Where we Work
What we Do
What would you like to share about your background / history / motivation that brought you to mission in Africa?
I loved the farm, but was attracted to the seminary (Diocesan) one year after my brother Peter entered the seminary at St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee. I raised money for the missions, went to a mission convention at Notre Dame, and joined Maryknoll after 2 other seminarians preceded me. I was drawn to help the poor and unevangelized in a foreign country. My desire was only for Africa, in particular Tanganyika. When I heard the Sukuma language in a talk I knew that I wanted to learn it.
In your own mind, what are some of the highlights of your missionary
career in Africa, your successes, your adventures, your greatest joys?
My greatest joy has been to preside at mass on several occasions, but especially the reception of the Jubilee Crucifix at St. Peter church Nkololo. The Holy Spirit took over and the church rocked with over 1000 fully participating.
The construction of a 14 Mile road to the then remote isolated area of Nkololo, near the Serengeti has opened up the area to commerce, medical care, ambulance service and has made evangelization easier. The education of girls Secondary and beyond is close to my heart. Building is difficult work but I do it because it has to be done.
What are some of the insights gained through your life / perspective as an American Catholic missioner in Africa that you'd like to share with the world?
The values we learn from people are different although not obvious until one goes back to the states, priority of consensus, keeping peace in the family and village, children-infants always being near to or with someone. I an amazed at the abilities people have for learning carpentry, driving, mechanics, medical, computer etc. When they grew up in homes and villages devoid of any of these things by which they could have learned.
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