We had finished the catechism, when one of the faithful of our Church asked me to come his home. The houses of the indigenous people of Madagascar are 2m x 3m straw huts, where parents are literally stacked in together with their young children: usually three or four in number, but often - many times more.

The wife of the man who had invited me had given birth about ten days ago. In this case, the whole family had been baptised. I asked them how they were managing as it concerned money; they told me that they often went hungry. I knew that people in this area were engaged in livestock farming, so I asked them if they had oxen. The man replied that they had about twenty, but they belonged to the woman's father, who had passed away. Custom required that before the funeral, all animals belonging to the deceased had to be slaughtered: these were then either sold to cover the funeral expenses or offered as food to acquaintances and relatives. Because of the sale of this asset (often the sole asset of many families), the whole family was now left with absolutely nothing; consequently, the family was reduced to poverty and deprivation - lacking even the most necessary things. Unfortunately, this is the custom of these people. So much so that any attempt to discredit or abolish this custom will be met with outcry, from near and afar, from the people of this society.

At such a time of need, assisting a destitute mother and father with six hungry children is something relatively easy and worthy. Changing these taboos and customs, unfortunately, torments the people. How easily could this be achieved even by the most experienced and charismatic missionary?