THE AFRICAN INVITATION A Blessing Service for 12 Travellers February 13th, 2003

On Thursday afternoon, February 13th, a group of animated people, 40 strong, gathered in the expansive front foyer of a home on Summit Avenue. The smiles and ripples of laughter as individuals entered, had a celebratory air to it. We had been invited to share a special blessing service as friends and relatives of the brave twelve who had volunteered to be part of a mission group leaving soon.

They are heading for one of the poorest communities on earth… Guguletu, South Africa. They go to be with children, many dying of A.I.D.S., in a church sponsored community center where children can come for food, medical aid and other various services.

Today this group was to be honored, recognized and blessed in the residence of the Rev. Harry Flynn, Archbishop of the Minneapolis, St. Paul Diocese.

Fr. Jim Cassidy greeted friends and relatives of the travelers as they arrived. He gave each of the traveling group a small red heart to be placed on their collar or lapel to distinguish them from the other guests.

Left to Right: Jeri Shufelt, Jim Garness, Charlene "Charlie" Kapp, Becky Rose, Paul Larson, Fr. James Cassidy, Arbye Oberg, Jeff Nohner, Rita Nohner, Mark Heymans, Kate Cummings, Pat Murphy

We then gathered in the chapel adjacent to the foyer that was prepared for us with candles on the altar amid comfortable surroundings. Then Jim (as he prefers to be called) began the proceedings and welcomed all, informing us that the Archbishop would be joining us later to greet us. The travelers to Africa were seated on each side of the altar and Jim was the presider for this blessing ceremony.

St. Joan’s musicians, Fred and Anna Vagle led us all in “The Servant Song” that includes several verses that one would think had been written for this occasion:

“We are pilgrims on a journey

We are travelers on the road

We are here to help each other

Walk the mile and bear the load

I will weep when you are weeping

When you laugh I’ll laugh with you

I will share your joy and sorrow

‘Till we’ve seen this journey through”

Jim gave a brief and moving reflection using a reading called “The Invitation” that expresses that the truly important things in this world are not What you Do but Who you Are. It reminds us that the outer trappings are of no value and emphasized to us that it is the inner spirit that is important.

He also spoke of the importance of someone being there for the people in South Africa, and it is not so much what this group of visitors will do there - but rather, that their very presence fulfills their role. To send the message that someone cares gives a little light of hope to the hopeless.

Jim then expanded on being “light”. He told of a childhood experience when being frightened to go to the “outhouse” late at night, his grandmother would tell him that she would leave the light on and she would be there waiting for him by that light, thereby calming his fears.

At that point in the service, each of the traveling group was asked to stand behind the altar and given a candle to hold. Jim placed his hands on each head with an individual blessing. The bell-like sound of Anna’s African Thumb Piano instrument was the very appropriate musical background music for this ritual.

At that moment it struck me of the similarity between another twelve people who were also inspired to be light of the world. This thought kept growing in me as a symbol of the importance of the work of this group. Jim reminded us that this trip is a two-way gift. The giving of light, love, hope and joy will return to all of us over and over.

The service ended all too soon with the Lord’s Prayer, Sign of Peace and perfectly chosen song “This Little Light of Mine”? The twelve are gonna let it shine - in South Africa, and all around the world, let it shine let it shine, let it shine!

We were all invited for refreshments in another room of the ArchBishop’s residence. Shortly after, His Excellency, Archbishop Harry Flynn, was able to join us, shake everybody’s hand while welcoming us to his home. He quieted the lively group long enough to speak of some of his own experiences in far-away lands and how we cannot forget our brothers and sisters suffering in various parts of the world.

He thanked Fr. Cassidy and the group for making this journey. He knew and appreciated their great sacrifice in undertaking this difficult and important task. He expressed his desire that upon their safe return, they will bring the message home to us in the Twin Cities and then, to the world.

His simple demeanor and gracious charm impressed many people who had not previously met the Archbishop.

As we left this comforting and energy filled space, I couldn’t help thinking again of the words of the “Servant Song” that so befitted this occasion:

“I will hold the Christ-light for you In the night time of your fear, I will hold my hand out to you Speak the peace you long to hear”

JoAnn Potts is a retired music and English teacher/choir director and 30 year member of St. Joan's. She enjoys volunteering to assist Anna Vagle with music tasks one day each week; singing in the choir; writing her memoirs and poetry; keeping up with friends and family via email; visiting the North Shore and entertaining friends. JoAnn and Jim, husband and wife team of 50 years, are proud of their family of five children and nine grandchildren.

Sr. Shirley Nohner , a Benedictine nun and sister of traveler Jeff Nohner.

AND

May we, the friends, relatives plus the larger community, keep you travelers in our prayers and hearts and that you know that we too, will keep the light on for you!

Watch for continuing reports on this website to keep you up to date on this mission trip to Africa.