What motivates these prove souls to overcome
Fears, doubts and, oft times, it seems
Even common sense to go
No, run towards that from which most people flee?

And who are these who lay aside concern
For their own health and safety to minister
To strangers, whose only claim to assistance
Is their desperate need for hello and healing?

How is it thot despite perhaps on indifferent or
Ungrateful public, still these women and men arise
Even after little rest and no relaxation;
Ignoring death and defeat, to do and do again?

These are the very soul and conscience of our land
Who do what most dare not nor cannot comprehend
For in their selfless service more than individuals
Are saved, comforted or consoled.

For all of us, through them, are ennobled, encouraged,
Inspired and enriched beyond what we deserve
And because of these angels the human race will endure
With brighter eyes, clearer thoughts and purer hearts.

– Joe Veneroso, MM

When Maryknollers return from abroad to our Center in New York, they often bring home the characteristics and concerns of peoples they’ve come to know and love in mission. Some Maryknollers return passionate about social justice causes that improve the lives of so many faced with violence, poverty and oppression. Some Maryknollers return deeply contemplative of the interfaith and intercultural dialogue they’ve shared with others in ancient lands. It’s said of Maryknollers who return from Africa — they come home smiling.

All Maryknollers smile in a special way these days. We are “bringing home” to us in the ordination, on June 8th, of two men from Kenya — Joshua Mutende and Charles Ogony — the smiles and joy of peoples steeped in music, dance and the simple gratitude of lives that daily overcome some of the most pressing hardships the world can offer.

Joshua and Charles have journeyed through our Initial Formation Program for most of the past decade. Though eager to make final oath and be sent abroad as Maryknoll missionary priests, they have, from “Day One” as seminarians, never ceased being missioners; they have witnessed the joy of mission from their own cultures, families and personal gifts. We welcome them home to us, as life-long brothers in mission, smiling.

Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of a newly independent Ghana, remarked, “I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me.” Maryknoll candidates and members from Africa give birth to Africa within Maryknoll; to its joys, its sorrows, its passions, its sufferings; to its music, dance and sense of hospitality unique among the world’s regions. As Africa is born within us, so is Christ. Congratulations Joshua and Charles! We are blessed.

Dear friends,

Thanks for reading “Voices of Our World.” One of the questions I receive often from young adults is “Why do you stay in this vocation as priest?” Or, another way to put it, why haven’t I left?

Whenever I consider these questions, I’m reminded of wisdom shared with me by the late Maryknoll Fr. Jim Stefaniak, MM, who served many years in Peru. He counselled me that the reasons for joining missionary and religious life are not the same as those for staying.

Twenty years ago on May 13th, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, I was accepted as a Maryknoll seminarian. This month, I celebrate thirteen years as a priest, a life that has both challenged and rewarded me in ways that still surprise me. It’s occasions like these when I take time to consider my reasons now for staying. I have three — Jesus, Maryknoll, and Our Lady of Fatima. Primary of these is Jesus.

The late Jesuit superior, Pedro Arrupe, SJ, observed:

“Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in a love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the mornings; what you will do with your evenings; how you spend your weekends; what you read; who you know; what breaks your heart; and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.

Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.”

Take the love of Jesus away from me and everything crumbles. Without the mission of Maryknoll, my way forward loses direction. Without the protection of Our Lady of Fatima, I grow discouraged. All three sustain me.

My reasons for remaining a Maryknoller may, of course, change in the future. It is, nonetheless, important for someone contemplating a life of mission to have reasons to join as well as reasons that motivate one to stay. Join Maryknoll and stay with us; it is worth it!