Pre-Novitiate Class Begins Formation
Men From Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria and the United States Begin Study in Hartford, Ky.

Seven men were accepted by Glenmary's Admission's Committee into the pre-novitiate program which began on Aug. 19 in Hartford, Ky. Of those seven the three U.S. citizens (Craig Digmann, Chris Gutierrez and Aaron Wessman) were able to begin the program in August. Glenmary's novitiate students likewise began their classes in July in Maple Mount, Ky. Brother David Henley, who is temporarily professed, will make his final Oath in June.

Kenyans Crispine Adongo and Benard Nyamulo arrived on Aug. 31 to begin their pre-novitiate studies; Daniel Gikuma arrived on Sept. 21. (Daniel was accepted a year ago, but could not obtain a visa until this year.) and Tim Agera, from Niegeria, arrived in January. They all have joined their counterparts and are actively taking part in classes and workshops which are part of the pre-novitiate program.

Things are going well according to pre-novitiate director Father Vic Subb. “We are getting along great,” he says. “I like that they came in waves. The first ones here helped orient Benard and Crispine. Benard and Crispine are helping Daniel. It is a good spirit.”

Father Steve Pawelk, Glenmary's vocation director, invites everyone to pray for those exploring mission ministry in the United States, particularly Glenmary’s 2005 pre-novices.

Crispine Adongo, 25, is from Ulanda, Kenya and the Diocese of Homa Bay. He is a member of the Luo tribe and the eighth of nine children. Crispine grew up farming near the Tanzania border. He experienced the challenge of being a Catholic minority during his high school years when he attended a Seventh Day Adventist sponsored school. In 2004 he graduated with a degree in philosophy from Arrupe College, Zimbabwe. For the last year he has worked with the street children of Nairobi at Charles Lwanga Boys Town.

Tim Agera, 29, is a member of the TIV tribe from Benue State, Nigeria. He grew up in a military family and is one of six children. He spent five years with the Missioners of St. Paul. He most recently has completed an advanced degree in sociology and education from the Institute of Ecumenical Studies. Almost two years ago, Tim and his family experienced the loss of personal property during a Christian/Muslim clash. Currently, Tim lives and works in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. He will arrive in the United States by the first of January. Once here, he plans to pursue priesthood.

Craig Digmann, 47, is from Scotch Grove, Iowa where he has raised his two sons, Tony and Kyle, both now adults. Craig grew up in a farm family and did farming as well for a good part of his adult life. After his divorce over 10 years ago, he went into his own business designing and selling oak hog feeders. Recently he worked as a marble cutter at a local factory. Craig has been in discernment for about five years. He made a mission trip last Thanksgiving and has visited Glenmary several times since. He has served on the parish liturgy committee and on the RCIA team. He was also a CCD instructor. For the last six years he has ministered at the local nursing home.

Daniel Gikuma, 27, lives in Eldoret, Kenya. He is a member of the Kikuyu tribe and grew up in village near Nakuru, Kenya. His is number seven of 10 children. His father passed away earlier this year and for the past month he has been attending to his mother who is ill. Daniel was accepted by Glenmary last year, but was unable to obtain a visa. He has been employed since his graduation from high school. He has also taken a course in sales and marketing and received a certificate as a computer operator from Jamco Computer College. For the last two years Daniel has operated his own photography business. He also is a part time catechist and has volunteered with Nyumbani Children’s Home for HIV infected children. Daniel will pursue brotherhood.

Chris Gutierrez, 28, was born in California, but at age nine he moved to a ranch outside of Yahualica, Jalisco, Mexico to live with his grandparents. His father and most of his siblings live in Los Angeles, Calif., where he also lived from 15–18 years old. For the last 10 years he has been in the seminary for the Diocese of San Juan de los Lagos, Jalisco, Mexico. Chris took a year out from the seminary to explore a vocation in the United States, then returned to finish his studies in Mexico. Chris has a variety of pastoral experiences from his time in the seminary. Most recently, he spent Holy Week in Waldon, Ark., with Father Neil Pezzulo. Chris plans to continue his study for priesthood.

Benard Nyamulo, 25, is from Sidindi, north of Lake Victoria in Kenya. He is a member of the Luo tribe. He is the third of seven children. After high school Benard worked with Christian Children Foundation for almost two years. He was project manager for a program to promote abstinence as a means of avoiding HIV/AIDS. His mother also has been active in Home Based Visitation of families suffering from HIV/AIDS. Benard just graduated with a degree in philosophy from the Consolata Institute of Philosophy in Nairobi. He has spent this past year as a volunteer chaplain at  Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi. Benard will pursue brotherhood.

Aaron Wessman, 23, graduated from St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minn., with a degree in mathematics. He was raised in a single parent home with his two siblings. Aaron is the middle child. The Alpha program was instrumental in his faith journey. Two years ago he met Father Jerry Dorn. Their friendship has helped him choose priesthood and Glenmary. Aaron has played in a Christian band and has just finished working for the last year as the youth minister for the Lutheran church in his hometown of Cokato, Minn.

For a reflection on these men's generostiy--and what it should mean to all of us.

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