
Jolly offered to create math-based activities and resources for the Catholic school students in Uganda. In the months since, he and Father Okiria have exchanged puzzles, math games, and even a glossary Jolly created listing common math terms, which has since been translated into four languages.
“One of the great things about math is that it is in fact universal. Now, the ways that we approach math are not universal…but the way that people come to the answers is really cool,” Jolly said.
“I’ve found that the games that I’m presenting to the Ugandan students are also things that are delightful to kids here in Longmont.”
Okiria, in return, has celebrated numerous Masses for Jolly and his family, for which Jolly says he is very grateful. Despite the time difference and a language difference, it’s the same Mass, and Jolly said it has been meaningful for him to meditate on this fact.
“That’s one thing that this experience has really driven home for me is the truly universal nature…of the Church and the Mass,” he said.
Jolly has also learned a lot about Uganda. He said he has been amazed, particularly, at how many vocations the Soroti diocese is fostering; in 2010, there were 45 diocesan priests in the local Church, and 10 years later there were 74. The diocese’s website says it now has 87 diocesan priests, and 54 major seminarians. Today, Father Okiria is soliciting donations in an effort to send several diocesan seminarians to study in Rome.
Jolly also has been humbled and impressed by the humility of the Ugandan priests who took the St. Joseph course alongside him.
“These are highly educated men, who’ve probably done a hundred homilies on St. Joseph over the years, who have undoubtedly read more about St. Joseph than I will ever. And yet here they are saying, ‘You know, is there something even more that I can learn?’ And gosh, what a beautiful attitude that is.”
“It’s been really a nice relationship. I’ve learned so much from the community in Uganda,” he concluded.
“I’ve just been so blessed by the friendship with the folks in Soroti, especially the priests and seminarians.”
Jolly’s advice for anyone wanting to help: don’t be afraid to reach out.
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“Just make the connection and see where it goes. Let the Holy Spirit take it where it needs to go.”