Recollect and Deepen the Roots.
In his book Educating Emotions, Augusto Cury, a Brazilian psychiatrist who is concerned with superficiality, writes, “Science (such as theology) has produced physical giants and emotional dwarfs. They are eloquent in speaking of the world around them but dumb before their inner feelings.” Said differently, sciences in the contemporary world have excessively fashioned intellectual intelligence to the extent that the degree at which a person is versed in multiple disciplines, such as technological knowledge in the production and deployment of gadgets, nascent skills in politics, sociology, economics, and theological disciplines, the more valuable a person is perceived. Yet intellectual knowledge is insufficient unless a person with a deep introspection acquires emotional intelligence. Unless a person treks a journey between the head (intellect) and heart.
With this at the back of my mind, this holiday firstly has been a period to break the routine, particularly from theological studies, and get in touch with myself- my inner world. It has been a time to bridge my theological studies from intellect to the heart. In addition, it has been a precious time to step back in gratitude and be thankful for the graces received during the semester. This was geared at recollecting what I had gathered for a proper reflection on what they have added to my life. Of course, this was accomplished through reading psychological and spiritual books that spoke of inner recollection and healing. With these activities, the first three weeks assisted me in bridging what I had studied and reconnecting with the ultimate end (God).
In this fast-growing society, studies at Hekima University College have been essential. They have taught me that research is key to intellectual advancement. During this holiday, it has been a period to widen my horizons by individually engaging in other areas of interest such as politics and peacebuilding. Related to this field, I have published an article on how politics of polarization can cripple democratic principles and practices, taking Uganda as a reference point with Pax Lumina. Beyond politics, this research has taught me to carefully watch out for polarized minds that can create stereotypes: mentality encapsulated with paranoia and engagement in win-lose competitions. These attitudes negatively affect how we relate with one another.
Finally, this holiday has been a moment to deepen family ties. It is time to once more read the writing of our founder, St. Louis Marie de Montfort, such as Love of Eternal Wisdom, True Devotion to Mary, and Friends of the Cross. Such readings have enriched me with deepened horizons of my spirituality. Of course, this was supported by joining the ordination to the priesthood of my brother (Rev. Fr. Alex Muhwezi) in Uganda. All these were activities that featured my holiday.
By. Filex Nimanya, SMM.