MMM Publications 1954                                          Ireland                       25.06.2025

A story from early MMM life in Anua, Nigeria

The week before the “big day”, (the consecration of Bishop Ekandem, first Nigerian bishop in West Africa) reminded me of the crossroads incident that happened in Ireland during the War. Irish American soldiers were coming down from Derry to visit their friends and relatives in the twenty-six counties. They all described themselves as “army technicians”.

This proved too much for one country youth wo enquired,
“ What is a technician, anyway?”
“Can you hold a paintbrush?” enquired the visitor. “Yes.” “Can you do this?”, making imaginary strokes with a paint brush.
“Yes, of course.”
“Then, I guess you are a technician.”

Well, for one week at least all of us in the mission at Anua have been technicians. Pliny says that the cobbler should not go beyond his last. But we went further than that, we only stopped short at the matchet. Such flying of brooms and paint brushes, needles and suds. The woodmen and the wahermen, the carpenters and tailors – all were on overtime to have all-in ship-shape order for the great occasion. That is all but the head tailor. He was one of the untouchables, much too busy preparing Bishops “cloth” to be bothered with Sisters’ palaver. Important guests were invoiced for days in advance, and everything was scheduled to a nicety with no margin left for mistakes or loss of time.

Consequently, we had never tested the newly turned canvas seat on our best outdoor chair, and so, with a rending zipp, it gave way under the first important caller.