What I saw on Sunday

Easter in Medellín is when you need to fight your way into church. The priestly wail, like a mantra, sounds out full blast through the packed chapel and neighbourhood: “Pardon us, Lord … pardon us, Lord … pardon us ….” Crowded Resurrection Sunday parades carry a semi-naked Jesus leading a demurely clad Virgin and a host of lesser saints.

Two days later, I wander into a large, but now nearly empty chapel: a few kneel before a statue, an old man is reading his Bible, then a white-gowned priest arrives and genuflects beside me. I decide it’s time to leave; as thousands are doing.

Almost half the world’s Catholics live in Latin America but there is a notable shift to evangelical Protestantism. Our own Seminary limps along, crisis-driven, but pulsating with students wanting theological education. People email me asking where they can get correspondence course materials.

Christ is building his church and Mary, the saints and the sacraments won’t stop that.

Easter Sunday parade near the Seminary

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