It is with joy that I remember some of the experiences I have had in Kenya years ago. Then and now. . . what difference is there? Plenty. I have been enriched. I look back with fondness and recalling what I have experienced then, the friendships I have gained, and the many faithful Catholics I have met, I know how much I have been blessed. Thank God! Ungrateful wretch that I am, I had wondered why the trips I was making in those years were always to the ‘poor’ countries. Little did I realise how much the good Lord wanted me to see Him in His anawim. My Lord, have mercy! Today, having moved downward myself, I can see how blessed the poor really are. The word of God says so, and it is true. It is true, dear friends.

As I gaze upon some of these photos, prayer comes easily to me. I wish to thank God for all missionaries in the world. Undoubtedly the world today has become very small, but man took giant steps before distance could be so easily covered.

Looking at these photos, I thank God for the gift of the Catholic Church. I thank God for the communion of saints, for some of these people have left us. They have returned to the Lord. Look at the Italian nuns. At that time they were already in their 80s and 90s. Not long afterwards I had news that all of them had returned to the Lord. Our meeting was about sixteen years ago. These young ladies, these children. . .  where are they now? They were so full of life. It took so little to make them smile, to laugh and to rejoice. All it took was a smile to invite another from them. It warms my heart to recall these fond memories . . . I remember the long hours spent at Eucharistic celebrations. I remember the dances made. Yes, I do remember. . . And there is a photo of myself in the garden of Fr Remigius who became a hermit. Where is he now? I have no idea, but wherever he may be, I praise God for the gift of this Italian missionary. As for  my travelling companions . . .some of us have lost touch. The Indian nuns . . . one or two have gone home to the Lord too. Ah memories . . . Thank God for them. The best memory for me now is thinking how much I would have liked to give my life to the Lord when I met all those missionary nuns, and not knowing at that time that there exists such a gift as lay consecrated life. Today, I do know and I thank God all the more. Alleluia!