Father Hiran: Thankful for a Priest Who Changed Our Lives

Father Hiran: Thankful for a Priest Who Changed Our Lives

"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying whom shall I send...? Then said I, here am I; send me." Isaiah 6:8

His nickname was Mwana, the fondly used name for a child, son or daughter by my Kamba people of Kenya, Africa. He called students Mwana. A parent visiting his office was also Mwana to him. And a stranger was a Mwana, too.

Mwana became his name. Tala high school, where he was the principle for years became kwa Mwana (the place of Mwana).  I regret attempting to describe a life committed to a community with a few words. Yet, the inspiration to do so compiles me to go ahead. He is a man who answered the call from above to serve a community that needed him. I am one of thousands thankful for his impact in our lives.

Mwana was more than a missionary to those of us who had the privilege of attending Tala high school. We were not taught to pass exams but to live life of fulfillment. That, for many, relegated exams to just a part of the process of life.

It's thirty years since this Irish priest stood in front of 120 freshmen and spoke to us mixing English and Kikamba, our native language. He encouraged us to have vision, dress like gentlemen and participate in extra curriculum activities.

But there were some disturbing backgrounds that could curtail the dreams he imprinted our eager minds. Most students came from cash stricken homes. His school was a day school, unlike the boarding schools that were started by other missionaries. Father Hiran made arrangements for seriously subsidized lunch to be made available to students.

This preacher persuaded businessmen to construct rental apartments near the school so students could have the opportunity for private studies in the evenings, weekends and during holidays.  This made him the God appointed driver should any student be ill (day or night) and need to be rushed to the hospital about ten miles away. 

What, however, set Mwana apart was his involvement in students development. He coached basketball, volleyball and hockey. He made arrangements for outstanding student athletes to join colleges in America or be employed by organizations, like the Armed Forces or Police that could utilize their talents.

Our principal established various clubs where students could learn life skills. There was the Wildlife club, debate club and dance club among others. My favorite was Young Christian Students (YCS). Involvement in this club provided me with the opportunity to teach adults to write and how to count. We raised funds for needy people. The cream of it were the seminars we attended to learn about leadership.