A Moving Experience

Content by John

I had a most profound experience in Santiago on Lake Atitilan with Brooke on Sunday, October 17.  

We left the boat  and wandered through the market area up to the Cathedral through the milling throngs of the local people.  Just as we arrived at the Cathedral, a small procession was moving its way towards the steps of the Cathedral – men with musical instruments playing beautiful music and men, women and children all singing with joy on their faces.  They moved up the steps into the Cathedral and we moved up to the top of the steps to watch what was happening inside.  The Mass was just starting with the Cathedral packed with people overflowing into the area at the top of the steps where we stood.  Brooke and I removed our hats and stood motionless watching the scene in front of us.  

The most beautiful music came out of the door as some interesting instruments were being played and the whole congregation in lovely melody.  A woman then read a passage – maybe from the bible.  I was interested in the role of this woman in the normally male preserve of the Catholic Church.  A young woman then sang – with the most beautiful voice.  Again, another female taking a significant part in the ceremony.   

A long sermon followed during which time I was observing the people in the area outside of the main door where we were standing.  A man stood for a time with his baby – thoroughly enjoying his offspring – and the interaction between father and baby was moving to watch.  Off to the right, I noticed a woman, probably the mother, watching this interaction with a wonderful smile on her face.  It was the mother and soon father and baby joined mother and she then talked with the father as she breast-fed the baby.   There was clearly a strong love and affection between this couple as they sat there – with the woman continuing to exhibit an infectious smile on her face.  Two little boys were sitting on the floor in front of us – Dad, or maybe grandfather was standing next to them – their play was delightful to watch – gentle play with each pushing and touching the other.  They seemed so real, as did all the people around us.  

Later in the ceremony, when the ‘greeting’ took place with people shaking each other’s hands, I was deeply touched with all the people around us, were insistent that they shake our hands.  We were included even though we looked so different physically with our western travel clothes.  There was a real connection as each person held my hand and looked me in the face.  I felt very humble that these people were making this genuine gesture of inclusion.  

I can go on and on – it was a most moving and wonderful experience for me – and I know that Brooke was also finding this a profound experience as we talked about it afterwards.  I felt very privileged to have had this experience.