Recent News

St. Maurus’ Abbey

at Hanga

Hanga Abbey hosts “World Day for Consecrated Life

In the Catholic liturgical calendar, February 2^nd marks the holy feast day of the Presentation of the Lord.  This day celebrates the presentation of Jesus at the temple by his parents Mary and Joseph.  And while this day marks the beginning of Christ’s public life and is therefore a celebrated day throughout the Catholic world, it especially holds a place in the hearts of those who take part in the consecrated life.

 

In 1997, Pope John Paul II named February 2^nd the World Day for Consecrated Life.   This day is intended to give witness to those people who follow Christ by the means of evangelical counsels, and is also a time for these members of the Church to renew their commitment and provide inspiration for their offering of themselves to Lord.

 

Four years ago, the Archidiocese of Songea decided to hold a special gathering on this day for all of its consecrated members at a rotating site throughout the archdiocese.  And this year, to coincide with our 50^th Jubilee, the World Day for Consecrated Life was celebrated at our very own St. Maurus’ Abbey at Hanga.

 

The day began at 10 o’clock with a procession from the old Abbey Church to the new Abbey Church, and with over 200 members of the consecrated life in attendance; this procession took on a colorful life with monks and sisters in their different habits, students in their uniforms, and also altar dancers in their special dresses.

 

The mass was conducted by the Archbishop Norbert Mutega and was highlighted by the procession of light in which the new blessed candles were carried by clergy and faithful to the altar.  This event is done to recall the manifestation of Christ, the Light of the world, received in the temple.  This year the main altar candles were designed by our very own volunteer Christa Thonhauser.  Her design consisted of the Star of Bethlehem extending its light onto the crucifix.

 

The day ended with a lunch at the monastery and an opportunity for people to catch up with old friends from around the diocese.  The monks of Hanga Abbey were happy to host the event, as it looks to be one of many to come in this joyous year.

The start of the procession to the Abbey Chruch

The Altar with newly blessed candles.

Derek Johnson and Paul Conroy carrying up the Bible.

Procession in front of the Abbey Church