The Sacrament of Initiation In The Light of the Abagisu Male Initiation To Adulthood
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Date
1996-03-22
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Tangaza University College
Abstract
In this paper. I wish to restrict myself to the basic facts of the male traditional
initiation rites among the Abagisu culture, comparing them with the Christian
initiation of adults. I do not intend to exhaust all the arguments connected with the
steps and methods used in both initiations.
My hope is that this study may help in some way to foster the process of
"inculturation" of evangelization to the local culture and to bring about a clear
understanding of the sacraments of initiation among the people, so that Christian
teaching may be presented in the way readily understandable to the Abagisu people
and thus have greater impact on their lives and on their society.
In order to write this paper I have interviewed various people; the elders, my
peer group, and some who have already undergone through the initiation who belong
to the Abagisu tribe. I have also interviewed the Church leaders; some Catechists, and
priests. Reading some books in particular those concerning with the Rite of Christian
Initiation of Adults have allowed me to write this essay.
With regard to the content of the paper the topic unfolds within three chapters:
the first chapter is on the Abagisu male initiation to Adulthood. I have analyzed the
stages that they have to pass through before and immediately after the initiation.
The second chapter will attempt to study the initiation of Adults in the
Catholic Church. It includes the Rites, the periods, the celebrations of the sacraments
and post baptismal catechises.
The third chapter will be devoted to the study of the theological reflections on
the three sacraments, the current procedures used in the instructions of the
catechumens in some Parishes of Tororo Diocese. The personal suggestions to the
Church and tribal leaders.
The conclusion will present a synthesis of biblical, liturgical and theological
reflections which seem to be important background for a better understanding of the
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
This essay, even though it is not an exhaustive treatment on the chosen topic,
has helped me to understand the profound biblical, liturgical, theological and pastoral
richness of the Rites of the Christian Initiation of Adults and to realise that there is
still very much to bc studied, unfolded and to put into practice.
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Keywords
Sacrament, Initiation, Abagisu, Adulthood, Theological and Pastoral Reflection On The Sacraments of Initiation