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An Ipswich parishioner travelled to Coventry to celebrate the silver jubilee of a priest whose friendship began during missionary work in Uganda more than two decades ago. Jean M Johnson, of St Mary’s Catholic Church, Ipswich, attended the 25th anniversary celebrations of Fr Sunday, AJ, a member of the Apostles of Jesus, who now serves as a full-time hospital chaplain at Coventry Hospital.
Jean first met Fr Sunday while working at Bukinda Seminary in southern Uganda, where she spent many years providing practical chemistry training for teachers and students. Her work, supported through funding she secured as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, expanded beyond Uganda to include projects in Rwanda and Ethiopia, all based in Catholic institutions.
The visit to Coventry also became an opportunity to reunite with several priests she had known during her years in Africa. Among them was Fr Robert Mugabe, AJ, one of the first students she taught chemistry and later A-level divinity at Bukinda Seminary. The pair had not seen one another for many years, making the reunion particularly special.
Jean also spent time with Fr Aloysius Bukenya, AJ, whom she first met in 2004 during an exploratory visit to Uganda. Fr Aloysius was Rector of Bukinda Seminary at the time and played a significant role in supporting the educational work that followed.
The celebrations centred on a packed Mass, with the Dean serving as principal celebrant alongside fellow members of the Apostles of Jesus and local clergy. Music in English, Latin and several African languages reflected the international character of the congregation, while the offertory procession brought the vibrant traditions of African Catholic worship to Coventry.
A highlight of the celebration came at the conclusion of Mass, when Fr Sunday was presented with a mounted greeting from Pope Leo XIV to mark his silver jubilee.
The celebrations continued in the parish hall with food representing both English and African traditions, followed by speeches from friends and parishioners.
Jean was invited to share memories of her years working alongside Fr Sunday in Uganda. She recalled his practical nature, his determination to solve everyday challenges, and his close relationships with local people, as well as the warmth and hospitality shown to visitors at Bukinda Seminary.
The celebrations also brought together former students of the seminary who had travelled from around the UK to honour the priest who had influenced their lives before they moved into professional careers.
Reflecting on the occasion, Jean said it was a joyful reunion that celebrated both enduring friendships and the worldwide mission of the Apostles of Jesus.
Founded as a missionary congregation for Africa and the wider world, the Apostles of Jesus have served in the Archdiocese of Birmingham for more than 25 years and now minister in Coventry, Nuneaton, Wrexham and many countries across Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Pacific. The congregation has grown to more than 500 members worldwide.
Jean, who worships at St Mary’s, Ipswich, said she feels privileged to have shared in the congregation’s mission over many years and looks forward to welcoming her priest friends back to Suffolk in the future.
