Nigerians blend Catholicism, traditional beliefs

Dallas Morning News ^ | 5/21/2005 | Joshua Benton

[sinkspur]

ENUGU, Nigeria – Ejike Mbaka is telling a story. The 20,000 Nigerians gathered around him in the red-dust lot have gone quiet.

"Last week, there was a man who was mad, insane," he begins, standing on a rickety stage. "For years, the doctors attempted to heal him. But the infirmity continued. He came to me for help.

"I gave him some healing water" – and here, some in the audience hold up the small plastic packages of water he sells, 45 cents each – "and told him to pour it in his ear on Sunday. Then pour it in his other ear on Monday.

"He did exactly that. And on Tuesday, a large frog crawled out of his ear. And he was cured."

Appreciative cheers from the audience. "Such are the things God can do," he says.

It's about 10 p.m. When the sun comes up in the morning, the crowd will still be here – except for those injured thrashing on the ground under the Holy Spirit's spell.

What's remarkable about the scene isn't what Ejike Mbaka says. It's who he is. He's not a witch doctor. He's not a Pentecostal preacher. He's an ordained Catholic priest.

[maryz]

This kind of nonsense is an embarrassment to the Catholic Church.

As much of an embarrassment as the abuse scandal?

In the Middle Ages, vendors were known for selling chunks of the True Cross, nails used to crucify Christ, and milk from the Virgin's breasts. From what I hear of conditions in much of Africa, if this guy is actually selling clean water, it might be worth the 45 cents.

[murphE]

Ping to #16. Guess which diocese?

Um, if I had to guess I would say LA, or San Francisco.

[Dominick]

This isn't new at all. We have a lot of false seers. Whats the difference if it sounds fantastic to western ears? To an African, it sounds perfectly plausible. The difference is that people let things like this fester in Africa. We have Bayside, Conyers, and many many others. THe point that other Priests make up thinks is spot on.

Igbo Atilogwu dance is not a form of voudon. Also, that did not occur at Mass. It is no more sinister than a polka party after Mass.

There are people practicing santeria, voudon and the western versions (like Scientology) all over the US, without a buffet. We may also look at the Haitian syncretism, and you will find they are considered far stranger by traditional African standards.

Why do you think people steal the Eucharist, or bury nails on Church property? It kills me that these cultists praciticng black magic believe in the Real Presence more than many Catholics.

[murphE]

Why do you think people steal the Eucharist, or bury nails on Church property? It kills me that these cultists praciticng black magic believe in the Real Presence more than many Catholics.

You do know which mass real satanists profane and which mass they don't bother with don't you?

[Dominick]

You do know which mass real satanists profane and which mass they don't bother with don't you?

They steal from all Masses.

I also can tell you about an incident in St. Petersburg, where a group of Spanish "ladies" pocketed the Eucharist at Bp. Lynch's Mass.

We have a real problem in Tampa, almost as bad as Miami, where I also once lived.

It isn't satanists I am referring to, it is Santeria. I have never seen a satanist steal a Eucahrist, for a ceremony. I have heard about Satanists stealing them as a prank.

Santeria practitioners, follow a form of voudon where it is a mix of Catholicism and Afro-Hispanic superstition. It is especially strong in Cuban and Puerto Rican communities. St. Lazerus is used as a symbol of Babolou, one of their deities.

[Robert Drobot]

Joke as we might, this issue is not a joke, and deserves a greater resolve than the posts here represent.

It is obvious this 'priest' has little or no regard for the religion he 'teaches', which in turn results in a twisted understanding about Catholicism in the minds of men and women of Enugu, Nigeria.

These are men and women we would want to welcome into any Roman Rite Catholic Church in the world. The sad fact is, they wouldn't recognize a Holy Latin Mass or any other form of Mass from their present understanding of Catholicism today.

Shame on the Holy See for being blind to and or silently perpetuating this abomination; to argue the Vatican is unaware these pagan ways are being used to represent Catholicism is unacceptable.

We all know that 'news' is nothing more than a rear view mirror; the aftermath of any event that already happened, or has been in place for some time. The Holy See has a duty to be certain Dogma - not voodoo - is implemented in every Roman Rite Catholic Church in the world.

Shame on the cardinal and or bishop for failing to supervise the instruction of the faithful in Enugu, Nigeria. These brothers and sisters in Christ deserve to know the One True God in the same way He is understood by the faithful everywhere. Continuity in instruction is essential. Allowing for the use of pagan ways creates allegiance to the 'priest' - not loyalty to Jesus Christ.

[Canticle_of_Deborah]

LA was my first guess too. I clicked on the link and it is none other than Bishop "the gospels are not historical accounts" McGrath of the San Jose, CA diocese.

[Mark in the Old South]

ROTFL
=^D

[Mark in the Old South]

Re: "True. Here they tell other lies, like that contraception and divorce are okay."

Or claim married Priests are a good idea
or claim the Resurrection never took place
or the Miracle of the loaves and fishes was a little kid sharing
or scoff at the Virgin Birth
or advocate and recommend books by pro-gay priests
...
...
...
of course that is assuming he is really a priest who wrote the Book
One just never does knows if someone is who they claim to be.

My oh my whatever is the laity to think?

[Mark in the Old South]

Re: "I think the only thing preventing human sacrifice is the short supply of virginal sacrificial victims in the world today, except of course for the unborn."

Well that explains the abortion madness. Gee I wonder if liberal theologians would make a good substitute?

[Mark in the Old South]

Re: " The difference is that people let things like this fester in Africa. We have Bayside, Conyers, and many many others."

You raise a valid point. This is why I strongly urge a return to the old rules that private revelations remain private until verified as valid by your Bishop. There are fewer things that can undermine the faith or its' credibility than these silly people, honest, pious and well intended as well as the flat out stupid, greedy and conniving. These rules were in place for a reason. As it is now the faithful have no guide other than their own discernment, the Bishops are no help anymore nor are most Priests, they are in much the same boat.

Lawd'ave mercy can we close that window now? This new springtime is gonna be the death of us.

[amosmoses]

Only 45 cents a pop? Thats less than what Benny Hinn and Oral Roberts charge I think. :)

[murphE]

Joke as we might, this issue is not a joke, and deserves a greater resolve than the posts here represent.

You are absolutely right, although sometimes humor is used to alleviate the anger and sadness one feels, kind of like when someone laughs in during a funeral.

[vox_freedom]

Shame on the Holy See for being blind to and or silently perpetuating this abomination; to argue the Vatican is unaware these pagan ways are being used to represent Catholicism is unacceptable.

I very much agree with your observation. It is an abomination. And, the responsibility to correct these transgressions and errors is directly tied to the Bishops of the church including those authorities in Rome. As you say, "shame on the Holy See."