Deaf Catholics in South Africa deserve better says priest

A Priest ministering to deaf and hearing-impaired people across Southern Africa has called for assistance, particularly from Catholics, to boost the quality and outreach of his apostolate.

Mariannhill Missionary Father John Turner, who is himself hearing-impaired, has driven the ministry from the time of his ordination in 1979. Although he has managed to spread it from Mariannhill, KwaZulu-Natal, to Durban, Zululand, Johannesburg, Springs, Hammanskraal, Cape Town and Swaziland, he feels there is a limit to what he can do.

	Mass with Fr. John Turner in Mariannhill, South Africa
	© Fr. Andreas Rohring CMM

   

He said most South African  Catholics and parishes are seemingly unaware of the needs of their deaf fellow parishioners. There are precious few sign-based facilities available to them, which effectively cuts them off from the hearing Catholic world, Fr Furner said. Deaf Catholics feel the lack of people such as Catechism teachers.

Fr Turner said that there are about 400 000 deaf people in South Africa. Of these around 80 000 deaf school leavers have not gone beyond primary school; less than half of all deaf people in the country have matriculated.

Fewer than 2 000 deaf people are spiritually cared for; 95 % are not ministered to. The Church must accept its share of responsibility for this, said Fr Turner.

He said that the negligence of the authorities is symptomatic of a society that marginalises the deaf community.

Bible societies around the world have had their teaching kits translated for special needs and Fr Turner hopes to be able to afford more of these resources. This would allow him to send materials to institutions and individuals across the country, enabling them to spread the Word among the deaf.

“It would be tremendous if the kingdom of God were to grow so much more among deaf communities,” said Fr Turner.

“The need is so great. And I would like people to be more aware of their brothers and sisters who exist in a world of silence, and need to access resources in a different way.”

If you would like to contribute to the deaf apostolate contact: South-Africa - (031-700 3018/4288 (tel.), (031)700 3113 (fax) or sms 073 445 7720