Having served in East Africa for many years the sight of Kilimanjaro has always captured my imagination. As one passes by in a vehicle on the warm plains below Mt. Kilimanjaro emerges from the clouds to display its snow-capped peak. It is so enormous, so beautiful and so majestic. This photo was taken by me from a plane. You see clearly the two peaks of Kilimanjaro, Mawenzi and Kibo, and in the far upper left corner Mt. Meru some thirty miles away. The sight not only creates a sense of awe but also instills in me a sense of adventure.
Imagination, excitement and adventure, three qualities essential for a missionary vocation. We are sending you this newsletter because you have indicated an interest in becoming a missionary priest or Brother. I know that looking to the future and contemplating what God has planned for you can bring some anxiety with it. But one still needs to move forward taking deliberate steps through prayer, reception of the Eucharist, spiritual direction, the counsel of friends and family and even some volunteer service that can nourish the possibility of embracing such a vocation.
With the coronavirus pandemic affecting every living man, woman and child in the world we can be challenged in our faith and hopes in life. Perhaps we can find both solace and strength in St. Paul’s letter to the Romans: “For those who love God all things work together for good.” As always we look forward to hearing from you: Fr. Mike Snyder (vocation@maryknoll.org), Fr. Joe Donovan (jdonovan@maryknoll.org), Fr. Rodrigo Ulloa-Chavarry (rulloa@maryknoll.org) and Mr. Greg Darr (gdarr@maryknoll.org)
