Liturgical Inculturation of a Reconciliation Rite On Ash Wednesday Among the Dagaaba People of North Western Ghana
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Date
2002-02
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Tangaza University College
Abstract
There are many ritual celebrations and beliefs in African traditions very much
upheld by Africans and therefore function parallel to Christian celebrations without
any explicit reference to Christianity. At the grass root level, especially in local
parishes, many pastoral agents are silent or avoid encouraging or discouraging such
practices. One might think that the Church is not very bothered, so far as such
traditional ritual celebrations do not manifest beliefs and practices contrary to the
Christian faith. Is the Church in such instances reluctant to initiate the topic of
inculturation because of the fear of scandals or ritual eccentricities? Has the lack of
experts in the field of inculturation hindered such a debate? Can some attempts be
made as regards a meaningful celebration of such rites in our liturgies today?
Beginning with a particular rite of reconciliation (Baghr Tampello — the
'sacrifice of ashes'), which is actually being celebrated within the Dagaaba tribe of
North Western Ghana, I intend to present an attempt towards the inculturation of this
rite from a theological and liturgical point of view. This rite stands on its own within
the Dagaaba society. That is to say, in practice it is a rite that is considered applicable
in all spheres of life whenever the need for reconciliation is highly felt.
Firstly, we shall take a brief look at some contemporary theological and
doctrinal positions as regards Inculturation, Reconciliation and the Liturgy. Then, in
our second chapter, we shall focus on the Dagaaba tribe with its socio-cultural,
political and religious beliefs. Particular attention will be given to the theology and
practice of reconciliation for the Dagaaba, with particular reference to 'the sacrifice of ashes'. This will be developed in Chapter three. Finally, through our reflection on the
best means of inculturating the 'sacrifice of ashes' from a Christian point of view, we
shall introduce our case study as an illustration.
The case study will involve a practical illustration of how 'the sacrifice aof
ashes' can be celebrated in the context of a Eucharistic celebration, preferably on Ash
Wednesday. My choice of Ash Wednesday is primarily because of the significant and
meaningful role that ashes play in both 'the sacrifice of ashes' and on Ash
Wednesday. However, within the context of reconciliation on Ash Wednesday, I also
intend to use the issue of separated couples as a sign of all who are 'separated'. This
rite celebrated on Ash Wednesday could be a practical illustration of an attempt
towards inculturation in view of resolving most of our marital conflicts, and also
family and tribal conflicts. It could also serve as a reminder to Dagaaba Christian
communities of their missionary task as agents of reconciliation in society at large.
As we proceed in our study, we shall discover the richness but at the same
time the complexity and exigency involved in the process of inculturation. However,
through my study, I hope to expand my knowledge of inculturation and offer my
contribution in the quest for an African Inculturated Liturgy of reconciliation. To best
express my convictions as regards liturgical inculturation, with the words of Annibale
Bugnini, I conclude by saying:
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Keywords
Liturgical Inculturation, Rite, Reconciliation, Ash Wednesday, Dagaaba People