New Pastoral Resident in Fields brings diverse outlook to students and UP campus
By Laura Frazier
In the small Ugandan town of Kasese, which is roughly the size of Tillamook, Ore., a young boy was immersed in the constant presence of Holy Cross missionaries. Fascinated by their message, he told his father he wanted to be like the men in the Roman Collar.
His father was skeptical of his childish ambitions, but Fr. Francis Kule-Kojo, C.S.C., went on to be proudly ordained in 2001, which led him right to the University of Portland.
Francis studied philosophy and theology in addition to general and seminary schooling. Through a scholarship endorsed by the Congregation of Holy Cross, he was able to attend UP with intentions of attaining his master's degree in education. Once at UP he began as a student, yet knew that as a member of Holy Cross he was eligible for any on campus pastoral positions.
"I miss my home, which is natural, but it is all worth it to be with the students," he said.
Francis lived in Villa Hall from fall 2008 until January 2010 as an assistant priest. When Fr. Frank Murphy, C.S.C., whom was acting as pastoral resident in Fields Hall, decided that his duties as pastoral counselor in the Health Center and local superior to the University Community of the Holy Cross were too demanding, he asked Francis to take over his position as pastoral resident.
As Murphy was unable to reside in Fields Hall because of his commitments, Francis is the first pastoral resident to actually live in the building. His presence will only continue to break in the new dorm as a home for its residents.
Though he will be responsible for the technicalities of the position, such as holding Mass and coordinating events, Francis has additional goals for his residents.
"I want to be available for the students when they need spiritual services, but also I want to help students handle life and grow," Francis said.
He also wants to take his new position as an opportunity to learn about the United States and what it is like to live and grow up here. Not only does he plan to help students, but learn from those he interacts with as well.
Though clearly a source of support for students, Francis also brings a whole new cultural aspect to campus. He has noticed that his students are less bound by community than he was growing up.
"I find here that people live as individuals, not so much as a community, yet people are still here to assist each other and help as much as possible," Francis said.
Though impressed with the individuality that the students offer, he hopes to help unite the residents of Fields Hall and other UP students as even more of a community. Laura Jenkins, junior and RA on the second floor of Fields Hall, is looking forward to the unique attributes Francis has based on his background and heritage.
"His diversity is his greatest asset and he brings the culture element to campus," she said.
His life stories are sure to impact those who get to know him, and expand their horizons as well.
