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Mozambique: An unusual Family Day
9:41 CAT | 25 Dec 2024
File photo: Noticias
Mozambique celebrates Family Day today (Christmas for Christians) in an unusual manner due to post-election violent protests that are preventing families and churches from gathering for their usual ceremonies on this date.
After a week of calm, the protests resumed on Monday with greater violence, forcing the cancellation of family gatherings due to blocked roads.
The violence, marked by barricades, tire burnings on roads, looting of commercial establishments, and destruction of vehicles and buildings, is spreading fear and hindering the proper celebration of the holiday, unlike in previous years.
In this context, the Cathedral has postponed baptisms to January. Today, at 9 a.m., the Midnight Mass took place, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, Savior of Humanity and a symbol of peace and reconciliation between God and mankind, said Father António Soler. He explained that the Catholic Church is concerned about the post-election violence, having already called for peace and reconciliation through the letter from the Catholic Bishops of Mozambique on December 20.
Reverend Felicidade Cherinda of the Presbyterian Church of Mozambique told Notícias that, due to the uncertainties caused by the protests, her congregation brought forward Christmas celebrations to December 22, conducting baptisms and administering Holy Communion.
Cherinda calls on politicians to choose dialogue and forgiveness as fundamental elements for restoring morale, love, forgiveness, social harmony, and tolerance, stating, “Celebrating Christmas without going to church or spending Family Day without gathering people is difficult for Mozambicans.”
She also emphasized that Christmas is a time of solidarity with those in need. “We must provide care, food, and mutual assistance to the elderly and children because the birth of Jesus Christ symbolizes closeness and reconciliation with God.”
Similarly, Bishop Dinis Matsolo of the Anglican Church appeals for peace for a peaceful Christmas, saying, “The birth of the Savior signifies the arrival of peace and harmony for mankind.”
Matsolo highlights dialogue as essential for overcoming the differences that lead to violent protests in Mozambique.
Source: Noticias
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