I remember the time in Iramba Parish in Musoma Diocese,
Tanzania when I drove in my Toyota truck to the distant outstation of Kemugongo
to celebrate the Easter Liturgy during the rainy season. Halfway across a swampy
plain the mud became so thick that I had to abandon my truck and walk the
remaining one and a half miles in ankle-deep mud during a light rain. I arrived
at the outstation chapel wet, dirty and tired. The local Christians ran toward
me clapping and dancing with joy. "The Padri has come. We will have Mass," they
shouted.

    Immediately I forgot my wet, muddy clothes and my
tiredness. I got caught up in the enthusiasm of the people as we prepared to
celebrate the Easter Eucharist — Christ’s resurrection which is the central
event in our Christian faith. As I looked out at the happy, excited faces in
that outstation community I realized in a flash that this is what mission is all
about.