Annual Meeting of the Africa Region at the Maryknoll Society House in Nairobi, Kenya from 15 to 17 January, 2018. Presently there are 19 Maryknollers in the Africa Region. Kenya District — 9 (Kenya – 4; South Sudan – 2; Uganda – 2; and Rome, Italy – 1). Tanzania District – 10.

The Maryknoll Society of Priests and Brothers was missioned to Africa two years before the Sisters. However, I think the first association with  in Tanzania was made at the same time by the Fathers, Brothers and Sisters. In 1944 Bishop” Joseph Blomjous, M.Afr. of the Missionaries of Africa (formerly the White Fathers), whose diocese took in a good portion of western Tanzania, came to Maryknoll to ask for help. Rome had already given its consent for this large area to be divided with another missionary group if such was available.

In those far off days it was customary for someone from the seminary, usually Father General if he was home, to come over to the convent-on Sunday morning and give the Sisters a conference. On this particular Sunday he brought Bishop Blomjous along and we heard all about Tanzania and the work of the various mission societies and congregations there. Many of us were ready to go with no hesitation. At least it was something to dream about, especially if you were eligible for a mission assignment.

(more…)