Although much effort has been made to
inculturate the liturgy in Tanzania much still needs to be done.  Here is one
case I experienced.  One day at Sirari Parish in Musoma Diocese,
Tanzania, a Kuria man and woman were married in the church.  Arrangements for
the wedding were well organized.  Before the liturgy began the bride and
bridegroom approached followed by many people who were dancing, singing
joyfully, blowing local trumpets and other traditional instruments and beating
drums in carefully calculated rhythm.

When the priest
heard the joyful approach, he consulted his watch and noted it was time for the
wedding mass. The bell rang for all of us to get ready for mass.  A sudden
silence descended on the joyful crowd.  Drums ceased, trumpets were stilled,
joyful faces became somber.  No more dancing; everyone knew that the church is a
place of respect.  The Sacred Liturgy proceeded as if it were a funeral.  After
mass outside the church drums awoke, trumpets revived, dancing again came to
life.  Smiles erupted; people rediscovered their voices and the air was filled
with sounds of joy once more.