On Palm Sunday in the outskirts of the capital city of Mozambique, Maputo, processions along the roads intertwine with others from a variety of denominations in the Zimpeto neighborhood, resembling the entrance of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. Three kilometers later, they mingle at the pastoral charge. In a spirit of joy, the congregation joins in songs of praise, lifting up palm leaves and celebrating, saying, “The master is coming, the master is coming, hosanna in the highest!”
Prayers for healing, long-awaited peace in the country, reconciliation, prosperity and church growth are shared, calling for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and protection. The congregation also participates in Holy Communion, confessing their sins and pursuing God's forgiveness, recognizing imperfections in the course of each one’s life.
“God's comforting and healing powers, hear our humble prayers in the spirit of Thanksgiving,” says the Rev. Francisco Rungo in his call to worship at Bispo Escrivão Zunguze UMC, asking for blessings for the people of God through the everlasting and unconditional love of Jesus Christ.
A blessed Holy Week
Holy Week includes meditations, daily discussions, Bible stories and reflections on Jesus' lifetime, including the announcement of his death and the suffering of his disciples.
On Maundy Thursday, Jesus humbly washed the feet of his twelve disciples. Similarly, Rungo and two other church elders symbolizes the act, washing the feet of hundreds of church members in a spirit of humbleness, love and solitude. Rungo further reminds the congregation that it was at the moment of the foot-washing that Judas Iscariot handed over Jesus Christ. In His last discourse, Jesus encouraged the disciples “to love one another.”
On Good Friday, the story of Christ’s crucifixion and burial are solemnly displayed in the form of a thoughtful drama, including Bible verses and poems recited by youth.
Easter dawns with hope
The Mozambique government grants a national Easter holiday in respect of this biblical, historical event. People travel from within and outside the country, visiting family and sharing this special celebration, attending reconciling and prayerful worship services.
Easter healing in 2025
On Easter in 2025, Mozambique was hoping to heal from the wounds of the last general presidential elections, which yielded violent demonstrations. The country also saw violent terrorism in the northern Cabo Delgado province, the “Naparamas,” traditional fighters’ grievances in central Mozambique. Nonetheless, there was commitment to finding ways towards the recovery of ethical and moral values, as well as in the effort to alleviate poverty, which is preventing socio-economic development.
During Holy Week at Bispo Escrivão Zunguze UMC, the church welcomed nineteen church members through baptism and confirmation (many pictured below). Additionally, the youth group went to a charge conference and celebrated an increase in membership and spiritual uplifting as they fellowshipped and worshiped God.
The Zimpeto UMC congregation holds an all-night Easter vigil, recalling the sufferings that Jesus went through and faithfully waiting for his resurrection. On Easter Sunday, hundreds convene for the celebration of a victory over death.
In rural Mozambican churches, families wake up early to sing and visit their neighbors, announcing and celebrating Jesus' resurrection. They say, “He rose; he rose from the dead, alleluia!” It is the day of the great miracle, the day when Christ comes back to life through his resurrection from the dead. It is the day to celebrate God's life, love and mercy.
Rungo calls for repentance, humbleness, love and hope. He reminds everyone to recognize Holy Week as a period of spiritual growth. He says, “We all represent Jerusalem and Jesus wants to enter our individual lives and endeavors. Jesus was a teacher and worked miracles along with twelve Apostles. Jesus had a strong authority empowered by God. He came to rescue the people from bad habits and liberate the captives.
“We are Jerusalem of today. We are called to realize the powerful narrative that invites reflection on Jesus' unique kingship, the nature of the Kingdom of God, and the call to welcome him into our lives, even in the face of suffering and hardship. God provides renewal and strength and supports the poor, and replenishes them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
“We will continue to rise like Christ, to be baptized and overcome death. As we are renewed, we embrace a new role, preaching the gospel, living in unity with our neighbor, doing no harm, sharing with the poor and needy and living in Christ. We have been transformed!”
Easter offers hope and new life, reminding us that even in the face of despair, there's always the possibility of resurrection and renewal. It is a moment of looking ahead to the future, reflecting on family, transforming Christian life and values, and reaching out with the Word of God to all four corners of the world, and thus making true disciples of Christ and assuring eternal life.
Ezequiel Marcos Nhantumbo is a UMCom/UMNews Lusophone Correspondent in Africa based in Maputo-Mozambique; May 2025
