Some Josephites talk about themselves

Fr Robert Hamilton

I joined the Josephites in November 1959. In 2001 I was elected Superior General. In 2006 I was re-elected for a second term which will be completed in 2011. As Superior General, my main task is to visit the Josephites throughout the world to see how they are getting on and to offer them support and encouragement. We are a small Congregation and so all of my confreres are well known to me. During 2007 I visited North and South America as well as making frequent trips to Belgium. When I visit America I am able to meet up with Fr Mark who was my Housemaster in the White House, Fr Campion (Mr Aspinall) who taught me in forms 2, 3 and 5 and Fr John who I was at school with. The Congregation will celebrate its bi-centenary in 2017 and we are starting to look ahead and plan for the future.
Fr Felix Nkongolo

I was born in Kabuluanda in the East-Kasai Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. I joined the Josephites in 1998 at Ilebo having been a teacher at the Josephites' school in Ilebo as a postulant I made my first vows in 2000 and was finally professed in 2006. After completing my BA (Graduate) degree in philosophy at the Institute of Saint Augustine in Kinshasa in 2004, I spent six months in Santa Maria, California to gain some pastoral experience. During this time I assisted with the Maths teaching at Saint Joseph High School, spent time with children at Saint Louis de Montfort elementary school and became involved with a number of different parish groups. On my return to the DR Congo I went to the Theology Faculty of the Catholic University of Kinshasa where I gained my BA (Graduate) degree in theology in July 2007. From September 2007 to July 2008 I was in England at St Anselm's Institute in Cliftonville undertaking formation course about leadership and community life. During my stay in England I was ordained as a Deacon at St Anselm's and then as a Priest at St George's College, Weybridge on 20 June 2008. I am currently Novice Master at our novitiate house in Ilebo, DR Congo.
Brother Patrick Matthews

I entered the Novitiate in 1980 with Fr Peter Murtough as my Novice Master. I took my first vows in 1981 and became Assistant House Master, Master of the top dormitory, Sacristan and a Religious Education teacher. In 1983 I became Assistant Bursar and when Fr Aidan had his leg amputated I was appointed Deputy Bursar. I took my final vows in 1985 and my work changed to helping with the School's newly computerised timetable. In 1987 I ran the 'prefects corridor', assisting Joe O'Brien until the boarders left and I became full-time Librarian of the Junior School and moved to the Parish of the Holy Family in Addlestone. I have become more involved with IT and when the Junior School moved to Thames Street I spent my time between the parish and the Junior School. In 2004 I returned to St George's from the parish and now undertake computer work for the Congregation while continuing at the Junior School
Br Quentin Musekedi Kanika Mbaku

I was born on 1 September 1974 at Mosango (Bandundu) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I took my first vows as a Josephite on 7 March 2004. I have always been attracted to the idea of educating and forming young people. As a postulant I gave lessons in Latin, French and Philosophy at St Joseph's College, Bulongo in the West Kasai while also being involved in the administration of the College as its secretary. During the novitiate, I taught Latin at the Tshileya Institute at Ilebo. After that I was the Director of Studies at St Joseph's College, Bulongo for two years as well as teaching Latin, French, religion and philosophy. I have also been in charge of woodwork and teacher of Latin at the minor seminary of Mweka. At present I am a studying for my Graduate (BA) at the Theology faculty at the Catholic University of Kinshasa.
Fr. Willibrord Jaak Geysels

From 1941 until 1947, I was a student at the Josephite High School at Geraardsbergen in Belgium. In 1947, I joined the congregation and did my noviciate in Geraardsbergen. After a year of teaching in our Juniorate at Velm, I went to the Catholic University of Leuven (KUL). Having spent two years at KUL, I had to do my military service, first at Aalst (Alost) then in a military hospital in Brussels then back in Aalst. During this time I continued with my theological studies as best I could. After 21 months in the Belgian army, I went to our Scolasticate in Melle to go on with my theological studies. Finally I was ordained a priest in 1955. After this I went back to KUL to gain my MA (Licence) degree in Economics. In May 1958, I went out to the Congo were Mgr. Marcel van Rengen appointed me as Headmaster of our High school, Collège St. Joseph, at Bulongo in the province of West Kasai. In 1970, I became Regional Superior of the Josephites in the Congo. Mgr. Van Rengen then asked me to go to the Mission of Ilebo. I stayed there three years, organizing the 'Old Mission' and building rooms for the postulants. In 1979, I moved to Kimwenza, near Kinshasa and worked with the Scholasticate. At that time our scholastics lived in an 'Inter Congregational House'. Today we have our own Scholasticate buildings at Kimwenza. After 15 years as Regional Superior, I became the Regional Bursar. In 1986, I returned to Ilebo where I started the 'Institut Technique Commercial'; built its class-rooms as well as the new noviciate buildings. In 1994, after 36 years in the Congo, I went for four mounts to Gabon, to begin our Mission before spending two months with the American Region at Santa Maria before returning to Belgium. Once back in Belgium, I was asked to start an "Endowment Fund" for Africa and, in 1996, I was appointed Bursar General of the Congregation. I am still helping in parishes, doing my job as Bursar and being responsible for the finances of Africa. I have been happy as a Josephite and hope I can go on, in spite of my 82 years, with what I am doing, for God and for his people.
Fr Jacob Beya Kadumbu

I was born in Kakenge on 22 August 1958. After completing my Humanities Diploma in Commerce and Administration at Pius X College, Kananga I joined the Josephites. I took my First Vows at Ilebo on 12 September 1980 and my Final Vows at Kimwenza on 12 September 1986. Having studied for Degree in philosophy at the Saint Peter Canisius Higher Institute (1 year) and the Catholic University of Kinshasa (2 years), I gained my BA (Graduate) and MA (Licence) in Theology at the Catholic University of Kinshasa. On 12 July 1987 I was ordained a priest also at Kimwenza. During my time as a Josephite, I have been Master of Novices at Kimwenza and Ilebo, Prefect at ITC Ilebo, Rector of the Scholasticate at Kimwenza, Regional bursar and Member of regional councillor. For a time I was the Academic Secretary at St Augustine's Institute of Philosophy. For nine years I was the Regional (Provincial) Superior of the Josephites working in Africa. At present I am Rector of the Inter-regional House at Grammont in Belgium. Apart from this I am a member of the General Council of the Josephites (Vicar) and look after the 'Procure' for our African missions. I have also embarked on a doctoral programme at the Catholic University of Louvain.
Fr Charles Hofschulte

I was the first American-born person to join the Congregation in 1965. I had met the Josephites on their arrival at Pius X High School, in Downey, Los Angeles in 1963 and following my Novitiate year in Santa Maria I was taught Philosophy by two confreres. In 1965 I went to the Josephite community at Barrow Hills in England where I studied at St. John's Seminary, Wonersh. I was assigned to Pius X High School for one year after my studies and then to St. Joseph High School for 15 years, 12 of which were as Principal. In 1988 I became Principal of Bishop García Diego High School in Santa Babrara, Ca and in 1997 I was appointed Regional Superior of the community. Since 2001 I have been pastor of St. Louis de Montfort Parish, Santa Maria, Ca.
Fr William Muir

I have been with the Josephites since 1979. I was the last White House Housemaster with the demise of boarding and I stayed at St George's until 1993 when I moved down to Bournemouth. I am now Parish Priest of Christ The King and of St Bernadette's in Bournemouth. I am Chair of Governors to the parish primary school regularly celebrate Mass for the staff and children at the local Catholic secondary school, St Peter's. This year I will be travelling with the 'Jumbulance' to Lourdes and again with a local parish group in September. I have been Regional Superior for the last five years and I find the work challenging and demanding. As I am on the Governing Body of St George's, I make a significant number of journeys to St Georges and to the Junior School, where I celebrate Mass for the children three times per term.
Br Michael Powell

Having worked at St George's and Barrow Hills since 1975, I transferred briefly to our American region in 1990 to work in our Parish in Santa Maria, California. I returned to the UK due to illness and after I had recuperated I spent several years as Head of Music at Woburn Hill School (St George's College Junior School). I upgraded my qualifications and did a MEd (1996) and an MPhil (1997). I was asked to develop my MPhil work into a PhD (Doctorate) which I completed in 2003. Since then I have returned to the classroom at the College part-time, teaching French, Spanish and Latin. For the past 13 years I have been the Community Bursar, and have been the Administrator of the Weybridge Community for the past four years. For some 20 years I helped staff on the annual St George's College/Barrow Hills Ski Trip and last year, after 44 years of service, I reluctantly took the decision to withdraw from the College Choir.
Fr Tom Elewaut

I joined the Josephites in 1981. I have a BA (Graduate) degree in Liberal Studies, an MA (Licence) degree in Education, and a Masters (Licence) degree in Divinity which I gained at St John's Seminary, Camarillo, Ca. I worked at St. Joseph High School in Santa Maria, California for 20years as teacher, Principal (1990-1998) and President (1998-2002). During my time as Principal the school reached its capacity enrolment of 650 students and secured national recognition in 1993 as a United State's Department of Education 'Blue Ribbon School of Excellence'. In 2002 I became of Bishop Garcia Diego High School in Santa Barbara, Ca in 2002 since which time I have been instrumental in transforming the Bishop Garcia Diego into an independent Catholic high school with a spirited identity. Since 2005 the school has implemented more than $4.6 million in facility and programme improvements including a second gymnasium, college-like campus courtyard, weight training room and other athletic facility and technology improvements and a longer seven period school day. In 2008 I was one of six high school educators among 1213 high schools honoured by the National Catholic Education Association for distinguished service to Catholic education. Besides my Parish/Church ministry at the weekends, I have also served in a chaplain capacity for the United States Air Force since 1998.
Fr Jude McHugo

I entered the Josephites in 1949 and, after studying Theology in College Melle, and was ordained a priest in the College Chapel in 1960. I taught at Barrow Hills from 1961 for 11 years where I was Housemaster and ran the School's Cub Scout pack. I returned to Weybridge in 1972 to teach at the Junior School for 10 years while helping with Sixth Form RE. During this time I organised the St Vincent de Paul (SVP) at the College and was elected to the National Youth Committee. In 1975 I was appointed Superior of the community. In 1986 I succeeded Fr Peter as School Chaplain until 1996 while I was living in the Holy Family Parish, Addlestone. In 1998, after a sabbatical I joined the Bournemouth Community in 'Christ The King' parish where I am also chaplain to the RC primary school.
Fr Andrew Alexander

Formerly my chief job was teaching, mostly Biology for 40 years, with a sprinkling of Chemistry, Geography and Religion. At present I am retired (being 82) but am still the Archivist, Josephite Librarian, the tower clock winder and the woodsman of the 'Death Hill' area. Typically I read, write and do Suduko in the morning, work in the woods in the afternoon and do my coins and polished stones in the evening. My health is usually okay and the aim of my autumnal years is to help the College wherever possible
Fr Francis Owen

I attended St George's from 1925 until 1935 when I joined the Novitiate. I undertook a PE course and taught at St George's with Fr Kemble. I was also a Lieutenant in the East Surrey Regiment Army Cadet Corps until 1946 when I was ordained at Wonersh. I have been Bursar at St George's and Housemaster, Games Master and teacher of English, Maths and Latin at Barrow Hills. I was also Bursar at Barrow Hills from 1956 to 1963. Over that period of time I was also chaplain to St Dominic's School in Hambledon and up until 1989 I regularly celebrated Sunday Masses at Chiddingfold. After a stint at Barrow Hills as Assistant and Deputy, I became Headmaster at Woburn Hill School whilst also being Chaplain to Coldingley Prison. I retired as HM at Woburn Hill in 1995. I have recently retired after 50 years (at the age of 90 years old) as General Secretary to Old Georgians' Association which is the Past Pupils' Association of St George's College.
Fr Campion Aspinall

I transferred to Santa Maria, California in 1966 from St George's College and was assigned to St. Joseph High School as a teacher, and eventually Dean of Students. I was then assigned to Pius X High School in Downey where I was also appointed as a Dean and Vice Principal, serving there from 1971-1982. In July 2001 I was appointed Associate Pastor at St. Louis de Montfort and became a "senior priest". I am now semi-retired, living at St Louis de Montfort Church in Santa Maria, Ca. I assist with daily Masses, parish and school confessions, and Sunday Masses. I'm on my fourth pacemaker but it seems to be going well! My most recent visit to England was during the summer of 2007 which allowed me to see my sisters who live up in the north of England as well as spending time with the Weybridge community. During my spare time I am an avid reader. I also work on our Josephite Constitutions and give presentations at community meetings.
Fr Richard Lear

I entered the Novitiate at SGC in 1957 and spent a year alone as there were no other novices. The year was soon over and I began my long years of formation which took me to Strawberry Hill Training College, Fitzwilliam House Cambridge, Leuven Catholic University and finally Wonersh seminary. Once ordained, I was able to fulfil my ambition and work in the Congo. I have worked in Africa, England and California. I am a keen bird watcher and naturalist and have planted trees in every region of the Congregation. I have been parish priest of the Holy Family Parish in Addlestone and also at 'Christ The King' in Bournemouth. In 1996 I was elected by my confrères to lead the Congregation as Superior General. During this time I travelled a great deal and laid the foundations of a new optimism. In February 2008, I celebrated 50 years of vowed life.
Fr Mark Newman

I came to California in 1963 and to Santa Maria in 1964 to open Saint Joseph High School, where I was the Principal from 1966 to 1975, Campus Minister from 1975 to 1987 and then Principal again until 1990. After 40 years of teaching it was time for a change! I moved to carry out parish work at St Louis de Montfort (still in Santa Maria) and am still full-time there. In my spare time I enjoy a round of golf a week and am currently working with a 10 handicap. I also enjoy visiting my sisters in Australia.
Fr John Mayhew

I am active in the parish of St Louis de Montfort and live in our Novitiate house where I had, a few years ago, some novices to tend to; however, I am most active in the Parish Hispanic Ministry. I have taught myself Spanish and I am quite fluent. I regularly schedule Quinceneara's (when a girl turns 15 she has a special ceremony); and devote many hours to bible study classes both in Spanish and English. I formed a Consejo (hispanic council) which provides much leadership for the Hispanic community. Some years ago I began a radio station called "Hombre Nuevo" which uses taped talks from a very charismatic and vibrant, Fr Juan Rivas. I am called upon quite frequently to carry out funerals for parish family members. I don't get to run as often as I used to but I do a lot of running around!
Fr Paul Connor

I was Housemaster for 18 years, the last eight of which I was Master in Charge of the Sixth Form. I coached sport for over 25 years and was Head of Sport for ten of those years. My greatest pleasure was starting the Sixth Form involvement with Lourdes in 1982. I now travel with WOGLE every July for the OG annual pilgrimage. For several years I was a National Chaplain to the ACROSS Trust which transported the severely disabled to Lourdes as well as around Europe. During this time I was the Spiritual Director of Great Britain to Lourdes. I spent several years in the army as a chaplain after which I moved to set up the Catholic chaplaincy at Bournemouth University. I then moved to be the Chaplain of a Catholic/Anglican comprehensive school in Poole. In the 1990s I was appointed Regional Superior for six years, at the end of that time I was diagnosed as a diabetic; sadly the diabetes is affecting my kidneys. I am now the Parish priest in Brixham and of the parish of Dartmouth.
Fr Christopher Hunting

I entered the Novitiate in 1951 and took my first vows the following year. I became Senior Housemaster in 1953 and became involved in hockey, rugby and cricket. In 1955 I went to Cambridge and studied A Level English and French after which, I proceeded to Downing College to read English where I took a 'Double-First'. I studied theology at College Melle for four years. I was ordained at SGC in 1963 and was appointed Head of English and taught English and Oxbridge English for 14 years. I coached rugby and cricket until Fr Paul took over in 1977 and I was appointed Headmaster of St George's. I was the Founding Secretary of the Surrey Schoolboys' Hockey Association, the Southern Counties Schoolboys' Hockey Association and a member of the England Schoolboys' Hockey Association. In 1987 I retired as Headmaster and returned to teaching. I am now retired and visit former pupils of St George's College studying at universities around the UK.
Fr Aidan Peter Rossiter

After leaving SGC in 1978, I read Psychology at University and then worked in the print industry. In 1984, I joined the Josephites, following Aidan my uncle and my great-uncle Cuthbert. I was ordained at St George's in 1992 and, following two years teaching at the College, I became Head of RE in a large London Catholic Comprehensive School before joining the Josephite community in Santa Barbara, California. When I returned to UK, after spending time in our Josephite parish in Bournemouth, I became chaplain and Head of RE of a boys' school in London's East End. When this school closed, I stayed in the locality and I am currently Parish Priest of both Poplar and Bow Common. I am still a Governor at four schools and lecture in Liturgy at Allen Hall, the Diocesan Seminary as well as being chaplain to the local police force and sitting on various commissions.
Fr Adrian Cadwallader

I returned to the Community at St George's in 2004 having spent nine years in the Holy Family Parish, Addlestone as Parish Priest. I am currently involved as a Trustee and Regional Bursar for the Josephites and on the Board of Governors for St George's. I still pursue my interest in table tennis and sometimes follow the "horses". I am involved on a rota basis as one of the chaplains to St Peter's Hospital.
Fr Martin Ashcroft

After school (1969), I had a gap year before going to Madeley College to gain my teaching qualification, joining the Josephites (1973), studying Theology in Leuven (where I refereed for the Belgium FA) and being ordained at SGC (1979). In the early 80s, I was White Housemaster and Head of Religious Education. In 1985 I became Head of The Junior School until retiring in 2003. My time as Head saw the abolition of boarding, the introduction of girls; the Lower Years' classes and Nursery; and the establishment of a national reputation for Hockey and Rugby. In 2004 I took a gap year and then did my MA in Chaplaincy Studies. At present, I am the Josephite Chaplain at St George's College. I also spend time visiting our 21 Josephite schools in Europe, California and the DRCongo where I help to inculcate the Josephite Educational Ethos. Finally I enjoy reuniting with former students in the UK and abroad (New York, Chicago and Sydney).
Br Armand Bopda

I was born on 22 November 1975 at Yaounde in the Cameroon. My father is a retired police officer and my mother a seamstress. They are both fervent Catholics and educated their children in the Catholic faith. I did my primary and secondary education in state schools in Cameroon. During this time, I was involved in different Catholic activities such as Y.C.S (Youth Catholic Student) and the choir of my parish. After the secondary school, I entered the Major Seminary as a candidate of the diocese of Ngaoundere in North Cameroon. During my six years there, I came to know about the Congregation of the Josephites through a Josephite who was our Philosophy and Theology professor. As a result I joined the Congregation in 2003 after spending one year of specialisation in Philosophy of Education in Catholic University of Yaounde. I arrived in DR Congo in September 2003. During my postulancy I spent one year at St Joseph's Bulongo in charge of the boarding houses. I did my novitiate the following year at Ilebo followed by two years doing my Masters in Philosophy at Kinshasa. From October 2007 to June 2008, I was Saint Anselm's Institute in Cliftonville in England following a programme in Pastoral Leadership and Community. In July 2008 I returned back the DR Congo to continue my studies.