Kenyan Catholic Priest Calls for “culturally sensitive” Approach in Addressing Modernity in Liturgy

The member of Clergy of Kenya’s Catholic Diocese of Homa Bay who was part of the liturgical committee during the late Pope Francis visit to Kenya in 2015 highlighted other contemporary issues in liturgy including lifestyles brought about by modernity, saying, “These are real concerns that must be addressed.”

Fr. Chrispine said that every member of the Church including the Clergy, women and men Religious and the Laity should focus on their part of liturgy cautioning against what he termed as “competing priorities.”

“The Laity should participate fully and faithfully in the roles proper to their vocation. Everyone should do all and only what pertains to their ministry,” the lecturer at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), told ACI Africa.

Credit: Sr. Olga Massango

He continued, “As a Priest, I should remain focused on my priestly duties. I should not leave the altar to conduct the choir or play instruments.”

“The same applies to the Laity. If someone is a lector, they should proclaim the Word of God with care and preparation. Choir members should sing with dedication,” Fr. Ouma said, urging extraordinary ministers to carry out their responsibilities reverently.

The Kenyan Priest said that everyone is called to serve the Body of Christ according to their role.

For the liturgy to be effective, he said, “Preparation is essential, but sadly, many lack the time due to competing priorities.”

The August 4-7 convention being held at Our Lady Mother of Africa Pastoral Centre in Kenya’s Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa is among the annual conventions that seeks to address some of the liturgical gaps in the East African nation.

In the interview with ACI Africa on the first day of the convention, Fr. Chrispine lauded the annual conventions that Kenya has been organizing, noting that through such events, participants are brought up to speed with current trends that the Church is addressing.

“This convention is also very important for networking and collaboration. After these events, individual dioceses often invite presenters for follow-ups,” he said, and added, “The aim is to disseminate these teachings at the grassroots level.”

Credit: Sr. Olga Massango

He said that the convention addresses contemporary challenges facing the Church owing to the dynamic nature of life, consequentially influencing the Church’s engagements.

Fr. Chrispine highlighted the pressing issue in the intersection between technology and liturgy as part of the issues that puts the church on its toes.

He said that with the rise of artificial intelligence, some people are suggesting that liturgical books are outdated and advocate using iPads instead. He said, “These are real debates, and this forum provides a space to reflect on such contemporary concerns.”

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What makes the convention even more valuable is its inclusivity, he said and explained, “It is not just for Priests. It includes catechists, choir directors, and other liturgical leaders.”

The Priest said that the convention is a moment for both enrichment and correction, especially regarding liturgical abuses, which are many.

Credit:Sr. Olga Massango

Fr. Chrispine also reflected on the fruits of his personal experience, saying, “Teaching at the university for the past 16 years has also shaped my understanding, especially through interactions with priests, seminarians, sisters, lay people, and brothers.”

With the experience, he said he has been able to write extensively on liturgy, including books and articles, adding, “I also attend liturgical workshops nearly every two months and have travelled widely across the country for liturgical ministry.”

“I urge all the faithful to respect the liturgy. Liturgy is a sacred moment of encounter between God and man. It is not just another event. It is a moment of salvation and grace. We should approach it with reverence and preparation,” the Priest said.

He explained, “The graces received in the liturgy can transform lives. Let us always embrace the liturgy with open hearts and minds.”