Most of us have our own traditions for New Year’s Eve. Whether it be gathering with friends and
family to celebrate, quietly spending time at home or even braving the crowds
in Time Square, we mark the passing of one year into the next, thanking God for
His blessings in the last year and asking for His guidance in the coming one.
It is no different in the missions. Over the holidays, I heard from many mission
friends wishing me and my family God’s blessings in the New Year. One email in particular stood out.
It came from Fr. Leo Tinkatumire, PhD, (I tease him – does
that make him Father Doctor or Doctor Father? He solemnly assures me he is a
priest first!). Father hails from the Archdiocese of Mbarara, Uganda and was
home for the New Year’s celebration for the first time in thirteen years.
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| Fr. Leo Tinkatumire, PhD and Maureen Crowley Heil at the Pastoral Center |
First as a student, then as the Coordinator for his
Archdiocesan Mission Co Operative program here in the United States, Fr. Leo
had been living in Chicago until last October – a world away in culture and
weather from his home in southwestern Uganda. Father wrote of his family’s New
Year’s Eve party in Mbarara and sent a message to our whole mission family.
“With much love I bring to you 2013 blessings from the
Archdiocese of Mbarara, Uganda. 2012 was ended well and 2013 was received with
love and prayers. After many years, I got an opportunity to start it with my
family; both my parents, nieces and nephews. My siblings are all in their own
homes. We had a sacrifice of Mass and then made a fire outside the house to
wait for the countdown. Since we do not have electricity or TV, we sang
religious songs, roasted fresh corn on the fire and kept vigil. Ten minutes to
midnight, we started the song to Mother Mary, clapped to welcome 2013 and
recited the Luminous Mysteries of the rosary. It was quite an experience after
13 years in USA where the New Year is marked with fireworks and other advanced
ways.”
Father Leo could have been speaking for all those in the
missions who have benefited from your prayerful, generous gifts in 2012 when he
said, “Once again, know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers all the
time. I thank God for what you are to me. Kindly pass on my 2013 blessings to
all family, friends.”
May 2013 be a blessing to you, your family and our One Family in Mission.
-Maureen Crowley Heil
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Father Leo will visit us next week. We have been helping with building schools and supplies for a few years now. We are excited for his visit.
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