The Update(Those Who Have Gone Before Us)

Abstract

A few years ago Fr. Albert de Jong, our former Dean of the School of Theology, was working on a history of Tangaza. Unfortunately, the project ended when he was reassigned to formation ministry in the Netherlands, though part of the text appeared later in the Tangaza Journal of Theology and Mission as “Tangaza University College: Past, Present and Future” (2013/1): 16-33. Still, as Tangaza celebrates its 30 anniversary this year, on the verge of becoming a university, I have often wished that he had finished the work, so that we could have a detailed history of this institution. There are so many who have been a part of the Tangaza story in one way or another, so many who are part of the larger Tangaza family: students, staff, administrators, formators, sponsors, friends and family. Many are still with us. For example, two of our former Principals, my predecessors Fr. Paddy Roe and Fr. George Kocholickal, are still ably supporting Tangaza as faculty members in the School of Theology. Grace Gathigia, my secretary, began as a field assistant in the Maryknoll Institute of African Studies, where Fr. Michael Kirwen has served as Director since its inception. Fr. Gianni Rolandi, once a lecturer at Tangaza, is now the chair of our Board of Trustees as Provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Br. Tom Kearney, now chair of the Board of CTIE, is a former Dean of Studies at Tangaza and former Director of the Institute of Spirituality and Religious Formation. Fr. Francesco Pierli, whose golden jubilee of priesthood we recently celebrated, was

instrumental in establishing our Mission Studies Department and the Institute of Social Ministry in Mission. Sr.

Loretta Brennan and Dr. Edel Churu have been working

for

Tangaza for many years in many different capacities.

Several of our Institute Directors and Heads of Departments, now and in the past – even our current Deputy Principal Student Life, Dr. Andrew Lujuo – were themselves once Tangaza students. The list could go on and on. In short, there are very many people who

have been committed to Tangaza for a very long time.

November is the month when we remember that we are part of a “communion of saints”, in solidarity with one another and all those who have gone before us. We hope during the month to have a special Mass to remember and pray for all the deceased members of the Tangaza family. But during this month I would also encourage each of

us to share and listen to our Tangaza stories, how we first

became involved in this college, how we have experienced its change and development over the years, and what are our hopes and dreams for the future of Tangaza University.

The fact that we have been so richly blessed over the last three decades with the contributions of so many, known and unknown, and that Tangaza has faced and overcome so many challenges, gives me great confidence that God is guiding our journey together. Let this November be a special time to remember, give thanks, and pray for one another.