As Philosophy students, we had the honor of meeting Fr. Anthony Musonda, an SVD missionary from Zambia who is currently working in Paraguay. He had always wanted to be a missionary priest since he was a child. Fr. Autonomy began his SVD formation program in Kabwe in 2007. The program, known as the pre-philosophy stage, lasted one year. After that, he moved to Lusaka to study philosophy at St. Bonaventure University for three years. For him, philosophy should exist to assist individuals in broadening their understanding of God.
It was encouraging for us because we are studying philosophy at St. Bonaventure University. In 2011, he went to Ghana for novitiate after finishing philosophy. His desire to explore different cultures grew stronger. Novitiate was a special year for him because it provided him with ample opportunity to reflect on himself and his vocation. He experienced the true nature of life in the congregation during his novitiate, and his mind and heart were formed in the spirit. He accomplished the following goals during his novitiate:
• He was initiated into the fundamentals of religious life.
• He was introduced to the practice of evangelical counsels.
•He was introduced to the charism of the SVD congregation.
•He was led to deeply commit himself to the congregation's apostolic activities.
•He was helped to gain a better understanding and appreciation for everything related to God's kingdom.
He went to Kenya to study theology after taking temporal vows in the novitiate. After completing the first two years of theology, he applied for the two-year OTP (Overseas Training Program). He was given the opportunity to gain pastoral experience in Paraguay. His first year was spent learning a language, and his final year was spent gaining pastoral experience. Following the OTP, he returned to Kenya to complete his final two years of theology.
In 2017, he made his final vows. He was ordained as a priest in 2018. When he returned to Paraguay for the second time as a missionary priest, he faced a language barrier. Some foods were unfamiliar to him due to the new cultural experience. In Paraguay, the official languages are Spanish and Guarani. Currently, the SVD is active in parishes and schools. Furthermore, they promote four distinct characteristic dimensions: Biblical Apostolate, Mission Animation, JPIC, and Communication.
Fr. Anthony previously served as an assistant parish priest. He is, however, currently under by the school administration. We, the students, are overjoyed to hear about Fr. Anthony Musonda’s wonderful experience. He always encouraged us to study and read the Bible. He went on to say that what you learn at St. Bonaventure University today will help you make your way in the future. You won’t be able to apply everything you have learned, but you will have a solid foundation to work from.
No comments:
Post a Comment