By: Fr. Romy Cagatin, SVD

Different but The same

I have been in Benin for a little more than a year. After having been formed in our in our beloved country, the Philippines, for the past 28 years, being here “undresses” or “de-construct”, they say, all our own cultural paradigms. In the beginning I was a bit naïve to believe that there is not much difference between me and our African sisters and brothers. The longer I am here the more I realize that we differ to a great extent in many things. It is wrong to say though, that we are completely different from each other. People keep me calling me before (Whiteman). It hurts me, honestly speaking.

African-ness
Recently, a young man was ordained priest, in spite of the fact that his mother practices traditional religion, while his father is a Muslim. Never heard in the Philippines? Or does that African way is not our way (Mt. 16:23). Entering into their culture whilst preserving my “Filipino-ness” and their “African-ness” is not at all an easy process.

Africans become more African
We often talk of “inculturation.” Inculturation is not to change the customs and tradition of the people. Certainly, it is more than translating liturgical rites into their local language. It is, they say, ‘discovering Christ in a particular culture.” Evangelization then is more than the preaching of the Christian faith, otherwise inculturation becomes an expression. Christianity should, therefore, make the Baribas more baribas, the Lokpas more lokpas, Africans more African just as Christ by becoming man has made us more human. A Christian does not exist in the abstract. An African, a Filipino, an Indian, an Irish Christian does. It goes without saying that I have still many things to learn. I’m but just a “novice-missionary”.

No Profit
An Indian businessman asked me one day, “Why are you wasting your time in Benin”? Instead of arguing with him I tried to understand him (he’s a Hindu). For him the reason why he’s here in Benin is very clear-i.e. to do business. In my case (all missionaries for that matter) I don’t receive any salary, no profit to gain seems to him a big mystery. Well, wasting time with our African sisters and brothers because of Christ is not bad at all. Just like all missionaries, I felt our cherished Motherland not far from any other reason except Christ. He is the “raison de’etre” of us all. We become the slave of all because of Him (1 Cor9:19ff). “A missionary”, said, “should not expect any reward, if he does a missionary but a mercenary.” We are but useless servants, we only have done our duty (Lk. 17:10). I have met and talked to seasoned missionaries in Benin. Some of them have become thin and gaunt with deep wrinkles. The brown blotches tropical sun brings are evident. Everything about them is old except their eyes cheerful and undefeated. I wish I could be the same.
People, keep on calling me “batore” (Whiteman). It hurts me, honestly speaking.

An Indian businessman asked me one day, “Why are you wasting your time in Benin?”