We asked some Maryknoll Missioners this question: What made you consider the missionary Priesthood or Brotherhood? Here are some of the answers:
Adventure! I wanted to serve the poorest of the poor like Christ through healing, preaching, and teaching. I love to travel and experience new cultures. I wanted to experience God’s presence in new parts of the world. – Fr. Shaun Crumb (serving in China)
Fr. Shaun Crumb in China
The call to serve the poor was coupled with an inspiration from reading about European Jesuit priests in the history of the US who crossed cultures to work with Native Americans. – Fr. Lam Hua (serving in Tanzania)
Fr. Lam Hua in Tanzania
Growing up in upstate NY I attended Catholic grade school and high school. Mission was very much a part of my early years. My diocese (Ogdensburg) had a mission in Mollendo, Peru. The Ursuline Sister who taught me in grade school and high school spoke of their mission commitments in Asia and my Uncle Donat’s brother was a missionary priest in central Africa. The charism of Brotherhood was deeply rooted in me through the life of Brother Andre Bessette (now Saint Andre) from Montreal. Br. Wayne Fitzpatrick (serving in the U.S.)
Br. Wayne (upper left) with Ogdensburg lifetime friend who served in Mollendo, Peru, Fr. Dan Chapin and Family
My calling to the priesthood came first. After discerning that the Lord was calling me to serve Him as a priest, I learned about the many ways priests work throughout the world. The idea of traveling the world, having all sorts of adventures, learning new languages, and working with people throughout Latin America, Asia, and Africa was incredibly appealing. Once I put these two callings together, I found my vocation! Fr. Peter Latouf (serving in Hong Kong)
Classmates – Frs. Peter Latouf & Daniel Kim with their parents on ordination day
I was born and raised in a traditional Catholic household so priesthood as a viable “career option” was supported and encouraged throughout my upbringing. My calling to the ministry of the priesthood became increasing apparent as I approached adulthood and I began to explore deeper into the various expressions of this holy ministry. I first consulted my parish priest about the diocesan life and even attended a few diocesan sponsored vocation encounters and groups. However, after careful prayer and reflection, I came to the realization that diocesan priesthood was not my calling. Through this discernment process I discovered a strong passion within me to step beyond the confines of my cultural context and engage the richness and vastness of Holy Spirit that is woven in the diverse fabrics of the various cultures that blankets this Globe. In other words, the idea of living and serving as an itinerant missioner greatly appealed to me and found that this desire was deeply embedded into my being. Fr. Daniel Kim (serving in Hong Kong)
