A Warm Farewell for Fr. Peter Otieno, SJ
By Fr. Odomaro Mubangizi, SJ
18th September, 2024 was an ordinary day at Loyola House. Loyola Small Christian Community (LSCC) comprised of religious and laity who regularly attend mass at Loyola House converged at Loyola House Chapel to celebrate a thanksgiving mass for Fr. Peter Otieno who is moving to his new mission. By 5:00 PM the devout “parishioners” were already seated at the Loyola Chapel. As Shakespeare said: “parting is such a sweet sorrow.” Fr. Peter presided over the mass and announced that it was indeed a thanksgiving mass and selected special readings for that purpose. In his moving homily, he emphasized how for St. Ignatius ingratitude is the greatest sin. He used the Gospel of ten lepers to explain the theme of gratitude. He appreciated the congregants who have been part of his journey of faith, and inspired him in many ways: regular attendance at mass, active participation at mass, and most especially for having supported him and prayed for him when he was battling with cancer.
In his final remarks after mass, he informed LSCC that he had been missioned to teach at Arrupe Jesuit University in Zimbabwe. However, before heading to Zimbabwe he would first go to India for his medical review, and also have a three-month Sabbatical in South Africa, while preparing for his classes. He extended an invitation to LSCC to visit him in Harare.
Mr. Charles, who serves as the Chairperson of LSCC, gave a word of appreciation after mass, and invited the congregants for refreshments and speech-giving ceremony. Speaker after speaker gave eloquent testimony of Fr. Peter’s humility. Other speakers gave moving testimonies of how Fr. Peter has been very hospitable, welcoming, warm-hearted, available and consistent in his availability. As speeches went on refreshments were served to all who were present.
Speeches kept flowing, with an opening disclaimer from each speaker saying that they fully agreed with previous speakers about Fr. Peter’s virtues. Several speakers reiterated the plan to visit Fr. Peter in Harare or South Africa. One speaker who prefers anonymity said that while it was painful to see Fr. Peter move on to Zimbabwe, it was in order that his goodness should also be shared by other people. Fr. Deshi Ramadhan who had travelled all the way from Malindi to grace the occasion also spoke eloquently about Fr. Peter’s unique human qualities, love, compassion and empathy. One “Parishioner” shared a testimony for the first time about her condition with cancer, and praised God who does miracles, and wished Fr. Peter full recovery, and emphasized that God does wonders.
Fr. Andrew Rusatsi who had served as a special photojournalist for the event on behalf of Loyola Associated Press, singled out Fr. Peter’s humility and availability as a superior.
Other speakers focussed on Fr. Peter’s rare gift of friendship expressed through an ever-smiling face and generous hugs. Others mentioned his regular animation of mass, and his special place at Loyola Chapel.
As the celebration was about to end the Superior of Loyola Community Fr. Anyanzu arrived. Visibly happy and in a jubilant mood, he also gave a speech thanking all who had come to celebrate the farewell party of Fr. Peter. He also reiterated Fr. Peter’s excellent leadership qualities.
As soon as Fr. Anyanzu was done with his speech, Fr. Kizito Kiyimba, AOR Provincial accompanied by some high profile Jesuits, also arrived. In his characteristic humour, he addressed the gathering, and praised the charm, warmth, and apostolic availability of Fr. Peter. He pointed to the large crowd of guests as testimony of Fr. Peter’s singular charisma and charm. He amused the guests by mentioning that Fr. Peter’s friends in Harare were already warming up for parties to welcome him. Fr. Kizito went on to explain how Fr. Peter had done an excellent job as a delegate for formation, and that he will continue to perform that job in Harare in addition to teaching philosophy. He wondered how Fr. Peter manages to do all his duties and still live a celebratory life. “This must be a rare” gift, he said. Fr. Kizito was tasked to give Fr. Peter the gifts that LSCC had prepared. At the end he asked Fr. Peter to kneel for a special prayer, by invoking the Spirit in song: -“May the Spirit of the Lord come down…” as the guests joined the joyful song.
Indeed, this was an animated celebration, befitting a person who has spent several years serving at Loyola House, animating LSCC, and all with joy and hospitality. Loyola Associated Press wishes Fr. Peter Otieno best of luck in his next mission.
