Greetings,
Each year for the past 11 years, the Atlanta Gambian Christian community has been organizing a weekend of activities around the Feast of the Assumption, better known in Gambia as 'Sang Marie'. With each passing year, the number of people participating continues to grow exponentially. Today, hundreds of Gambians and friends of Gambia travel from all parts of the United States, Europe and Gambia to convene in Atlanta for the largest and oldest Gambian Christian celebration outside The Gambia!
This year, the events will take place from Aug. 19 - 21 (this weekend). These events represent the true spirit of togetherness that the tradition of Sang Marie represents. While it is rooted in a religious event, irrespective of one's religious or spiritual orientation, Sang Marie in Gambia reflected the deeply held value of oneness among all Gambians. Religious, Traditional and other Social manifestations during this period all attest to this fact.
In Atlanta, this same tradition is what emulated. There is no doubt that this year's celebration is the most significant and looks to become the largest gathering of its kind since it was begun.
8 Priests will celebrate the Mass on Saturday. From The Gambia, we have ... Fr. Peter Gomez (Vicar General), Fr. Peter Lopez, Fr. Gabriel Mendy, Fr. Gabriel Secka, Fr. Casey, and Fr. Anthony Mbanefo (a Nigerian Priest who worked in Gambia for the past 8 years). Also two local priests, Fr. Gui (Haiti) and Fr. Eugene (St. Thomas Church) who has become a big fan of the Gambian choir in Atlanta. Also, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops are sending representatives.
The Atlanta choir which consists of 30 members will animate the Mass with hymns in the true tradition of the Church in Gambia.
The Atlanta association has spearheaded the establishment of other Gambian Christian associations in other cities (Dallas, Washington DC, London). A national conference will be held during this period.
Traditional performances such as 'Huntin' and 'Fairy' as well as 'Sabar', 'Baaku', ... are all part of the social events planned.
Finally, on behalf of the Gambia Christian People's Association, a warm invitation is extended to all Gambians to come a partake in a celebration that is uniquely Gambian in all its facets.
In peace,
Latjor