Father Joeker

Close Association

Browny, my lively dog, wagged his tail excitedly while jumping on me, expecting some bones. ‘Browny, you are so smelly!’ I yelled. ‘Yes, Father,’ a voice replied from the kitchen.  It was Mary Yaa Abrafi, our cook.

Death's Pride

I was with Fr Gregorio Pizarro SVD and Fr Adriano Ocariza, SVD, both blessed with long life, at our SVD Retreat House in Sunnyside, Baguio City. Observing them, the laundry woman whispered to me, ‘Why do you think they are blessed with long life?’ I answered, ‘Maybe because Death said, “Why take them?  They are not afraid of me anyway!”’

Mob Dispersal Unit

Coming out of our Mission House at Nsawkaw, Ghana, I saw an old woman with a broom being chased by children and adults who accused her of being a witch.  Afraid that the people would surely tear her to pieces, I shouted at the top of my voice, ‘He who runs after a witch will himself become a witch!’ Believe it or not, the pursuers froze to a halt.  They started dispersing hurriedly upon seeing me approach.

From the Mouth of Babes

I was asked to help with confessions of Couples for Christ at Vilago Church in Quezon City. After almost an hour, I was quite tired. Suddenly a ten-year-old girl came to confess. What a relief! It was a blessing to hear the little girl’s confession.  It helped break the monotonous ‘litany’ of the adults.