After 21 years of dedicated service to the Pallotti Secondary School in Siuyu in Tanzania, Mjomba (Uncle in English) or “Mr. Sean” as he was affectionately known at the school, has decided to retire. Sean McNulty, formerly a priest with the Pallottine Fathers, will be greatly missed by all at the Pallotti Secondary School, and his many friends in Siuyu, Tanzania.
Sean McNulty was born in County Mayo on the west coast of Ireland. Sean is one of a set of triplets whose sister Mary followed his footsteps to join the Pallottine Missionary Sisters. His association with the Pallottine Fathers goes back to 1963 when Sean met Fr. Paddy Murray SAC who was then the Director of Vocations for the Pallottine Fathers. After a few years studying with the Pallotines, Sean left the congregation and went to Zambia where he worked as a lay missionary. After spending seven years in Zambia, and a further 14 years in Botswana, he joined the staff at the Pallotti Secondary School for Girls in 1995. His sister Sr. Mary by now was the Headmistress of the newly opened school.
The school is located in Siuyu, a very remote village about 20km from Singida town in central Tanzania. The Singida region is classified as semi-desert, and has a population of over one million. Sean taught English and was a mentor to staff for over 21 years.
To celebrate Sean’s retirement from the school, and to mark his return to Ireland, the Pallotine Sisters organised a ‘farewell party’ in May of this year. In traditional African-style, Sean was escorted by the students with music, and dance from house to the Assembly Hall in the school where a special meal was prepared in his honour. All the students, staff and sisters were joined by a number of past pupils who wanted to surprise Sean.
The evening stretched for hours with speeches and entertainment. In the course of the evening, tributes were paid to Sean and he was presented with many gifts.
“Sean is the foundation stone of Pallotti, and I thank him for his commitment, and generous spirit. Sean is responsible for the Pallotti School being what it is today – a shining light in the desert that is providing quality education for girls in the centre of Tanzania,” said Sr. Mary now Provincial Superior.
Tributes were also made by Headmistress Sr. Martha Ayaqhoda who said Sean was inspirational, always on time, and fully prepared. While the Deputy Headmaster Mr. Daudi said Sean was a gift from God to Siuyu. Sr. Rosemarie Steinbach who also worked with Sean at the Pallotti School described him as dedicated, committed and hardworking.
A special Holy Mass was celebrated for Sean by his friend Fr. Basil Ikhula SAC who described Sean as an outstanding example of humanity, and reminded everyone that Sean will be regarded as a lifelong member of the Pallottine family. Fr. Tom Ryan SAC, a friend of Sean’s for more than 20 years said he will miss him very much, and their twice weekly jumuiya/social evenings.
Special report by Kieran McNulty, brother of Sean and Sr. Mary McNulty who has also volunteered for many years at the Pallotti Secondary School for Girls.
Photo caption: Sr. Mary McNulty and her brother Sean take a break at the Pallotti Secondary School in Singida, Tanzania. Photo: Kieran McNulty.
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