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My most recent assignment in Africa took place in the city of Dar es Salaam on the shores of the Indian Ocean where I served as Catholic chaplain at the national medical university.  Out of a student body of 1600, 800 were Catholic.  We enjoyed a vibrant Catholic community. The university was adjacent to the large national hospital that had 1200 beds.  In addition to serving the needs of my students, I also occasionally visited patients in the wards.  I would bring them Holy Communion and the sacrament of the sick.  So often, these people were in great discomfort and pain.  Patients could wait days, even weeks for the results of testing (blood, X-ray, whatever).  The hospital was so overcrowded. But, it never failed.  Whenever I visited and patients received the sacraments they would smile and, at least for a few brief moments their bodies would relax and the pain would seem to cease.

One year, on the feast of Corpus Christi, it had been a busy day.  In Tanzania there is not only Mass on this day, but a long procession outside carrying the Blessed Sacrament.  I wasn’t able to leave church until dusk and just as I was leaving some students came asking if I could visit one of the wards where an elderly woman had asked that morning to receive Communion on this special feast day.  So, off we went.  We entered the ward; visiting hours were over so things were very quiet.  Patients were settling in for sleep.  The woman I came to visit was sitting on the bed.  She was an elderly slight woman with silver hair, the image of a typical Tanzanian grandmother.  She had fallen at home and broken her hip.  When she saw me coming from the distance she raised her voice: “I knew you would come.  Today is the feast of the Holy Eucharist and I knew that you would bring me Jesus.”  She began to sing an old song (originally a Latin song translated into Swahili) about the Body & Blood of Christ.  I gave her Communion and suddenly many of the patients in the ward asked to receive.  Despite all of their problems and discomfort, there was so much joy in the ward during this precious moment as everyone sang and rejoiced.

We Catholics talk about the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.  I can testify to this through the many experiences in Tanzania where I witnessed Jesus’ presence in the faces of people like this old grandmother.

ABOUT MARYKNOLL

We are a Catholic Society of priests and brothers based in the United States. We are dedicated to missionary work overseas in over 20 countries. Additionally, we animate Catholics in the United States to follow their own baptismal call to share God’s compassion and love with the poor, the sick, and all those in need.

OUR GENERAL COUNCIL

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Fr. Lance P. Nadeau, Fr. James M. Lynch, Fr. Timothy O. Kilkelly, Fr. Juan Montes Zúñiga)

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers is overseen by our General Council, led by Superior General Rev. Lance P. Nadeau, M.M.

OUR FOUNDERS

L-R Tom O'Brien, Ray Finch, Joe Everson, Russ Feldmeier

(Our Co-Founders Father Price and Father Walsh)

PLACES WE SERVE

EVANGELIZATION, PARISHES, AND PROJECTS

USA

STORIES OF MISSION

(Africa) Education and Formation of African Clergy

The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers Africa Region will provide tuition assistance to African clergy, male and female religious at institutes of higher education or specialized training. Read More

Stories of Our Global Mission

The calling of a lifetime

The life of a Maryknoll missioner is challenging, fulfilling, and deeply rewarding. Follow your baptismal call to mission by sharing God’s compassion with the poor, the sick, and people most in need.

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