After non-successful effort of finding a church with polish masses, I decided to go on mass in English to the Church on St. Pieter’s Square. Inside the church I asked a priest about English mass and he not only confirmed it but also introduced me to other Polish people. He told me that usually English mass is in the Chapel but today it would be in main church and it would be two-language mass. I didn’t understand it until it started.
There were 3 priest and 3 priest assistants. On both sides of altar were two ambos. Near each was standing one priest during almost all mass. One of them was speaking in Dutch and the other one was speaking in English. Unfortunately the English part was shorter and not every time after the Dutch part. The homily was read by “civil” woman from the sheet of paper and only in national language. I was wondering if she had prepared it by herself or by the priest because in my country the speech is told only by priest. But songs during the mass were in different languages, I recognized English, Dutch, German and Italian. The priests used very often incense. I really like the smell of it but even for me it was a little too much and I sneezed once or twice. I think that favorite part for people is the sign of peace time. Everyone were very open with it. They were passing the church to show it and even priests went from the altar to people to give them hand. In Poland this moment is rather symbolic and people just give hands themselves. Here some of people gave cheek kiss. What is more surprising, during the most important part (changing wine into Jesus blood), they don’t kneel but they sit. Strange custom.
During the mass, some of the children were drawing sth. That was shock for me because church isn’t proper place for such behavior in my opinion, it’s not kindergarten. But later, near the entrance of the church I saw that there is a basket with pencils and Christian picture to draw and religious books for children. So that means the priests accept it and even encourage a little for this kind of behavior. I’m wondering what is their real purpose of it: keep silence, nice association with church for children…
There was one more unusual thing I want to mention about. During the mass there was a small show prepared by Hindi guest (maybe priest as well but I’m not sure) who through the dance show us different view on ways of praying. It was interesting, especially that the man was wearing original traditional outfit - ornamental loose trousers and many jewelry on his neck and feet. I saw that the priests were interested in this show quite strong.
All mass evokes a smile on my face because it was so different than I had expected. So my advice after this happening – if you want to see and experience sth interesting, go to a church :p
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