Foreign priests serving in France may encounter a cultural shock: Perceived as novices requiring instruction
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In the quaint town of Sézanne, France, population 4,700, a new arrival has been making a significant impact. Father Pascal Tindano, a 60-year-old priest, recently moved to the area and is experiencing his first winter in France.
Father Tindano, who hails from a warmer climate, has taken meticulous notes on the snowfall episodes, recording each one with a sense of curiosity and determination. However, the cold has not been an easy adjustment. Upon his arrival late in 2020, he was struck by the biting chill.
Similarly, another African priest, Paul Kitoko, has faced similar challenges. Originally from the Congo, Father Kitoko encountered the winter of Morvan in the same year. Like Father Tindano, he too found the cold to be a formidable opponent. The basilica was frozen during his winter experience, a sight he had never seen before.
Despite the challenges, both priests have persevered. Father Kitoko, for instance, could not wear gloves during his winter experience due to the impression it would give to the parishioners. This led to a particularly challenging Christmas, as he struggled to hold the chalice and turn the pages of the missal due to the cold.
The winter experiences of these two African priests have been compared, highlighting the unique challenges they face in their new environment. Adapting to a much colder climate, dealing with potential cultural and social isolation, and navigating linguistic and liturgical differences are just a few of the hurdles they have had to overcome.
While more detailed accounts of their experiences are reserved for subscribers, these challenges align with broader known issues faced by clergy and immigrants adapting to new cultural and environmental contexts in Europe. Support structures such as diocesan mentorship, community organizations, and cultural orientation programs are essential to help overcome these challenges.
As Father Tindano and Father Kitoko continue to navigate their first winter in France, their stories serve as a reminder of the resilience and determination of those who embark on new journeys. Their experiences also highlight the importance of support and understanding in helping newcomers integrate and thrive in their new homes.
Father Tindano, in his new home-and-garden in Sézanne, France, has embraced an outdoor-living lifestyle, observing the changing seasons with keen interest. Despite the initial shock of the cold winter, he looks forward to adopting a lifestyle that harmonizes with his new environment, just as Father Kitoko did.
