Inside this issue:
The Vincentian Mission In Kenya
Leadville, Colorado ...Revisited!
African Novices Find A Home In St. Louis
Also visit:
African Novices Find A Home In St. Louis
Contributed by Rev. Barry Moriarty, CM
Pictured (top left to right) are novices Alex Isonga, John Musolo, Moses Masibo and, (bottom left to right) Ignatius Mukanzi, Lazarus Kirigia, and George Mwangi.
We are pleased to introduce you to the six east African novices who are making their seminary year at the Vincentian residence in St. Louis. They were received into the community at the Provincial Assembly on June 17, 2003. They will remain in the States until next June when they will all return to DePaul Centre in Kenya to continue their theological studies at Tangaza College in Nairobi. Below are their comments about their time here thus far:
George Mwangi Komo was born and raised
in Central Kenya and is the fourth child of four brothers and one sister.
"Among other things I'm involved in this year is my weekly apostolate
at St. Patrick's Center in downtown St. Louis where we assist the homeless
of the City with food and other basic necessities. I've enjoyed every
bit of my novitiate experience and I thank God for this opportunity,"
he shares.
Ignatius Mukanzi is from the Western
province of Kenya and a member of the Luhya tribe. He grew up helping
his parents to farm. He comments, "A friend of mine who attended Christ
the Ming Major Seminary told me about the Vincentians and that's how I
joined them in January 1999. This year in the internal seminary has helped
me deepen my experience of what it means to be a Vincentian. The classes,
the apostolic reflection meetings and the study of the Constitutions have
help me grow in the Spirit of St. Vincent."
Alex Isonga comes from the north-eastern
part of Uganda. "The work at St. Patrick's Center with the homeless has
helped me to understand the American experience of poverty in contrast
to the poverty in east Africa. I pray that Almighty God will continue
to guide our Vincentian mission to evangelize the poor in east Africa,"
he states.
Lazarus Kirimi Kirigia was born in Meru
Kenya. "When I thought about studying for the priesthood, I joined a Benedictine
Monastery in Kenya, but it did not take long for me to realize that monastic
life was not for me. It was during my fourth month there that I read the
story of Saint Vincent de Paul and I was hooked. One thing led to another
and I was accepted to join the formation program in the Congregation of
the Mission," Lazarus shared. "I've never regretted the decision I made,"
he concludes.
John Musolo Ochola was born 29 years
ago into a polygamous family of 16 children. He states, "I came into contact
with the Vincentians at Christ the King Major Seminary in Nyeri. Since
coming to the United States, I have enjoyed every moment of this program.
My knowledge of the Congregation has grown tremendously from the days
of the Provincial Assembly through the classes we have throughout the
week. Seeing confreres go about their work and interacting with them adds
to my understanding of apostolate in the Congregation and the value of
community living."
Moses Masibo comes from the western part
of Kenya. "Apart from studies and prayer, I have been working as a volunteer
at Guardian Angel Settlement where I assist in the food and clothes store,"
Moses states. "Recently, I was asked by the director of the senior program
to give a talk to them about my life and experience in Kenya. I am happy
with the program and with the people I encounter every day," he concluded.
Vincentian is published bimonthly by the Midwest and Southern Provinces of the Congregation of the Mission, the Vincentian Priests and Brothers, to promote the apostolic works of its members and those of the larger Vincentian Family.
Congregation of the Mission, Vincentian
Attn: News Editor
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Earth City, MO 63045
phone: 314-344-1184
fax: 314-344-2989
email: info@vincentian.org
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