In December, 1992 a Society of Africa Missions (SMA)
priest in Bugisi Parish, Shinyanga Diocese, Tanzania used the Sukuma myth of the
clever young man Masala Kulangwa and the monster in his Christmas homily. The
Sukuma people in the congregation were surprised. At first they did not
understand the connection between the myth and Christian teaching, that is, the
close comparison between the Sukuma hero Masala Kulangwa and Jesus Christ, the
savior and redeemer. Later they appreciated the story very much and even sang
the Sukuma song of the myth in church during the mass. This presents the
challenge of pastoral inculturation. Often the local African people do not make
the connections between their rich cultural traditions and the Christian faith.
African oral literature such as proverbs, stories and songs help to make these
connections.