This year four men solemnly promised and swore before God to dedicate themselves to the missionary apostolate in the rural areas and small towns of the United States, and to the Glenmary way of life.
On June 1, Erick Orandi, Joseph Maundu, Willy Kyagulanyi, and Cavine Okello made their final, lifelong oaths to their Glenmary brothers. The following weekend, Cavine and Joseph were ordained as transitional deacons to prepare for priesthood.
These men first heard the call to religious life when they were young. “I first felt I had a vocation to priesthood when I was as young as 10 years old, serving as an altar server,” Deacon Cavine says. “I was in love with priesthood. I loved what I saw priests do in terms of celebrating Mass and how they were friendly to us.” Deacon Joseph echoes the sentiment. “I got an early vocation when I was under 10 years old,” he says, having come from a very devoted Catholic family.
Brother Willy also grew up in a committed Catholic family that always encouraged being part of the Church and praying together. Growing up around religious brothers and sisters inspired him to pursue religious life. Brother Erick realized his calling through experiences of deep spiritual connection and fulfillment in serving others, particularly when serving as an altar server in his home parish.
A journey to serve
Not only did the four men answer God’s call to religious life, they made the life-altering decisions to leave their home countries of Kenya and Uganda to minister in the United States to serve with Glenmary. “Several things attracted me to join Glenmary,” Brother Erick begins, “but most importantly, a strong desire for a life of prayer, simplicity, and service to others—especially those on the margins—and a sense of belonging to a community with shared values.”
Glenmary serves where they are needed: in the Deep South and Appalachia where less than one percent of the population is Catholic. This was attractive to Deacon Cavine, who longed to serve where there was a need and admired Glenmary’s preference for the poor and the neglected.
“Being with the people is key,” says Brother Willy. Glenmary’s service to small towns with little to no Catholic presence helps aid in reaching out on a personal level compared to bigger parishes.
“I felt called to serve God as a missionary,” says Deacon Joseph. “I met someone who served in Glenmary and he gave me the story and I took that as God [calling]. I prayed to God and told him, ‘Since you have put this desire in me, please, use me as your instrument.’ God has been faithful to this always. He has journeyed with me and has guided my steps always.”
Looking ahead
The future is bright for these four men, who have only just begun their journey with Glenmary after making their final oaths. Brother Erick and Brother Willy look forward to a life as Brothers and utilizing their unique skills in their service.
“Being in school for nursing and having seen the need for healthcare in small towns, I look forward to working with local healthcare facilities in helping people access and get healthcare, especially those who cannot afford it,” says Brother Willy. Meanwhile, Brother Erick is involved with parish ministry. “I eagerly anticipate a life of prayer, spiritual growth, and dedicating my life to serving others through ministries aligned with our charism,” he says.
In February of 2025, Deacons Joseph and Cavine will be ordained as priests. In the meantime, they will continue to serve the Glenmary missions.
“I am looking forward to doing what God wills me to do. I am open to listen and hear the voice of God that comes to me through his people and through prayer. I am going into this as an instrument to be used by God in the mission of redeeming the world with Christ. I understand that God will keep forming me every day to be a better person so that he can use me in his ministry in the appropriate way,” Deacon Joseph expresses when asked about what he is most looking forward to.
“I am looking forward to making a difference in the missions after I am fully professed and ordained, when I’ll be able to minister sacraments and bring Christ to God’s people with my everything,” says Deacon Cavine.
We’re looking forward too. Glenmary is growing.
