What would you like to share about your background / history / motivation that brought you to mission in Africa?

Born and raised in Butte Montana, graduated from Maryknoll College with BA in Sociology and Maryknoll seminary with an M.A. and M.Div. in Theology. In 1980 after two years of study was awarded an M.A. in Sociology from the University of Dar es Salaam. I completed my PHD. in 1990 from the University of St. Michael's in Toronto, Canada.

In your own mind, what are some of the highlights of your missionary career in Africa, your successes, your adventures, your greatest joys?

My greatest joy has been being able to live and work with a variety of Tanzanians of various backgrounds and experiences. I have lived in very rural areas with Tanzanian peasant farmers. I have lived in an urban parish and am now teaching at the Government University. The happiness of the people in the face of great adversity is a tremendous source of hope.

What are some of the insights gained through your life / perspective as an American Catholic missioner in Africa that you'd like to share with the world?

The deep faith of some of the people with whom I have lived and worked has challenged me to examine my own faith and commitment. In conjunction with others that reflection has led to emphasizing a renewal in our understanding of the role of the suffering of the innocent in the salvation brought to us by Christ through the Paschal Mystery.

John's Ministry             John's Biography

Visit the Maryknollers Currently in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania