PRAISE THE LORD A WONDERFUL DAY FOR MU PERTH

St. George’s cathedral on Saturday 18^th November was the venue for a great event. It was the admission of 63 Sudanese women as MU members and the formation of their new branch. Sudanese men and women in their dazzling, colourful outfits filled the church along with members from the other branches.

For thirty minutes the cathedral resounded with the joyful spontaneous singing in perfect harmony by the Sudanese women accompanied by the clapping of their hands. Although we didn’t understand the language we all felt how sacred was the whole atmosphere. This singing continued while the clergy led by Revd. Kay Goldsworthy, our MU Chaplain, with Revd. John Ward, Revd. Martha Kongor and Revd. Joice Rianga, the two Sudanese priests, processed up the aisle.

Ruth Spilsbury, our Diocesan President, read out the Purpose, Aims and Objects of MU, and this was translated into Arabic by Revd. Martha. All members then confirmed their commitment to MU in English and Arabic. Revd. Martha and Revd. Joyce alternately read out the names of the Sudanese ladies. Each one walked with such dignity and reverence to Ruth Spilsbury who gave her a membership card, then she received the MU Service and Prayer book from Judie Lundie, the Northern Area President, and the MU cross from June Reilly, the Senior Diocesan Vice President. Our President then installed and dedicated the new Balga Mirrabooka MU Branch, and Revd. Martha read the dedication prayer in Arabic. The Eucharist followed. Revd. Kay Goldsworthy gave a brief, spiritually moving sermon, the Gospel reading was by Revd. Joice and the Intercessions were led by Judie Lundie. During the Greeting of Peace the Sudanese members burst into joyful singing again.

The service was followed by a finger lunch of Sudanese and Australian dishes.

It was an awesome yet exhilarating experience for us to see the joy radiating from the faces of the Sudanese women, and one which will be remembered for a very long time.

Gem Ballantyne

Last Update: 20/2/2007