Malindi, Kenya – St. Francis Xavier Parish, Kisumu Ndogo, was filled with joy as parishioners, fellow priests, and family members from the Netherlands gathered to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the priestly ordination of Fr. Albert Buijs, MHM.
As missionaries, we are always ready to be sent wherever the need is greatest. Even so, many have their own hopes about where they might serve. Some are inspired by stories shared by other missionaries, while others are drawn to places known to be especially challenging.
When Fr. Albert, who was born in the Netherlands, joined the Mill Hill Missionaries, he had hoped to be sent to Borneo. Instead, after his ordination in 1966, he was appointed to Kenya. Sixty years later, he is still happily serving the people of Kenya.
His journey is a reminder that missionary appointments are not disappointments. Rather, they often reveal God’s gentle sense of humour and His greater plan for those who follow His call. Few could have imagined—perhaps not even Fr. Albert himself—that the place he never requested would become the place he would faithfully serve for six decades.
My first visit to Malindi happened to coincide with this special celebration. The occasion brought together parishioners, friends, fellow missionaries, and members of Fr. Albert’s family who travelled from the Netherlands to share in this milestone.
During his many years in Kenya, Fr. Albert served in several mission areas in the Diocese of Kisii before moving to Malindi, where he now serving at St. Francis Xavier Parish, Kisumu Ndogo, with Fr. Alex Kimbi, Fr. Patrick Ndzedzeni and Aloysius Yiga, MEP student and the FMSJ Sisters.
The parish community expressed its gratitude for Fr. Albert’s faithful service and dedication over the past 60 years. We wish Fr. Albert Buijs continued good health and many more blessings as he carries on serving the people of Malindi.
