My main goal on this Mt. Kilimanjaro climb is to confect the Eucharist in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. This is going to be very tricky because celebrating Mass outside has its challenges. Any number of calamities can occur: Do pandemic restrictions prevent me from even entering Tanzania? Is the weather inclement? Is anyone on the trek ill? Did I forget any incredibly important items?

I fully intend to celebrate the Mass fully according to the Dominican Rite of our Order. This means having at a minimum the following items unique to the celebration of our Mass:

  1. Altar
  2. Missal for the Dominican Rite
  3. Altar cards
  4. Three (3) altar cloths
  5. Crucifix
  6. Candles x3 and Lighter
  7. Chalice and Paten
  8. Chalice Pall
  9. Lavabo Bowl (washbin) and Washcloth
  10. Chasuble in the color of the day
  11. Priestly stole
  12. Maniple
  13. Chalice Veil
  14. Corporal and Purificator
  15. Burse
  16. Lavabo (washcloths)
  17. Bell
  18. Hosts (for celebrant and lay faithful)
  19. Wine and Water

Given that item 1 above weighs 16 lbs alone means that there’s quite a bit of extra weight. Yet, the results are beautiful, giving God what is our due.

The Wilderness altar’s weight is not insignificant

Keep in mind that each trekker must also account for their own sleeping gear, layered clothing, and other personal effects. Fortunately, we make use of porters who will lighten our load.


3 Comments

Dianna Cooper · January 31, 2022 at 6:54 pm

We’ll be praying for you! Have a wonderful journey!

Martha · February 3, 2022 at 12:23 am

My altar server son noticed ‘wine’ wasn’t included. Omission or included in something else?

    Fr. Corwin Low, OP · February 4, 2022 at 12:35 am

    He is absolutely correct. I was just going from memory.

Leave a Reply

Avatar placeholder

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *