Having studied at both the Pontifical University of Bolivia and Hekima University College, Deacon Josky Okumu, a Xaverian Missionary of Yarumal, views the experience more as complementary rather than comparative. His theological formation in the African context (at Hekima) and the Latin American context (in Bolivia) has broadened his perspective, making it richer than if the entire course of theological formation had been completed in either of the two contexts.
“I would not look at my experience and judge the two institutions by saying which one offered me the best; rather, I acknowledge with great appreciation that each country played a very important role in my theological formation. For example, in Latin America, liberation theology is being practiced, which differs from the theology being offered here at Hekima, which is centered in the African context. And when you examine liberation theology, which originates from Latin America, the context is different because they live in distinct realities from Africa,” Josky explained.
The deacon further explained that the two countries where he studied face different challenges and cultural realities; therefore, it is essential to conduct theology within the context of their realities, thus ensuring that theology is not practiced in a vacuum. This approach provides the study of theology with a solid foundation, which is very important.
“I feel very fortunate to have experienced both Latin American and African cultures. As a result, I genuinely feel wealthy. By combining these two theological approaches, my perspective is broadened, and my horizon is even wider,” Deacon Josky offered.
The deacon expressed immense gratitude to Hekima University College and all the lecturers, whom he said have given them the best by being available to them, very receptive and supportive of their ideas, arguments, and contributions in their classes, and also for spending tireless hours preparing them towards becoming better deacons, better priests, and even better Christians in the society.
Deacon Josky, along with his classmates at Hekima, who are in the third year of their Bachelor of Theology program, will take their comprehensive exams in May, marking the end of their journey at Hekima. His priestly ordination will take place in July, after which he may be sent to work in another country, possibly in Asia, Latin America, North America, or even Europe, depending on where his superior deems it necessary to assign him.
