"Catholic and African" - The Zaire Rite

This Rite is essentially within the framework of the Roman Mass, with two main parts, the table of the Word of God and the Eucharistic table. But it also has some particularities: the entrance procession with singing and clapping according to the rhythm of the hymns, the invocation of the ancestors, the singing of the gloria with dancing around the altar to reflect Christ, who is represented by the altar, the living stone that maintains the balance in our life and in our society, and the acclamation of the Gospel with procession, to welcome Christ who speaks. The Gospel is listened to while seated, as a sign of respect and veneration for the Christ who speaks. Only after the preaching is there the Kyrie: the idea is that one can be converted after listening to the Word of God, a light that enlightens us to see what needs to be corrected in order to find peace with the Lord and the community.

The celebration (sign) of peace comes after the Kyrie. A peace song is performed. In the second part it is mainly the acclamations, the proper preface and the doxology sung in melodies according to the African style. The "nkumu" are ministers, symbols of wisdom, the elders of the people around the priest.