On the 5th of of October 2018, our senior brother, Fr. Maury Schepers, turned 90 years old. It was a joyful and gracious moment as the brothers of the vicariate and some close friends of Fr Maury came together in the evening to rejoice with him, first by sharing the Eucharist and then a festive dinner.
Fr. Maury is one of the Dominican missionaries from America. He has lived in the vicariate the longest, having arrived in 1991. Fr Maury’s vocation and ministry has centered on writing and teaching. He first taught at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) and then proceeded to teach at the Spiritan Seminary in Arusha (Tanzania) where he also acted as the student master for Dominicans studying philosophy. In 2002 he returned to Nairobi where he has been engaged, ever since, with teaching and administrative duties at the Tangaza University College. He also directs the Lonergan Centre located at St Dominic’s Priory. In addition to teaching, Maury has twice been the vicar provincial, having just completed his second term.
Born in 1928 in Holland, Michigan (USA), he joined the Order in 1949 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1956. He did further studies in Rome and Paris before returning to the USA to teach at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington DC. After teaching six years there he taught at La Salle University in Philadelphia for 25 years, before coming to Eastern Africa.
At 90, Maury continues to demonstrate a keen interest in studies. In addition, he is a member of the Nairobi Orchestra, which is known especially for its performance of Handl’s “Messiah.” He is also an avid runner and bicyclist and has even participated in various marathons for charitable causes.
Fr Bartholomew Murphy, SJ, a long-time friend of Maury’s, with whom he climbed Kilimanjaro in 1994, preached at Maury’s birthday Mass.
Happy Birthday Fr Maury! May God give you strength and courage to serve him usque ad mortem.
