I come from Cameroon and grew up in a Christian Catholic home. When I arrived in Mauritius for my studies at the African Leadership College, I always had hope to find a catholic church to attend mass. After months of looking, and trykng different churches inPo Mauritius, came to know about the Saint Francis of Assise parish in Pamplemousses.
The first month was a challenge, I knew no one, except for my schoolmates and I was not able to understand Creole, except for the few French words I could pick up. By God’s grace, Father Gregoire noticed us in the crowd and soon enough started translating into English as he was giving the sermon.
I started to integrate myself into the community, and motivated by my friend David Shamavu, I joined the liturgy group in church. Soon enough, I found myself reading the word of God before so many people, getting better with the Holy Spirit Daily. This exposure went a long way, and I started being called by several choirs and groups to join them. The first psalm I sang, Psalm 51, was full of emotions and spirit-led. After the service, people told me I had a beautiful voice, this came as a surprise to me because I had never sung before a crowd.
A few months down the line, Father Gregoire introduced to us the concept of an English mass. Although excited and overjoyed, we could not help ourselves but wonder how we would conduct an entire mass. We did not have experienced choir members, had no one to play an instrument or background music during the mass, and had to figure out what the readings for the day were and who would read them. Today we stand, and all we can say is, God Did it. Joined by the team of Mr Mario, Mrs Chen and Mr Chen Santos, and other priests, our Sundays were brought to life. My friends, Volkanaud Eglantine, Akouavi Tannous, Stephen Warinda, Angel Muzirankoni, and other mates from campus have been great support in making the vision of an English mass come to life.
Attending mass in this parish has taught me to be more than just a mass participant but to be an active partaker in the move of Christ. I build up my faith daily and I’m challenged to do better. I learn daily to submit everything to God, trust in Him and seek a relationship with Him. Today, I read the liturgy, sing in the choir during mass, attend events held in church and make amazing memories. All I can say is that the Holy Spirit is at work in my life and can do wonders in the live of who ever submits to Him. I have found family and friends here and I thank God for this great opportunity.
Augusta Lynn Tiam,
Seviteur de L’Eglise de Dieu
