose, post, and begin the English songs on October 31 since the usual leader of English songs will be out of town.

The Our Father that is sometimes sung is set to the tune of Kum-Ba-Ya. This may be a common adaptation known to many of you. But I will include it in case it may be useful to some.

OUR FATHER (KUM-BA-YA)
Father God in Heaven, Lord most high,
Hear your children's prayer, Lord most high
Hallowed be Thy name, Lord most high,
O Lord, hear our prayer

May your Kingdom come, here on earth,
May your will be done, here on earth,
As it is in heaven so on earth,
O Lord, hear our prayer.

Give us daily bread, day by day,
And forgive our sins, day by day,
As we too forgive, day by day,
O Lord, hear our prayer.

Lead us in your way, make us strong,
When temptations comes, make us strong,
Save us from all sin, keep us strong,
O Lord, hear our prayer.

PAUSE:

All things come from you, all are yours,
Kingdom, Glory, Power, all are yours,
Take our live and gifts, all are yours,
O Lord, hear our prayer.

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