Further Articles and Resources

The Gospel With Flair. Spend Yourselves. Be Different.

Downlands Oration 1990, by Bishop E. James Cuskelly MSC

Ladies and gentlemen - Good evening.

Some years ago I paid a visit to the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Indonesia. In Amboina, half an hour after my arrival, somebody shot the presbytery dog. This was done (so they informed me) because the dog was large and meaty and would make an excellent dish for a festive celebration about to take place. Next evening, I was invited to a festive meal. Spread around the table were several platters containing different kinds of meat. I asked one of the Indonesian priests: "Is there any dog on the table?". He examined everything very carefully and said "No. No dog." I enjoyed the meal; but on the following day I told my priest friend that I had an upset stomach. "Oh", he said, "that, no doubt, is caused by the rat you ate last night"!