By Fr Joseph Panabang SVD

THE GLUTTONS

In one of the Wenchi villages, my altar boys and I were having our lunch. The food prepared by the catechist, seemed like a feast to me. I questioned the catechist, “Why did you cook so much?” “Father, your altar boys? I know them. I know their capacity,” she said with an emphatic smile.

LET THE PUPPY ROAM

Every time I bring my lovely puppy out, children crowd around it very noisily. One time I was trying to relax but couldn’t because of them. I called out to my assistance and told her with my voice loud enough for the children to hear. “Bring the children into the cage and let the puppy roam around.” In a flash all the children were gone.

STIGMATA

One night in Soronoase village, while saying the Mass by candlelight, a strange insect hovering over the light fell onto my left rib. Frightened, I shook it off and accidentally squeezed it not knowing its pores cause itchiness. The whole week since that night, my left side was swollen and the wound became deeper and wider. Asked by a parishioner what was it I said, “This is my stigmata.” My fellow priests couldn’t hide their despairing smiles.

GREAT BARGAIN

Ali Jara, my assistant, went up the tree reluctantly using along ladder to cut off some twigs and branches. The last branch feel on the ladder knocking it down so that Jara was left hanging on for dear life to the ma to the main branch. He screamed for help but I though this time was a great opportunity for bargaining. “I will only put the ladder back from now on you will behave and will bathe the pigs without being told so!” “Yes, Father, yes, yes, yes...” After stammering one yes after another and before he would actually fall because of the violent nodding of his head, I finally returned the ladder much to his relief.