Celebrating a year of gifts and connections across continents.
December 30, 2024 at Bethany House, Uganda.
It has been a while since I posted something on this platform. It is a beautiful day, the last Monday of the year, just a day into 2025. As has been my practice, a day before the end of the year, I take a few hours to reflect on, and name the gifts of the year. Now, as I look back at 2024, I am grateful for the “infinitely far more” of its gifts. Here are some highlights by months.
January 2024
BLI management retreat at Bethany House, followed by BLI staff workshop at BLI.
March 2024
The partnership between BLI and REEL (Regenerative Ecologies, Economies and Livelihoods (Professor Drew Marcantonio, my colleague at ND) which saw a group of ND grad students at BLI, working with the BLI team to evaluate the first 5 year strategic plan, carry out a BLI SWOT analysis, and doing the groundwork for the next 5 year strategic plan.
May 2024
Rome: Keough School of Global Affairs celebrates 10 years of its founding: lively workshop, great time of celebration a general audience with Pope Francis, and a private tour of the Vatican Museums!
June 2024
American students in Uganda. A 3 week study abroad course on “Religion, Peace and Development” in Uganda, including a day with Boston University Students (professor Steve Pope) who are also on a study abroad trip.
The Pastoral Formation in Laudato Si program launched at Bethany Land Institute, bringing together 38 seminarians from Kampala and Kasana Luweero Diocese for a month of learning how to respond to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth.
July 2024
BLI Family Day: July 29, 2024. BLI officially welcome Bishop Lawrence Mukasa.
Strategic Planning Workshop to prepare BLI second 5 year Strategic Plan, bringing together BLI Uganda and BLI USA Board members, management, staff, caretakers, and other stakeholders. A sense of “synodality” – walking together.
November 2024
A humbling moment to be invited to address the Conference of United Methodists Bishops from around the world, on the theme of “Christian Identity” – Just on the eve of U.S national elections. Bishop Daniel W. Schwerin’s prophetic sermon is still ringing in my ears.
Please read more on this by clicking the link, https://www.umnews.org/en/news/bishops-hear-call-to-be-an-ephesians-church
November 2024
BLI first “Indaba” – Gathering: Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL (near Chicago): Looking back at the last five years of BLI; casting a vision for the next five years, and building a community of learning. Concluding with a wonderful reception and wine tasting at Dave and Mindy’s beautiful home.
Friday’s Presentation – https://www.canva.com/design/DAGVoqUrGOE/ugNWInbl6HfdpdAqTDA8Xw/edit?utm_content=DAGVoqUrGOE&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Saturday’s Presentation – https://www.canva.com/design/DAGVruYeoMY/UIBWwb_S-4z64853hukg4w/editutm_content=DAGVruYeoMY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
December 2024
A Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope: no better way to wrap up the year than this podcast conversation with John Barton of Callings, reflecting on my journey and work as a priest, professor and pilgrim. To listen to the podcast please click on the link, https://www.buzzsprout.com/1282658/episodes/16379097
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