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| Lolín Menéndez rscj |
An eucharistic parable – Becky’s story
Becky’s* story is worth telling again, because it is a parable for those who have ears to hear.
Becky was preparing to make her First Holy Communion in Namaalu with the other children of her age. Her white dress was ready. Bishop Mazzoldi, an Italian Comboni missionary, was visiting the parish and would preside. But the Sister had told the children they must present themselves with their parents, both parents, the day of the ceremony. Two days earlier Becky’s father, who was in the police force, was called upon to escort a group of prisoners to Kampala, but Becky hoped her mother would be able to explain to Sister. Then, the day before, Becky’s little sister fell ill and the mother rushed her to Matany Hospital, where she was admitted. What to do? Becky put on her white dress and joined the semi-circle of first communicants. But no parents! The Sister saw. A strong right arm yanked her out of line and Becky found herself outside the Church and the Bishop processing in. Her distress and frustration and fury could not be contained. She gave the alarm, the cry, the blood-curdling yell of a woman who sees warriors attacking her kraal! Inside the church the Bishop stopped in mid-procession, paralyzed by the sound. ‘What is happening!’ he asked. Sister tried to explain. ‘Bring that child in!’ he ordered. So Becky found herself back in the line of first communicants, still hiccupping with emotion.
Maybe this is a parable for those excluded from the Eucharist for one legality or another. Maybe they need to scream and yell about their deprivation and grief and fury until God the Bishop hears and commands, ‘Bring that child in!’ Maybe we need to scream for them!
Margie Conroy rscj
Province of Uganda - Kenya
*Becky (Rebecca Loukae rscj) is from Karamoja, Uganda
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