Penance and Reconciliation: Liturgical Celebration from an African Perspective
Date
1998-02
Authors
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Publisher
Tangaza University College
Abstract
Penance and Reconciliation: Liturgical celebration from an African
perspective" therefore, aims at providing a theological reflection on some
African values which can be applied in the Reconciliation ceremony in the
Church, especially form the point of view of the usage of signs and
symbols. The community aspect, which is a characteristic of all African
celebrations, has a special emphasis here, particularly in the ecclesial
dimension of the Liturgical celebration of Penance and Reconciliation. It is very important, then, to understand the African concept of sin
and forgiveness so that we can speak fairly about reconciliation in Africa.
However, special reference is made to the people of my own tribe and this
comes from a more experiential knowledge. I hope, therefore, my
experience will provide most of the material for this essay, though I will
also rely very much on library research.
I hope this reflection will provide some light on how to inculturate
the liturgical celebration of Reconciliation not only among the Wachagga
of Kilimanjaro but also in any African society. The suggestions that I will
give in this essay come from my own reflections. It is my hope that they
may be beneficial also to others in similar situations. If someone finds
them useful and implements them, my endeavour will have been
abundantly rewarded.
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Description
Keywords
Sin in African, Traditional Society, Dimensions of Sin, Forgiveness and Reconciliation, Wachagga, Reconciliation, Liturgical Inculturation, Inculturation