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Show ----,---- ,ee T op. I, Storage T ent. Outdoor Altar. The importance of correct ceremonial in the mind of the Navajo can hardly be over-estimated. While in general mission work among certain types of people a "hearty, informal service" may conceivably be a useful medium, it is not so with the Navajo. The native rites and ceremonies of their pagan faith are performed with punctilious care. It takes as long to teach a medicine man a single "chantway" as to educate a Catholic priest - for Navajo rites must be learned perfectly by heart. Yet, while St. Christopher's tries to follow correct ceremonial at all times, there is never stiffness or stodginess. Lambs or dogs frequently sleep or sniff about during Mass. On one occasion a Navajo woman went to sleep on the altar steps just before solemn vespers. The office was sung as usual, with the priest stepping over the prone figure when it came time to cense the altar. The corner stone of the east wing of the Mission House, presented by Richard Nielson of Bluff, was laid by Bishop Moulton of Utah, on June 15th of last year. The main part and west wing of the Mission House is finished. The east wing, more recently completed, balances the west wing and makes a double cloister and arcade enclosing a three-sided patio in which already are some broad leaf yucca. A desert garden is planned in the patio. The other sections of the building are constructed of rough stone. A great deal has been accomplished in a relatively short time. As much again has been accomplished spiritually, though at this early stage of foundation spiritual growth is not measurable. To quote the San Juan Record, "In his sermon, Bishop Moulton commended the work of St. Christopher'S Mission and the members of the staff to the people of Bluff and nearby communities, asking their tolerance of practises and beliefs that may seem strange to them and bidding them reverence the representatives of an ancient church that traces its lineage through the Church of England and the still older church of Britain, straight back to the original twelve Apostles of Christ and to the Saviour himself." St. Christopher's Mission is working for God's glory, and it is only through His intervention and your material and spiritual cooperation that the Mission has come thus far. There is, however, a long way still to go and the Mission asks that you bear with them, pray for them as you have done in the past, and assist or continue to assist in any way you can. |
