February 15, 2015

While we were communicating with Father Prosper prior to visiting Arusha, we learned that he was selected to become a bishop. Not only was this a great honor, but it was also a serious cause for celebration. I believe he was the first priest selected to be bishop that was born and raised in this area. The ceremony would take place during our visit and Father Prosper had invited us to attend as his guests.

The church began preparations for this occasion. The church building and surrounding areas needed to be prepared and accommodations for guests and their arrivals had to be arranged. There was a buzz of excitement and people's faces lit up when you mentioned the upcoming event. Father Prosper had clearly made a connection with this church community; he was their home-town hero.

About a week before the ceremony we toured the hosting church. I honestly couldn't see how they were going to be ready in time. The ceremony was to take place outside. The inside of the church could no longer hold the amount of parishioners - certainly not for this type of ceremony. Not only did they need canopies to protect attendees from the sun or rain, but they planned on a full makeover complete with painting, drapery and decorations. There was a lot of work to be done.

The bishop's house also needed to be prepared for the other 29 bishops visiting from surrounding areas as well as the Papal Nuncio. They were even building a room for their meetings and just a few days before it was nothing but a shelter with concrete floors.

Needless to say, all of the work was completed in time. It did rain a bit on the morning of the ceremony, but it mostly stopped when the service began. We were informed that the ceremony would be about four hours, from 10:00 a..m. until 2:00 p.m. I prepared the children in the hopes of avoiding any future complaints.

The energy at the church was palpable. There were thousands of people in attendance. The ceremony was even broadcast on the radio. Those unable to get in listened from the parking lot and outside the church fencing. We felt a bit guilty sitting in a reserved section in about the fourth row.

Michael and Liam entering the outdoor ceremony event through the decorated parking lot

We had arrived about an hour before the service. There was a huge choir singing and school children performed. Even members of the Masai Tribe performed. It was a fascinating service. Each visiting bishop blessed Father, (now Bishop) Prosper. His parents presented his staff and the crowd cheered as his new bishop's hat was placed on his head.

Bishop Prosper with his staff in front posing with the other visiting bishops

Masai members in attendance to celebrate and perform

After that, there was a full church service which included communion for all those attending. It was fairly efficient with all of the priests helping. What made the ceremony particularly long were the speeches that followed. One bishop after the other had something to say, all but one spoke in Swahili. Then it was turn for other dignitaries to make more speeches. Four hours of the service came and went. My children were surprisingly great, but after five hours of the service (six since we arrived) I was the one about to meltdown. It was 3:30, and we hadn't eaten since 8. I brought crackers, but I knew we were invited to eat at the bishop's house after this, so I didnt have much. The hostel was nearby and I thought we could walk back, get a bite to eat and return before it ended. Judith, in her wisdom, wouldn't let that happen. She found a driver, and we made a quick exit through the parking lot. We headed back to the hostel. We listened to the speeches on the radio on the way, grabbed some PB&J and rushed back. I never thought we would make it as Bishop Prosper was making his speech and soon everyone would be in the parking lot trying to leave. We got back just in time.

The lot was full like any Chicago sporting event or concert, except here they were selling framed pictures of Bishop Prosper. Many people had walked to the event, so it wasn't too bad getting out.

Now it was time for celebrating at the bishops' house. This was also outside and about 800 people were invited. Again, we were honored with seats at a table in front. It was a well-organized dinner with several buffet areas featuring local dishes. Eventually, a full roasted goat was brought out and everyone oohed and ahhhed. Maeve was not too thrilled, but Liam ran up and got some pictures for me.

There was cake, champagne, music and some dancing. It was a long day, but none of the attendees seemed weary at all. I think it was almost 7:00 before we returned back at the hostel. We were incredibly honored to have been invited to this important event. We will always remember the kindness of those who included us and helped us at each step of the way.

Dancing and lining up to congratulate Bishop Prosper

Bishop Prosper in front of the bishops' house

Visit with Bishop Prosper another day after the event