What would you like to share about your background / history / motivation that brought you to mission in Africa?

I worked in the Mid-East before joining Maryknoll. Egypt was the only Mid-East option so I requested it for overseas training, post ordination and post Society service. Egypt offers the chance the witness 5000 years of human civilization, 2000 years of church history while having an active role in the future of both in the 21st century. Egypt and her people are at the crossroads of three cultures (African, European and Asian) and three religious (Islam, Christianity and Judaism). Egypt is the hinge pin of Mid-East peace and it’s a real challenge to accompany Egyptians as they anxiously step into the unknown.
 

In your own mind, what are some of the highlights of your missionary career in Africa, your successes, your adventures, your greatest joys?

Being part of formation and education of Egypt's Coptic Catholic priests. Working at a school for Palestinian refugees in Cairo as the only American and Christian out of 250 students and staff. Living in one of Egypt's few Christian villages and focusing on Youth.  Attending the Pope's mass and the Ecumenical Meeting during the 1st visit of a Catholic Pope ever to Egypt. Spending the last 3 weeks of the Gulf War in Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Helping to build a Home for Mentally Handicapped Children in Cairo. Visiting foreign prisoners in Egyptians prisons as both an individual and as a representative of the Vatican.

Children's Home during construction phase		Children's Home now completed (2004)
		Clicking the photo above will open a larger version

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?

Good, devout Christians, Muslims and Jews can dialogue using the language of spirituality "even if theology" drives them apart. That the Eastern Rites of the Catholic Church contribute to the beauty, richness and depth of the church and need to be learned about. There are at last two sides to the Arab-Israeli issue, both need to be learned from each side, and the truth sought after somewhere in the middle. Unfortunately, Americans normally only believe the Israeli side.

Douglas's Education Ministry            Doug's Specialized Ministry             Douglas's Biography

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