Kenney Love in Peru: La Misa en Chimbote

One of the most unique experiences we have had in Chimbote is attending Misa (Mass). Upon arriving on Saturday night, we witnessed our first Chimbote Mass and have continued this experience each night since. (This is probably the most holy we have been in our entire lives; Mama and Pa would be proud). I have mentioned a few funny moments from church already, but this topic truly deserves its own post. On Sundays, services begin at 8:00 am and 8:00 pm at the main cathedral at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Throughout the week, morning prayer is held at 8:00 am and evening Mass rotates between the smaller chapels of the mission each night. It is difficult to describe a typical Mass because it is far from what American Catholics would consider "normal," and there are always many unexpected moments.

Without fail, Jaime (Hi-may), Fr. Jack's sidekick, makes his way to the front of the church and claims Fr. Jack's chair as his own. Herman (Air-mun), Fr. Jack's altar server, tries his best to protect the chair, but Jaime somehow manages to take over the altar. Fr. Jack's dogs surround him and sometimes children are even crawling around the altar. This makes it quite difficult for us "gringos" to be anything close to reverent as we snicker at the bizarre scenes unfolding.

The inside of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is nothing short of magnificent. A triangular stained glass window covers the top of the wall behind the altar, while a giant crucifix hangs from above. The altar is an aquarium; yes, an underwater paradise where bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ! With Chimbote's history in the fishing industry, this seems like the most perfect symbol. A variety of materials come together in this building to make it so unique. Stones cover the area near the tabernacle and the wall above the altar. The wooden pews have all been donated by either funds from the "Friends of Chimbote" or with the money collected at Mass. These pews are handcrafted at the mission's carpentry space. The bottom of the walls are consumed with profiles of various people. We actually found the profile of my brother, Patrick; the resemblance is uncanny! The stations of the cross are photographs of people acting out each station in real life thus making a human connection to Jesus. Several friezes near the ceiling are depictions from Jesus Christ Superstar.

On Tuesday, Fr. Jack celebrated a memorial mass for John and Kathy Kenney, the heart and soul behind this trip. The unbelievably talented choir participated as we paid tribute to my selfless, compassionate grandparents. Again, the energy and passion was contagious as we sang hymns in both English and Spanish. The choir was a powerful force as they inspired everyone to participate by singing and clapping. Kassy, Maggie, Suzette, and our volunteer coordinator, Katie, joined the choir to sing everything from "Somos el Cuerpo de Cristo" to a version of "Hey Jude." Colleen, Bill, and John did the readings and the kids read the petitions. (I must say...us grandkids have become quite the experts at reading petitions at Mass). Fr. Jack preached a beautiful homily in Spanish (with some English translations) about my grandparents and leading a life of service. At the end of mass, Fr. Jack requested "Danny Boy," so a soloist and guitar player performed this song in the most beautiful manner. After Mass ended, we invited the congregation to join us for a salud (toast), sandwich, and coffee. We were certain we did not prepare enough sandwiches; however, it was like the story of the loaves and fishes as the sandwiches kept multiplying to feed about 130 adults and children. We thanked them for their hospitality and kindness this week. It was an overwhelming and powerful evening that we will always remember.