Marian Worship and Spirituality in the Tribes of the Bantu Ethnic Group of East Africa

Abstract

The aim of this article is to show the spirituality and Marian devotion among Christians who belong to the Bantu ethnic group, living in most parts of East Africa. It turns out that many customs and traditions of the biblical chosen people, from whom Jesus and Mary came, still find their references and parallels among African tribes today. It is worth mentioning only such values as respect for life, love of family, protection of children and the elderly, remembrance of the achievements and traditions of ancestors, and interpersonal solidarity, especially in the face of suffering. These timeless values create a family and tribal community in Africa, and in the spiritual sense, a community of faith and the Church of Christ. Christianity, therefore, with all the richness of its values, has found good ground for growth and expansion. Respect for the mother and family as well as tribal ancestors is one of the most important values that African people cherish. Hence the great reverence for Mary, the Mother of Jesus, whom believers also consider their spiritual Mother. Africans have accepted Mary as their Mother, who consoles and gives hope in suffering and intercedes with her Son, Jesus.