MISSION IS FUN
Language challenges
BY Museketeri Mkotokoto
FR GEORGE arrived at Waterval Mission, Mpumalanga at a mature age. In his first years in the mission, he made a great effort to learn the Northern Sotho language of Sepedi and he reached a certain level of proficiency, which allowed him to celebrate Mass and even to preach in Sepedi. However, quite often, when the faithful started to interact in fast conversations he would easily get lost.
One day, Fr Jorge had a meeting with the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) and several issues were discussed. At the end of the meeting, Mr Ndlovu, then chairperson of the PPC, addressed the parish priest privately saying: “Fr Jorge, I think you did not understand much of what was discussed today”.
“Why do you say that?” Fr Jorge replied.
“Because when you were supposed to say ‘Yes’ to our proposals you were answering ‘
No’ and when we were expecting you to say ‘No’, your reply was ‘Yes’”, said Mr Ndlovu. They both had a great laugh and life continued.
NB: The names of the characters have been changed.
| Dates To Remember |
|
December 1 – World AIDS Day 2 – International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 3 – International Day of Persons with Disabilities 5 – International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development 8 – The Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary 9 – International Day of Commemoration of the Victims of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime 9 – International Anti-Corruption Day 10 – Human Rights Day 12 – International Universal Health Coverage Day 16 – National Day of Reconciliation in South Africa 18 – International Migrants Day 20 – International Human Solidarity Day 25 – Christmas Day 26 – Day of Goodwill January 1 – Mary, Mother of God and World Day of Prayer for Peace 2 – Epiphany of the Lord 4 – World Braille Day 24 – International Day of Education 27 – International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust |