On Sr. Kinse Saga: My last Take.

By Dr jarlat Uche opara

We see differently and reason differently. Black may seem white to some while to others black appears gray. Many factors played out in all these. Jaundice, prejudice, biases etc. However, the true colour would always remain the true colour independent of the diversity of our views and opinions.

Where Sr Anastasia got it wrong was my first piece then followed with Sr Anastasia How Market? Each of these pieces generated diverse reactions, which of course was expected. Words are flexible and probably fluid.

They come into the mould of ones mind and take shape of the mould. A mind mould that is corrugated, when the word comes in, such corrigated form reshapes the word even in its facts and authenticity.

For those who are finding it difficult to understand the beauty, the shame and the negatives of Sr Anastasia Kinse Shako saga can now read not with a mindset but with a set of mind that is open and free from biases. I would try to look at the issues from three dimensions. 1)The Church Dimension 2) Sr Anastasia Dimension 3) Social Media Dimension.

1) Church Dimension. This dimension involves the church’ authority, the priests, the religious, the laity. The Church as the body of Christ is holy, pure, sacred and Christocentric. Whatever uncharitable and unchristain thing that happens in the Church is the function of human error which we are victims of most times.

Once there are human beings in a system, such system is bound to have challenges the Church inclusive. However challenges the Church may have, she has never in history been overwhelmed.

Only mature minds understand this and try to be less unsettled with the expression of human nature in the Church like the case of Sr Anastasia Kinse Shako as she alleged.

We are all sick, the Pope, the Bishops, the Priests, the religious and the laity. We by day struggle with the inadequacy of human nature, dealing by day the ploy of the devil and the arrows ofconcupiscence . For those who think that Church is complicit and culpable in her case, Church can’t be, what we see playing out were the foibles of humans in the Church.

Church didn’t maltreat her, abuse her, stifle her voice etc as many claimed, rather few individuals in the Church did. The Church didn’t teach that funication, adultery, cheating etc are standard ways of living, she teaches godliness, purity, love etc the misbehaviour of individuals in the Church is a rebellion of the nature of man. Some tame theirs while others get burnt by theirs. So inside the Church one sees and deals with all manner, irrespective of vocation, calling and anointing.

2) Sr. Anastasia Dimension
Nobody has blamed her for speaking out. Nobody claimed she lied or playing out an orchestrated script, though very possible. But the grouse of many with her was the mode and channels of her expression. If her Superior and Bishop of her Diocese refused to listen to her what happened to other Bishops? What happened to the body of Bishops? At least one out of the whole lot would have given her listening ear.

The truth is , she wasn’t exhaustive in seeking for audience. She may have a genuine case, but her approach took a shine off her ordeal. She wasn’t wise enough, she wasn’t decerning enough, she allowed her emotions to overwhelm her. As for her claim for sexual abuse, molestation etc , I don’t doubt her neither do I validate it, still on alleged level. Going to Facebook for the umpteenth time was a very wrong move.

Facebook is not a counselling unit, not a Hospital. It is a social place with all manner of people with different religious backgrounds, ideologies and persuasions. Getting a soothing and therapeutic massaging of her already unsettled and troubled soul very impossible.

Those that are putting up defense for her , cheering her up for going to social media, how many of them have gone to the social media to unburden and spew out their challenges? Many of them are in abusive relationships, having marital whirlwind with children so recalcitrant and heart-aching but have not found social media a place to seek for comfort and advice. They are nudging her unto a destructive end if she doesn’t listen to that still voice in her. I still believe she can retrace her steps. Let her leave the space of social media for now if actually she wants to heal sincerely.

Social Media Dimension

Social Media has given her visibility. It has given her platform to speak her truth. It has amplified her voice and her story and pictures are trending.

Her account details with appeals for financial support is trending too. The question is why so fast , too close to the heels of her expulsion and relief from her job? Her social media fans may come after me with uncouth remarks, leaving reasoning and embracing Ad hominem.

I see her as my younger sister who should be told the truth however bitter and bland. Social media in- laws wouldn’t give her the peace of mind she needs. They would at best give her mock love and affection that would fizzle off. Many of them that had issues previously with Catholic Church would hide behind her to spew their animosity.

They would use her as a pawn in their chess board, turning her as willing claws to pick their selfish nuts. Believe it or not social media wouldn’t help her to heal. Get off its distractions, seek God’s face on the next step to take. Still waters run deep.

My last Take:

Truth be told some Rev. Frs need a lot of tutorials on how to behave and manage their emotions. They are human but their passion can be managed to avoid scandals. They should equal be intentional in cultivating a cordial relationship with Rev. Sisters without any strings attached. They have no parish unlike priests and find it difficult to meet their basic needs. This often times place them in a very disadvantaged position, making them prey in the hands of some uncultured men. Priests, you can protect them without any emotional demands.

This is me making this passionate appeal today to Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria to look into it with sustainable ways of ameliorating such. When a child cries too often pointing at a particular place, there must be something there.

To Sr Anastasia Kinse Shako, you would be well if you want to. Shut your ears to every social media ramblings. This is October, the month of our Mother Mary. Imbibe some of her virtues especially the virtue to ponder on things. Ponder more than making your presence visible on the pages of social media. If you want to heal, if you want your vocation back and most importantly if you want your peace back, it is time to move away from the noise of social media. Go on a retreat! The noise from the social media, too much even you wouldn’t hear the whispers of the Holy Spirit.

Share until it gets to Sr Anastasia Kinse Shako.

This is my last piece. For me it is closed! I move!! Move too my reader and allow her to heal. On this matter, I have dropped my PEN!!

Jarlathuche@gmail.com