The Hekima University College support staff undertook a two-day recollection from 31st October to 1st November 2024 at Mwangaza Jesuit Spirituality Centre. The theme of recollection was centered on Prayer and Friendships. Participants discussed spiritual issues and how to improve their relation with friends. Scholastics Owiyo Odhiambo Ronald, SJ, and Bonosa Fosu Kadwo, SJs took the participants through the sessions under the guidance of the college Chaplain, Fr. James Campbell, SJ.
The Chaplin of Hekima College Fr. James Champbell, Scholastics Owiyo Odhiambo Ronald, SJ, and Bonosa Fosu Kadwo, SJs.
The recollection began in discussing about prayer; which was defined as a channel and essential contact with God. Participants discussed activity types of praying, with a focus on meditation, contemplation, vocal prayer, rhythmical reading and creative praying with actions as singing, listening and resting in solitude. Emphasis was placed on the transformative nature of prayer and its role in nurturing a deeper relationship with God.
The second session focused on the treatment of the friendship theme. Participants assessed the concept of investing in relations that have a positivity impact on ones’ life. This means that trust, support and vulnerability are the knobs that should be the bulls eye of the friendship. The session helped participants to just listen and at the same time be at ease to express whatever they had to among themselves with other participants.
The recollection also featured two short Masses offered both days by Fr. James Campbell, SJ. These Eucharistic celebrations served as meaningful and prayerful culminating activity to each day.
As the recollection came to a close, participants shared key insights: the capacity of prayer to cause changes, the necessity of friendship and the role of openness pushing people to form friendly relationships. Some of the recommendations for the subsequent sessions include requests to increase duration of the sessions, inviting guest speakers to give talks on stress at the workplace, and an option of personal-listening time with the Chaplain.
The two days changed the hearts of the support staff enabling them to become spiritually committed to God and the common humanity with enthusiasm to bring purpose to workplace and personal calling.
By Geoffrey Obatsa
Jesuit Historical Institute in Africa
