The Masks Come Off

Yes, this is something we need to get used to: in Nigeria, masks come out at Christmas. Not only as a welcome surprise from the young brothers, but also on the streets and in the villages, you encounter them around Christmas. A bit like the Alpine Perchten, they are meant to ward off spirits, play tricks, dance around cars, and wear long, colorful straw garments.

At Christmas, our Provincial Father Scharler wanted his visit to be a symbol: something new is beginning in Nigeria! Together with me, as the Mission Secretary, we visited this new part of our Sacred Heart Province.

In October, the Provincial Assembly decided to incorporate Nigeria as part of our province and separate it from Cameroon. As German Pallottines, we hope to contribute to development in Nigeria through this decision.

More than half are in the postulancy and novitiate, studying and training. There are two communities: in Mbaukwu and Owerri — a nearly three – hour drive apart. It all began years ago with Father Peter Hillen, and since then, so many young men have shown interest in the Pallottines that we cannot accommodate them all. Imagine this: 250 applicants each year, and only eight can be accepted.

There’s a spirit of new beginnings here: the country is vibrant, with much building and development underway. Schools and training centers are emerging, and the Nigerian Pallottines are part of this progress. Together, we want to develop a vision in the coming years to identify our mission here: a school is possible — many young brothers would love to become teachers. The Union is thriving. In Mbaukwu, a youth center is growing that seeks spiritual guidance, and many new parishes will be established there in the coming years.

Over Christmas, everyone was gathered together. We worked, cooked, pressed palm oil, prayed, and sang together, always accompanied by drums and rattles, a flute, and an electric piano. With great enthusiasm, a Gloria hymn can last 20 minutes — but what is that in a four – hour liturgy?

We had much to celebrate: nine new postulants were accepted, five brothers made their perpetual vows, two deacons and one priest were ordained. On Christmas Eve, we celebrated a first Mass — a rarity in Germany, but not in Nigeria.

One last thought: What Christmas moment has stayed with me? A special tradition: every Nativity scene has baby powder. As is customary in Nigeria when visiting a newborn, you put powder on your face. Christmas powder. Everyone can see you’ve been to the crib — you’ve come into contact with the newborn. People smile at you and share in the joy of the birth.

We carry this joy with us from Nigeria: we’ve touched new life, a spirit of renewal, and are excited to bring this spirit back to Germany. And also the masks, which drive away the dark spirits of resignation and discouragement.

Report and Photos: Father Markus Hau SAC, Mission Secretary of the Pallottines
(je, 12.01.2018)