Birthday, Anniversary and Profile on Postulants

Later in his life, my father dealt with birthdays in a unique way: he started counting backwards after he turned 70. I think I actually passed my father in age at some point as he became younger and I became older. I am my father’s son, so, on February 20, I turned 69!

I am not sure the purpose of the birthday hat, other than silliness, but as usual, I was a good sport. Wearing the birthday hat seemed to bring much joy to the seminarians and postulants. They really went out of their way to celebrate my birthday, with cake and ice cream, and presents.

Brother Mosses also had a celebration when he marked the 4th anniversary of his perpetual vows in the Congregation of the Resurrection on February 27.

A new shirt is a perfect gift for Brother Mosses…congratulations Brother Mosses!

Profile on Postulants

Over the next issues, I thought I would do a short profile on each of the postulants so that you can get to know them. The postulants are under the care and direction of Br. Mosses. They are learning more about themselves and the Congregation of the Resurrection to see if they are suitable candidates for novitiate next year.

Daudi Matiku Albert

Daudi is 28 years old, born October 28, 1997. He was born in Musoma but his family moved to Kiabakari when he was young. He is the first born of 6 children, with 2 younger brothers and 3 younger sisters. His parish is the National Shrine of Divine Mercy.

In secondary school, Daudi was most interested in the study of physics. After secondary school, Daudi earned a diploma in Pharmacy School, where he studied 2021-24. He enjoys working with computers and playing football.

Daudi 11

Daudi first contacted our community in 2017 where he met with Joseph Chacha, who directed him to Fr. Duda. At that point he still needed more studies and his pastor assisted him with employment in his parish so that he could afford to attend a private school. Then his pastor found a sponsor for him to attend pharmaceutical school. Kiabakari is about 30-40 minutes from our parishes in Butiama and Buhemba, so Daudi knew many of our men ministering in parishes.

Daudi 12

Daudi appreciate his current time as a postulant because it has given him more time for self-examination about his life and his vocation. He truly appreciates how people work together in community, assisting and cooperating with each other.

Emmanuel Julius Mwita

Emmanuel 13

Emmanuel is 21 years old, born on August 21, 2005. In addition to his parents, he has 3 brothers and 2 sisters in his immediate family. While we were talking, I noted that I was 50 years older than he is. He immediately responded that I was the same age as his grandmother. I said, “Thanks for sharing that information!”

Emmanuel 14

Emmanuel was born in Buhemba, but his family moved to Geita near Mwanza. He is related to a family that I know from our parish in Buhemba. One of his cousins, Gabriel, is an altar server in Buhemba and another cousin, Veronica, is in formation with the Resurrection Sisters. I did not remember, but he told me that we met when I was in Buhemba and that I directed him to talk to Fr. Duda about joining us.

Emmanuel 15

Emmanuel enjoys studying and practicing his music and singing. He adds a great deal to our community with his musical talents. His favorite subjects in secondary school were Swahili and English. He has found that his time here has brought about changes in his life, thinking less about himself and more about others. He told me that he is inspired by the way people treat each other with love . . . something that he noticed in Buhemba and now here.

Emmanuel 16
More to come on www.resurrectionists.ca

Share This Post

More To Explore

Share Lent & Solidarity Sunday 2026

This coming Sunday, March 22, is the 5th Sunday of Lent, and also Solidarity Sunday, when Catholics are invited to donate to this year’s Share Lent Campaign.

4th Sunday of Lent – March 15, 2026

We can only imagine what physical blindness is like, however, when we look into ourselves this Lent we may be able to recognize times of spiritual blindness, when we drifted away from God.