VIRIDITAS: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Although it may sound funny, one thing I am grateful for is the reality that I am a Christian, a Catholic and a Marianist. For whether my work be in the social development programs in the slums of Nairobi; or being a Christian witness to the Muslim area of Mombasa; or in the Philippines; Haiti; China or Cincinnati, there I can also find my fellow brothers and Catholics. Wherever I am missioned, all around the world there are Christians welcoming me, Catholic churches embracing me and Marianists opening the door for me.
I do not find difficulty in being in so many diverse places. Whereas some may call them challenges, there are no challenges in my life, just opportunities to meet and to learn more from. I easily adapt to cultures and am fortunate to have never fallen sick. Food is no problem as anything that can go to the stomach is good enough for me. And just knowing that God’s spirit is everywhere — in my small village, my small town, my small country and wherever I go — is something I really appreciate. God is worldwide.
When I was young, my parents educated my siblings and I on how to reach out in small ways, beyond our neighbors, our little school and village. They wanted us to build on our areas of knowledge, to grow more and embrace all. For example, in high school I was the only boy from my area to ever go to that school. When I got a job as a civil servant after school, I was the only person outside the village who was working in civil service.
I have a passion for the world, for people and the way they do things, and for the environment and nature. I really feel enriched and benefitted by moving out and reaching beyond. For example, I spent a bit of time in China. What touched me there was when those who invited me to China asked me to go with them for a prayer session, a retreat. I was taken to the sanctuary of St. Francis Xavier. There I saw numerous Christians kneeling and praying. It was so humbling to be asked to join them and so moving to be a witness to their faith.
There are two dimensions to my prayer: meditation and what is known as popular. Through reading and reflecting on the Scriptures, I learn to see my experiences through Christ’s. Through his example, I learn to be more like him and to go and do the same good. As an African, when I hear prayer in sound, as in the drums, many things come to my mind and lift my spirit up. The rhythm of the drums is also a meditation. I can feel the presence of God in me.
God created everyone with the intention for all to do good. Every day, every person, every opportunity for me is a door open to celebrate life. Every moment is a prayer.
Brother Peter Kiama-Maina is a member of the Marianist Order from Kenya. He arrived in Honolulu two months ago and is the IT (information technology) technician at St. Louis School. He is 26 years professed.
