A fitting end to a joyful feast

Columban Fr Colin McLean shares with us the background of why São Jorge (St George) is venerated on Tide island where there are no cars and transport is predominantly by horseback.

Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa’s order). Photos: Fr Colin McClean SSCMissionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa’s order). Photos: Fr Colin McClean SSC

St George is always depicted on a horse and Norte’s island community that has many horses naturally saw St George as the forerunner of their own numerous horsemen, hence he became their patron saint.

Norte is situated on the other side of Tide island and geographically is closest to the mainland. At low tide horses can pass quite easily from the mainland to Tide island, so that part of the community is called “Passa Cavalo” (Where the Horse Passes).

There are no cars on Tide island, nor any real space to carve out roads. However, all seven communities that I visit have many horses, and more recently, a growing number of motor bikes.

On the Feast of St George some friends and I boarded a launch that accommodated about 50 people, since the feast attracts people from the main parish Church in Paripe.
With us on the launch were four men who comprised the band that was going to play during the procession. I was principal celebrant at the open-air Mass in the local square.
On arrival, a good number of horsemen and women, mounted on their horses, accompanied us to the Mass site. Among the large crowd were five Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa’s order).

When Mass concluded the procession began, carrying a statue of St George with the band playing vigorously. The trumpeter’s cheeks were so distended from blowing that they looked like they would burst. He was used to it, of course, and he really could play that trumpet.

This was the first religious procession I have accompanied that included about 35 horsemen and women.

A friend and fellow Columban, Fr Warren Kinne, made a very truthful comment on a visit to Brazil, “In Brazil, expect the unexpected… it usually happens!”

I often reflect on Warren’s words, as Brazil, and especially Salvador da Bahia, is always full of surprises, even after the 32 years I have lived and worked here.

Photos: Fr Colin McClean SSC

The boat ride back to São Tomé was a really joyful occasion. The band, especially the trumpeter, began to play and everyone entered the moment. It was totally infectious. A conga line formed, and before long almost everyone on board was dancing in the line around the deck.

Thank the Lord that the weather was kind to us and the sea fairly calm. When the conga slowly petered out individuals began to dance the samba. The 45 minute crossing ended in no time, because everyone was thoroughly enjoying themselves.

A fitting end to a joyful feast.

Columban Fr Colin McLean has worked in Brazil since 1986. Today he is the priest in charge of Tide Island and other island communities off Salvador in northeast Brazil. 

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