WATER PRECIOUS GIFT
Water is a symbol of purity and freshness. The image on this issue’s cover reminds us of the importance of keeping our source of life clean. The Sustainable Development Goal 6 rightly aims to ensure access to water and sanitation for all; however, approximately 2.1 billion people in the world lack access to clean drinking water. One billion of these live in sub-Saharan Africa and make up 70% of its population–striking and unacceptable facts! Water is the source of life and every person should have enough clean water to live in a dignified way.
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.
LONELY VICTIM OF THE EARTHQUAKE
In the community of Monterrico, in Peru, Fr Peter—the name of our protagonist—is well known for his fine hearing and light sleep. Both qualities are most useful in this seismic zone of the Pacific.