austraLasia 966
O Happy Isles, O Happy Christmas
HONIARA: 17th December '04 -- Yes, it's 17th December and the beginning of the Christmas Novena and the famous 'O' Antiphons. A letter from Honiara can start us off. Titled 'Duc in Altum', famous not only for its biblical provenance but for the invitation of the Holy Father and, for that matter the Rector Major, Fr. Cappelli's letter reflects on Christmas preparations in faraway ('far' and 'away' are of course relative notions) Swaghi village or Tetere.
'Five silent nights' he speaks of - five Christmases spent in the Solomons or 'api ails' as the locals say and write, contrasting starkly with the noise and commercial glitz of more advanced nations of his erstwhile experience. 'In my first Christmas day at Honiara Cathedral I celebrated for 6 persons at 6:00 pm. Honiara is a small town of state workers who go back to their islands to celebrate Christmas in the simplicity and intimacy of their village', he comments.
'It is however the village that can produce the ‘magic’ simplicity and the cultural atmosphere that brings the true spirit of Christmas alive. The poverty of the bush houses resemble theBethlehem crib, the spontaneity of the people reflects that of the shepherds. The church is not much different from the cowshed Jesus used.
'In my last Christmas at the Swaghi village about thirty mothers with their child in arms acted as a living crib at one corner of the well decorated renewed chapel. Every mass participant went in turn to shake hands and share a smile with each of the mothers and children… by the light of a kerosene lantern in a climate of interior joy, serenity and extreme simplicity. No super markets, not even markets or stores, no digital ditties, no TV no Radio, no special kai-kai, just the usual sweet potato, for first, second course', fruit, dessert, ice cream and coffee…'
The final 'O' note of his letter is a reference to ORMA, the group of Italian volunteers building a hospital in the Tetere Mission.
O for a Happy Christmas for all, and thanks to the Happy Isles for the thought.
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