Finishing up

Friday was the last day of classes with my grade 10 girls, and the Graduation Mass for the Grade 10s and 12s. A sad day, yes, and another in the long list of lasts that the next 8 weeks will bring - but a nice day too. The Mass itself was lovely - the hall was beautifully decorated, the singing was gorgeous as always, and the dancers bringing in the Bible and the sacraments were spectacular. This was the first time I remember seeing a Highlands group as part of an Mville mass, and they looked sensational with their paint and feathers and their huge thighs greased up under the cuscus skirts. They really look like warrior women, not school girls, and must be so proud under all that bilas.

I love the way the traditional culture is given space within the church ceremonies - I know there's a lot more to be said about the impact of church on traditional culture, but at least it seems like there's an effort on the part of the church to recognise that heritage now and to encourage pride and integration. A good thing.