MISSIONER NEWSLETTER – Fall 2025

Joanne Miya, Tanzania

Ambrose, help us to be joyful.

Greetings once again from Uzima Centre. I hope this finds you and your loved ones doing well.

As some of you may know, this year Maryknoll Lay Missioners celebrated its 50th anniversary. Nearly 1,000 people—single, married, and families—have served in 35 different countries. Our community is ever changing. Although community is one of our core values, it can mean different things to different people. I’ve addressed this topic in the past, but I’d like to take a different approach this time. I’d like to talk about the whole “communion of saints,” including those holy women and men, now deceased, who continue to accompany me on my journey.

We have a powerhouse of faithful who are interceding for us. The older I get, the more accompaniment I’m getting from heavenly sources.

During the early years of the AIDS pandemic, Uzima Centre was basically a hospice program. When I first joined this ministry, antiretroviral drugs were not yet available. Becoming infected with HIV meant a slow, agonizing, and certain death, many times after being abandoned by family out of fear or misinformation. Death meant the end of their suffering. I learned that dying well is as important as living well.

I remember Antanasi who became infected after caring for his HIV+ brother. His brother survived, but Antanasi passed away in 2018. Always humble and compassionate towards others, Antanasi never complained about the suffering he endured.

Ambrose was only 15 years old when he died of kidney failure. His growth was stunted, which is sometimes seen in children treated with antiretrovirals since birth, but he made up for it in spirit. Ambrose was active in his church and never failed to greet you with a smile. He lived his life fully right up to the end, what a beautiful example.

Antanasi, teach us compassion.

Agnes came with her young daughter, Rosemary, to be registered in our program for people living with HIV. She took such good care of Rosemary. Over the years Rosemary grew up and became a mother herself. Agnes was persuaded by relatives to go back to the family village where we suspect she was taken to a local “healer.” She died a few months later.

Shigella will be impossible to forget. After finishing primary school (something I’m sure his teachers celebrated), he started begging. He never missed a church revival and although I’d like to think this was out of his love of Jesus, he attended because churchgoers never failed to be moved by his plight. He was plagued with secondary infections because he never completed a dose of antibiotics. His goal seemed to be to stay alive but maintain outward signs of HIV to evoke sympathy. Most clients feel that they are a burden on their family, but Shigella was the breadwinner. We counseled Shigella that this behavior could kill him, but he continued. He even managed to get on national TV, an appearance worthy of an Emmy. He raised thousands of dollars and became the family hero. Ultimately his choices cost him his life.

Everyone who comes to Uzima Centre becomes a part of our Uzima community. Their story becomes our story.

My Maryknoll “community” now includes a litany of Maryknoll missioners who are part of this heavenly communion of saints, or “Church Triumphant.”

Sr. Katie, who made my first mission assignment possible.

Sr. Ann, who inspired my interest in quilting.

Fr. Leo, who was the personification of joy.

Fr. Ed, who showed me compassion during a difficult period.

Sam, who served with his family in Chile, and as our executive director, working tirelessly to promote laity in mission.

And many more.

Of course I can’t forget my parents; their prayers in heaven continue to strengthen me. The Catholic Church recognizes that our lives are interconnected and that our spiritual journey is enriched by the prayers of others, both living and deceased.

St. John Paul II said, “Each of us is a vital piece of the great mosaic of humanity as a whole.” Our individual piece may seem small, but it matters. Thank you for your prayers and for being part of our mosaic. You help us sparkle.

Peace, deep breaths and gratitude,
Joanne Miya
[email protected] or [email protected]

Please consider supporting my mission work at the Uzima Centre with a donation through the link below.

I invite you to walk with me as a “COMPANION IN MISSION.” Companions in Mission are friends and generous donors who give financial gifts on a regular (usually monthly) basis. For more information, visit Become a Companion in Mission. Thank you so much for your generosity!