My journey towards the missionary life started in 2007. I was still at Lodwar High School when I first encountered real missionaries. That is when the whole idea of missionary life began to take shape in me.
My encounter with Fr. Francis Teo in 2007 was when the seed of a vocation was planted in me. It all began as a friendship that grew day by day and helped shape my vocation as a missionary today and this decision to journey towards the priesthood which I am walking along now.
In 2009 after finishing high school studies, Fr. Francis extended his invitation to me to join him at St. Augustine Cathedral, Lodwar. He was the Rector of the Cathedral at the time. Living with the priests of the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle (MCSPA) helped me to see life from a different perspective. I was 19 years old then, and I started asking myself so many questions to which I could not find answers!
I was born in the western part of Kenya near an agricultural town. From there, I moved to Turkana to study. I never really experienced much hardship, at least nothing compared to the challenges that I faced later in the semi-desert of Turkana. Though born and raised in a Catholic family, it never occurred to me that one day I would journey on this missionary life.
Life in the semi-desert of Turkana was a very big challenge for me. Though I am Kenyan, I found it hard to cope up with that and I always wished to return to my hometown. However, I asked myself, “How I could look away from the same people of my country while here was someone who had come from very far and has committed all his life for them?”
This kept on ringing in my head and I felt that I could do something about it. And the way I figured would be for me to be part of the missionary community and do my little part.
My life with Fr. Francis and other priests of the Missionary Community of St. Paul the Apostle who were then residing at the St. Augustine Cathedral was a learning experience. I remember Fr. Manuel Hernandez and Fr. Angel Valdivia with whom we shared much time together. Together with Fr. Francis, they helped me mature in my vocation.
Accompanying Fr. Francis for masses to the outstations of the Cathedral Parish and helping to attend to the lines of people who came looking for help at the Cathedral, instilled in me a sense of service. This was part of the whole conversion process that I was undergoing deep within me.
I got exposed to other missions of the MCSPA. Thus I learned many things from the priests and other missionaries. I also learned to love. This was the most interesting part of my vocation. Learning first-hand from the missionaries was one big adventure!
I remember meeting the founder of our community, Fr. Paco, who made an instant impact in my life. From the first encounter with him, I saw a father figure in him. The love and care he showed at the first meeting was something that left me wondering what on earth did he see in me! He encouraged me to search for what would give me real happiness.
In 2012, there were some changes and new plans. Fr. Francis was on his sabbatical and he was to venture into Asia. I left with Fr. Francis to the Philippines where we started, from scratch, to slowly establish our house of study in Metro Manila.
The same year, together with other apprentices, I started philosophy studies at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. I also registered in a language school for Spanish. We also got involved in, very practical ways, with outreach at the slums of central Manila, at Parola. This also played a big part in the journey of discovery in my life as young missionary.
Nine years have gone by and I find my life changing and the zeal to serve as a missionary increasing. I think I have found my vocation and reason for my happiness, and I look forward to this missionary life.
Now I am in the second part of studies towards the priesthood. I have started theology studies at Loyola School of Theology in Metro Manila. I pray that through God’s grace, the work the Lord began in me on the day I said “Yes!” to this call may be accomplished in His time.
Brian Werunga, MCSPA.
