By Fr Joseph Panabang SVD
Male Chauvinism?
Joseph Jumah of Soronoase, one of my dedicated catechists has six children – all girls; His wife gives birth almost every year. Prompted by such spacing, I asked Daniel Adjei, the Assistant Catechist why and he said: “Joseph Jumah is desperately in need of a boy that is why he keeps trying and hoping.”
Can Opener
Blame it on forgetfulness or age, in one village I was rushing one morning to shave. Surprised that the razor would not cut a single hair, I looked at it closely and discovered I was using the can opener which had got mixed up with the morning kit the previous day, I was lucky no one was watching me laughing alone.
On the second day of our Filipino re-union, Fr. Gerry Fotunato SMA, unexpected arrived from the airport. We had a impromptu welcome where the group all eagerly queried, “What is new about Pinatubo?” Yours truly cut I and answered, “Nothing; except the way Filipinos curse today. Instead of saying “Tama-an ka ng kidlat they say, “Putukan ka ng bulkan.”
Ashes not Communion
Ash Wednesday. At Soronoase, I was giving the ashes marking on very forehead with the ash. One young lady came forward and stuck her tongue of thinking it was communion. Dipping my hand into the ash, I made a big Sign of the Cross in thick ashes on her forehead and said “Ashes not communion.”
Male Chauvinism Education
Usually after the Mass in the village, people would ask questions about practically anything. However, they do not really distinguish a general question from a specific case. Anyway, one of my catechumens speaking in their tribal language asked a question with confidence and the interpreter turned to me saying: “he is asking, how would you commit adultery?”
Awurade Hu Yen Mobo
In the last African Cup of Nations held in Senegal, I was watching in black and white television the finalists Ghana versus Coast, in a house jam-packed with Ghanaians. No team could score and so the match had to be decided by penalty shoot out. Everytime a Ghanaian player was about to kick the ball, all the Ghanaians wit hands spread out would pray ardently, “Awurade hu yen mobo, (Lord have mercy)”. And as soon as the goal keeper saved the ball, they would stand and raise their hands, palms opened, saying: “Oh aden...” (Lord why?) as if the Lord is just in front of us. With the same reactions and style repeated over ten times, you will understand how I was more fascinated by them than the football match.