Last year, on our final day of an eight-day cultural exchange and mission trip to Kingston, we happened to be in town for the celebration of reggae legend Marley’s birth on Feb. 6. After a tour of his former home, now a museum, our group had a few moments to spend interacting with the crowd outside. Along with several other students, we were curious about the soulful sounds of the Nyabinghi drums and asked about the music.
One man in particular began to share the meaning behind the spiritual songs and rhythmic beats. Underlying the music and smiles of the visitors were stories of great hardship and oppression. He explained the Rastafarian faith and shed light on the lifestyle and community of which Marley was a part. The drumming and chants called for freedom from all oppression, uniting individuals in solidarity with their ancestors in Africa and brought them to a higher spiritual consciousness.
Our encounter that morning expanded our understanding of the Rastafarian community. God’s presence is within us and through this brief encounter with the Rastafarian lifestyle and faith, our hearts were opened. We made personal connections with people whose beliefs we initially felt somewhat distant from. Far from our Canadian high school, with its comfort of technology, our learning was brought to life through dialogue. People moved to the music and soaked in the sun above us, but we all, in our own ways, felt the presence of God as we listened and shared.
Pope Francis explained the importance of environments promoting spiritual living. On June 7, when addressing a group of young students from Jesuit-run schools, Pope Francis said, “The main element in school is learning to be magnanimous... This means having a big heart, having a greatness of soul.” He calls for education to reach out for love, to connect youth with the world.
Within every individual, whether they be teachers, students, parents, caretakers, principals or priests, lies the responsibility to continue Christ’s ministry through engaging in learning that is alive in the spirit of God.
Our day at the Marley museum gave us a deeper appreciation for Marley as an individual using his talents and faith to reach for love and dissolve barriers. Even 32 years after his death, his presence brought people together. People of different faiths and beliefs joined, forming a space of acceptance, learning and life. Our communities of Catholic schools must continue to challenge how we connect and communicate with the environment around us and the constant presence of God in everyone.
(Kendrick, 17, is a Grade 12 student at St. Paul Catholic Secondary School in Mississauga, Ont.)