Praise and worship in Chilanga

The 33rd Sunday of the church's year today, energetically and reverentially (those aren't contradictory)  celebrated here.  I go to the English mass which means the liturgy and homily are in English and some of the singing.  This starts at  7 hours to be followed by the Nyanja Mass at 9 hours so timing can be a pressure.  This morning, though, Mass began at 6.55 hours and ended at 8.40 hours: a visiting priest, a young Franciscan, was concerned about upsetting local arrangements so was eager to be punctual.  This managed despite an extra procession; today is Bible Sunday so the Holy (Oyera) Bible was danced in and ensconced on a specially decorated lecturn in pride of place in the sanctuary.
The usual (short) entry procession of the seven servers, beautifully robed in white and the presiding priest, following a large heavy cross carried usually by the smallest server, atated proceedings.  The special entry of the Bible happened before the liturgy of the Word; after the gospel the congregation filed up to put their offerings in one of two padlocked wooden chests, in preparation for the Offertory procession.  Accompanied by loud praises sung by the choir and congregation, about thirty women in matching chitenges (skirts) T shirts and head wraps danced slowly in with gifts including sacks of maize meal, vegetables, bottles of cooking oil, chickens and goats (for special feasts or anything involving a bishop) either on the hoof or trussed and carried on shoulders.  Following them come the week's chosen group, either men, women or youths who make their added contributions, either in kind or envelopes containing money.  Everything is presented to the priest with a little bob or curtsey (men and women both), following which they walk or dance back to their seats.  Loud ululations of joy and praise punctuate the music and some great dance moves can be enjoyed as many men and women have their own style which they are happy to show uninhibitedly before God and the congregation.
The Mass goes its customary way after this, with a long queue for Holy Communion and some varied and interesting notices, usually containing pleas for financial help to finish the church extension.
Then breakfast- two boiled eggs, toast and marmalade and coffee if I can get it on this well-started Sunday!