From Ruth and Chris Busschau, Johannesburg
In May, while on holiday, we went to the 8:00 Sunday Mass at St Boniface’s church in Knysna. It was so special that we decided to share it with your readers.
Mass was of course as always the universal celebration of the Paschal mystery. But it was particularly beautiful. We arrived to an already full church, and seeing two spaces near the front, went to those seats. It was only later that we realised that we had barged into an area usually used by the choir (or perhaps I should say “the leaders of the praise singing”, for that is what they were). But no-one showed any sign of us not being welcome in those seats. On the contrary, we had not seen or picked up the parish bulletin when we arrived, and a few minutes after Mass had started, the charming, smiling lady sitting next to me passed me her copy, indicating that she would share her neighbour’s. We immediately felt welcomed into the community!
The homily, delivered by the deacon, was outstanding. What a gift the parish has in this man! The celebrant was clear, warm and holy throughout. The liturgy was an example of dedicated adherence to the norms, but—so importantly—with gentle warmth through the entire service. Two superbly trained altar servers added to the quality of all the movements on the altar.
The music was wonderful, with two excellent guitarists (not strummers, but true guitarists in the Narcisso Yepes tradition) leading some beautiful and for us previously unknown hymns and a stunning sung Mass. Any musical purist would have rejoiced.
Even the parish notices were special. Three people spoke on three different community matters, all of them clearly drawing attention to a focus on the greater good of all.
Congratulations, St Boniface’s. We were totally won over to Knysna by your warmth and your community worship. We look forward to regularly spending time with our family in your beautiful town and with your beautiful community.
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