Fr. Don Dunson was the professor at St. Mary seminary who taught me moral theology, human sexuality, and social justice. He taught not only theology but also what it means to be a priest. He practices what he teaches. During semester, he teaches at the seminary; during summer, he spends time in Uganda. His two books—No Room at the Table, and Child, Victim, Soldier—are the result of his compassion for the child soldiers in the Northern Uganda abducted by the insurgent group called Lord Resistance Army (LRA).
When I spent time with Fr. Don in Uganda during the summer of 2010, I had learned the heart of Jesus from him. He never unwelcomed visitors who came to our place to seek help or to talk. “Nice looking man, you look familiar! What’s your name?” His casual approach always opened up pleasant conversations. But, at the same time, I won’t forget his deep sadness as he held a child who was severely malnourished. He internally cried for the child as a priest and a man.
I am still searching what kind of priest I could be for the people of God. What I know for sure is that Fr. Don would be a wonderful model for me to imitate. His meek and humble of heart and his dedication to teaching and social justice are what I dream of. I know he is in Uganda now, talking to the young, giving away whatever he has, and being one of them. I know God is always with us because Fr. Don embodies Jesus Christ among us.
Fr. Don is the seventh Christ.