By Fr Joseph Panabang SVD

By Father Joseph D. Panabang, SVD

Speaking in Tongue

Sometimes some of the gifts of the of the Holy Spirit are too earnestly sought for. To some of To some of Charisma tics, anybody who does not speak in tongues second class Catholics. This causing division and arguments rather n than fostering unity. Once I saw one of these charismatic leaders I suddenly (in an exaggerated manner) dropped my hand and stated trembling a little and prayed “Ave Maria napnoka iti gracia, ni Apo Dois Adda kenka...”

He was so impressed to see that indeed I have the gift of tongues. Turning around in a calm voice I told him, “So, you see I can do it anytime I like. You call it speaking in tongues but actually I prayed the Hail Mary in one of our Filipino Languages.” Since then he has moderated his views. All Catechumens passed away Take it as a custom, Ghanaians usually do not talk of death directly. Hardly ever do you hear a Ghanaians saying, “Mr. So and So is dead”. You will rather hear it in a proverbial or euphemistic way like: “Wada ne benkum.” (He slept on his left side.) “Okoo n’ akuraa.” (He has gone to this village.) “Odae wonsore.” (He could not keep from sleep.) Or if is a chief who dies, they say, “Odupong atutu.” (The mighty tree has been uprooted.) But generally when speaking English, they say he or she has passed away. Cultures Clashing Missionary life is not all that romantic. Your culture is clashing with theirs so that much of the time you are simply annoyed by what appeared to you as stubbornness, slowness, ignorance or disbelief of your people. You begin to criticize. Worse, situation can even train you to a breaking point. Before starting the Mass, I would always look at the people straight in the eyes and whisper to myself, “These are the people for whom God shed His blood.” Then I become calm and relaxed. Try it. It works. Second Mass Collection After my surprise prayer before the final blessing during one Sunday Mass, the Catechist was making an announcement in twi (the local language) that there would be a second collection. I then asked the Assistant Catechist what the collection was for. “To pay for the gifts we gave the priest last December,” he replied frankly. Tubig lang?! Two Filipino contract workers and Ghanaian friends paid me a visit in Ghana. Following Ghanaian custom, first I offered them water after which I asked about their mission. The Ghanaians were impressed with the way I followed every detail of their hospitality but the two Filipinos were just staring at me in disbelief. “Why only water? This is never done in the Philippines.” Anything for the Children I was just back in Ghana after my vacation. After the usual house to house greetings, we chanced upon groups of children rushing towards us. My catechist talked to them in their language and suddenly everybody started jumping in excitement, shouting, cheering, yelling. “What did you tell them?” I asked the catechist. “That we shall have Mass tonight”. Though tired and weary I was inspired and glad to say the Mass.