Ten-foot tall termite mounds that punctuate the landscapes
of Africa, South America and elsewhere may be a source of marvel and wonderment
to the casual viewer of “The Discovery Channel”, but for a certain Maryknoll
priest (who asked not to be identified) the termite hill near his rectory in
Maswa, Tanzania posed a threat.  Sooner or later the pests were sure to turn
their attention to his house.  So he decided to attack first.

     Using more than a jerrican (five gallons) of gasoline, he
made sure that the liquid penetrated the termites’ extensive underground
network.  Standing back at a safe distance the missionary lit the long homemade
fuse and waited.  It didn’t take long.  Within 30 seconds the explosion blew up
the termite hill – and half the rectory.