A time of grace

Accompanying young men on the way to priesthood was part of a heart changing seven-year mission journey in Malawi

By Mary Olenick
September/October 2010

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Scarboro missioner Mary Olenick in Malawi with Edmond Nyoka, her former student who is now an ordained deacon. Mary returned to Canada and is the coordinator of Scarboro’s Lay Mission Office.

In 2003, as a Scarboro lay missioner in Malawi, I was asked by Fr. Longwe, Director of Christ the King Formation Centre, to help his students improve their English language skills and teach them life skills. The Centre is the first step in their studies for priesthood. At first I was apprehensive because I am not a teacher, but it turned out to be a very rewarding experience.

Edmond Nyoka was in the first class that I taught. He was a quiet, gentle person who at times seemed to be carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. I knew right away that Edmond and I were going to be friends.

He is from a very large family, the fifth oldest of 11 children (five boys and six girls) and has a twin sister, Modester. He is very close to his family and often shared with me his feelings of frustration and helpless-ness that he wasn’t able to help them more with the health problems and poverty that they lived with daily. I admired his faith in God and the love and dedication he had for his family.

I thought that the most valuable gift I could give Edmond and his classmates both at the Formation Centre and when they went to the Major Seminary was to be their support. They wrote to me (and some still do) venting their frustrations, difficulties, uncertainties as well as sharing their moments of joy. I, in turn tried to be a good listener, to encourage them, and to pray for them and their needs.

Edmond and other deacon candidates at their ordination. Malawi, May 2010.

Edmond told me that ever since he was a young boy he always wanted to become a priest. In May of this year, he and three of his classmates from my first class at the Formation Centre were ordained as Deacons. It’s been a long hard struggle for them but they are on the home stretch.

I will always treasure the gift that Edmond and his classmates gave to me—a Malawian name. Names are chosen with much thought and great care in Malawi. They honored me with the name Chisomo which means Grace.

My seven years in Malawi were a very heart changing time. I was blessed in so many ways: I was stretched and challenged, and I felt loved. The Malawians taught me the value of living a simple life. I thank God for all the people who became part of my life there and still are even though we’re an ocean apart.

Edmond and other deacon candidates at their ordination. Malawi, May 2010.

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