Fr. Nirmal, MHM, a Mill Hill Missionary from India serving in the Philippines, recently attended the Mid-life Seminar at the Mary Ward Center in Nairobi, Kenya. In this article, he shares his reflections, experiences, and the valuable lessons he learned during the two-week program, as well as his visits to local parishes and mission stations.
Dear Friends and Mill Hill Missionaries,
I am very happy to share my experience of attending the Mid-life Seminar at Mary Ward Center, Nairobi, Kenya 🇰🇪. The place is beautiful, but for those not used to cold weather, I advise you to bring jackets and pullovers.
The seminar was excellent, and I thank the General Council who worked hard to make it happen. Over two weeks, we received many valuable teachings. Some spoke directly to my life and helped me realise the areas where I need to grow. I believe it was God’s Holy Spirit guiding me and giving me strength in my weak moments.
Many of us had last met in 2019 in Manila. Back then, most of us had black hair, and now many have grey hair. But this does not mean we are getting old—it means we are growing in God’s wisdom and learning to accept life’s challenges. These challenges are really opportunities to change situations.
During my stay, we visited a nearby Mill Hill parish for Sunday Mass and lunch. The next Sunday, we enjoyed another outing and meal together. After the seminar, I travelled to Malindi, a coastal area in Eastern Kenya, for the first time. I visited the Mill Hill Sisters, parishioners, and our beloved senior missionary, Fr. Albert (“Bert”).
Now I am continuing my mission in the Philippines. Please keep me in your prayers. God bless you all.
