Rapid Fire Resilience Interview No. 4 - Fr. Joseph Wasswa
Rapid Fire Resilience Interview No. 4 - Fr. Joseph Wasswa
110 miles, 4 days, and 1 spiritual father filled with hope.
I have more than one father - although the second one is spiritual.
By now, you might know that TSD was inspired by the quotes my parents - particularly my Dad - had me say every day before school:
But there’s another paternal influence that has greatly impacted my life who I now want to share with you:
Fr. Joseph Wasswa.
Don’t worry this is not a newsletter about converting anyone. But it is a newsletter sharing a story and reflection by one of the most peaceful and gracious people I’ve ever had the honor of knowing.
Fr. Wasswa came to the parish I attend about two years ago. This was around the time I had started law school and the stress was beginning to take its toll.
Fr. Wasswa was a blessing to me and the parish because our prior parochial vicar, Fr. Michael Carlson, who was also a great influence and wonderful priest (he put up with all of my doubtful and inquiring questions with mighty patience) had moved on to pursue canon law.
When he left, there was a moment where I felt a gap:
Who is going to guide me now?
Who will put up with all of my questions?
Who will help me understand faith and life more?
I converted during my first year of college in 2016. Since then, it’s been important to me (vital, even) that I surround myself with those who can teach and mentor me in my faith. Needless to say, I was sad when Fr. Carlson left because he filled that role effortlessly. But when Fr. Wasswa walked in, all those fears were quickly calmed.
I think of Fr. Wasswa when it comes to resilience because he is someone who lives at the will of God. A calling that one must be extremely adaptable for. His uprooting his life in Africa to come to America and serve people is an incredible example of the dedication Fr. Wasswa has to people - both Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
He seeks to serve us in all that he does and still finds time to milk as much out of life as he possibly can.
So without further ado…
Rapid Fire Resilience Interview No. 4
Can you share a moment in your life where you became a more resilient person - if not immediately in that moment, then in hindsight?
It has been so many years since this moment happened. I shall recall it with some degree of emotion yet with a certain sense of joy and fulfillment. It was the Spring of 2009:
A group of about 7 seminarians decided to make a pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Charles Lwanga and Companions in Kampala, Uganda. The distance from our point of departure to the Shrine was about 110 miles, and yet, we were so zealous that we determined to set out on foot. It was a journey that would take us about 4 days to get there.
The Feast of St. Lwanga and Companions is celebrated on June 3rd every year. People from all over the country and beyond go to pay their homage and respect to these brave Martyrs whose canonization happened way back in 1964 by Saint Pope Paul VI.
We were not the only ones who set out on foot. Thousands of people make this painful sacrifice with such strong faith and enthusiasm in this fashion. They seek to imitate the Martyrs who were forced to walk hundreds of miles to this place where they faced their destiny and were crowned with martyrdom for their faith.
As Psalm 126 says, “they went out and bitter was the sowing, they came back full of song laden with sheaves.” Even today, it is still regarded by many as a great act of courage and strong faith for those who dare to make this scary yet brave attempt. It remains - and always will remain - a great inspiration to the young generation who hold these Martyrs, their ancestors, so dear in their hearts, as fathers of the faith in the country.
The celebration was to happen on a Saturday. We set out on a Monday evening. Joined by over 700 other pilgrims, we sought to take advantage of the night’s cool breeze and less traffic on the roads. The plan was always to walk at night and rest during the day. Being young, energetic, and courageous, the 7 of us sought to be an inspiration to the other pilgrims. We launched our attack on the mighty distance with zeal. We sang songs and set the pace. There were about four stops along the way so that pilgrims could eat, sleep, rest and bathe.
The most difficult and challenging moment came after the second stop. Our legs had grown tired, our feet started to swell, our singing declined, the big groups became smaller and more scattered. The night grew darker and colder though we enjoyed the blessing of the full moon. The silence of the night grew stronger and we could hear each other breathe.
We persevered and pushed forward; occasionally carrying those with us whose feet appeared as if soaked in blood. We found ourselves passing through a certain valley after which we caught sight of our third stop a short distance away. The problem was that it was located on top of the hill. With all the strength we had left, and from the depth of our hearts we called upon the most blessed Mother Mary to be with us and to bring us successfully to our next stop and eventually to the Shrine. Our Rosary beads were almost breaking from the constant rubbing as we prayed the “Hail Mary.”
Thanks to that Queen of Heaven and Earth; she watched over us and guided our swollen and tired feet to our next stop and later to the Shrine. Amid all the suffering and the pain, we felt a deep sense of joy that we were walking in the footsteps of our ancestors, the Martyrs, and that God was with us, all the while leading us and urging us on.
We did receive tremendous care and encouragement from the people of those areas through which we passed. Many cheered us on and gave us countless gifts and words of comfort. We in turn asked if they had any prayer intentions we could carry with us to the Shrine of the Martyrs.
The journey was long. We persevered, tired and exhausted yet so joyful and zealous. We finally made it to the Shrine on Thursday evening with a day to spare right before the day of the celebration. We were so glad. We congratulated each other. We were heroes, we felt a close connection with the Martyrs, and our faith grew stronger.
Based on the story you shared previously, what was it specifically about that experience that cultivated resilience?
I think it was the belief that we could do this. We were so convinced and so poised to make history, the strong feeling that we were one with our beloved ancestors, the Martyrs, the desire to present our pressing needs to God through the holy Martyrs…all of these urged us on.
And in that most difficult moment of the journey, it was the hope and the faith that we could achieve this very significant milestone in our lives, that kept us going.
What would you advise to someone who is facing a similar situation?
My advice is to never ever give up your ambition. When you set out to do something, finish it.
Nothing happens without God willing it to happen. And if God allows it to happen, God Himself will bring it to completion.
“My advice is to never ever give up your ambition. When you set out to do something, finish it. Nothing happens without God willing it to happen. And if God allows it to happen, God Himself will bring it to completion.”
Fr. Joseph Wasswa was born and raised in Uganda, East Africa. He has been in the United States for 8 years and is now a Priest of the diocese of Charlotte, NC and has been the Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Grace Church (Greensboro, NC) for two years. Fr. Wasswa was brought up with a stronger Benedictine influence of Lectio Divina and Ora et Labora. He likes to study and spend hours in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. He takes pleasure in outdoor activities such as running, hiking, soccer, and gardening. He also enjoys talking to converts to Catholicism as well as visiting the elderly and the sick. You can read his homilies and learn about his book recommendations on his blog:
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