When one looks at vocations in Europe and northern America nowadays, vis-à-vis vocations in Africa, Asia and Latin America, one can not but see a trend of reversed mission.
However, one wonders on the other hand the motive for the daily closure of churches and parishes in Europe and northern America. The reason is often said to be the lack of personnel to man those places. But if truth be told; there is personnel in Africa, Asia and Latin America to man those areas. Why are they not being called upon to avail themselves? In the past Africa, Asia and Latin America received personnel from Europe and North America and in good numbers. Now the latter is in dire need. Why this reluctance to seek assistance from the former? I would then think the bottom line is that there is a refusal of the Church in Europe and North America to be open to the reversed nature of vocations in the Church.
Nteban Thomas Ngong, Catholic University of East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
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