By Fr. Chris Mapunda, SJ
Greetings from Paul Miki Jesuit Community!
It is almost a month since my arrival in Molo. As a community, we are immensely grateful to the Franciscan Brothers for giving us a house at Baraka Agricultural College as we are looking forward to starting the construction of the Jesuit House. I am equally grateful to Fr. Marandu who has introduced me to the local community. We have been privileged to host the proposed Hekima University (PHU) team (Dr. Odomaro Mubangizi, SJ, Gerald Kway, SJ and David Mosi) who accompanied Prof. Tad Gonsalves, SJ who came to train the youths in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Currently, we are looking forward to hosting ten PHU Jesuits for a 3-day meeting that is scheduled to start on Monday, September 2nd until Thursday, September 5th 2024.
The weather has been so cold with a lot of rain and misty mornings. The sun was a precious commodity in the past two weeks. Fortunately, the community house has a fireplace; otherwise, the cold is unbearable. Ukarimu Retreat Center, run by Incarnate Word Sisters, was flooded for three days. The water from the hills flooded the downstairs rooms plus the kitchen. On the first day, the sisters cleaned the mud in the flooded rooms, unfortunately, the following day the place was once again flooded after a heavy rain; subsequently, the third day.
Our role as a community is to build a strong foundation for PHU. However, we ought to know the door to enter. In one month, I realized that the local community is generous and welcoming. Our role is to respect and uphold the local culture and customs. One day, I had a conversion with an old mama from Baraka to Molo town. In our conversation, I told her that I was a Jesuit priest and she was so excited. Two days later, she brought some beans and a chicken to the house as a symbol of good neighborliness. At the moment, I try my best to be involved with the local Church, helping the parish priest to celebrate Sunday masses at the outstations that are close to us. Last Sunday, I went to three outstations: Holy Family, St. Francis, and St. Peter. That is the best way to reach out to people and make ourselves known. I have also joined the Franciscan football team: to keep fit and reach out to the youth. There is a lot planned for the youths and the local community.
