VIRIDITAS: SOUL GREENING
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Somehow, I always wanted to be a missionary. The desire was like second nature to me. In 1994, I left Zambia and joined the Passionist order in Botswana. Since then, I have always been on the go. Studies in philosophy took me to South Africa; studies in theology brought me back to Kenya. However, I did not complete the whole course and did not know where the road would next take me, so I returned home. Back in Zambia I tried to join the diocesan priesthood, but the Bishop said, “No, Peter, you are too old to join the diocesan seminary.” I was 29 years of age then.
That is how I found myself in Hawaii 17 years ago. In Hawaii, I was considered young of age. On July 1, I will mark my third year of serving as the pastor of St. John Vianney Parish.
Being far away from home in the mission field is no problem for me. Prayer keeps me going and I adjust to people wherever I am. As St. Paul said in his letter to the Philippians 4:13, “I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.” And when times are a bit rough, as is natural; or cultural differences arise and try to discourage; or when I feel my own weaknesses stronger than my strengths, I know I can easily give up if not for Christ who strengthens me every day. I keep going because of that.
My mother has always been an inspiration to me. She is a great lover of the Blessed Mother, the Catholic Church and her family. She has done a very good job working full time in taking care of me, my three elder and six younger siblings. Every Sunday she would take us to church where we also served as altar servers.
This summer, my mom was able to come to the States for surgery due to the generosity of parishioners and her being accepted as a candidate for the medical procedure she needs to have on her back. As a priest, recently anointing my mother with the sacrament of the sick, I realized that anything you do for family, especially for your mother or father feels a bit awkward.
When my parents came for my ordination and I had my first Mass at this church and upon this altar, it was so strange to see them in the congregation. It is easier to talk to other people of the faith, not your mother who formed you in it. Yet, although it feels different in my now ministering to her, it feels good at the same time. I know my mother is proud of me, by her simply being there in my congregation.
Father Peter Miti was ordained 11 years ago. He is in his third year as pastor of St. John Vianney Parish in Enchanted Lake, Kailua. Pictured with him above are his mother Euphrasia and his niece Mercy.
