Even though he was imprisoned for 27 years for his political activities during apartheid, Mandela advocated reconciliation rather than retaliation when he served as president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. “God celebrates diversity,” Dawson said, “but it is humans who are challenged by it.”ĭawson looks to Nelson Mandela”s message of fellowship for inspiration.

The Zulu people, South Africa”s largest ethnic group, have a proverb that is central to his philosophy and guides his work with others: “People are people through people.” Generosity is a hallmark of American society and culture.”ĭawson suggests that we view each other as gifts rather than as strangers and that we become more inclusive rather than exclusive. “I don”t take it lightly to become a citizen of such an incredible country that welcomes different perspectives and that affords me the opportunity to use my skills to make a contribution. “I am proud to be a fellow immigrant like so many Americans,” said Dawson, 49. citizen Thursday, at the historic Heritage Theatre in Campbell, five years after becoming a permanent resident in 2008. Soon, Dawson will take an equally significant role in a country that he emigrated to more than a decade ago from Cape Town, South Africa.ĭawson was born and raised in a vibrant home in which priests were frequent guests and where the music of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and the Glen Miller Orchestra were a constant reminder of the promise of America.ĭawson will take the oath to become a naturalized U.S. The parish has entrusted its care to this articulate and compassionate priest who says he was called by God to share God”s love and to offer help and hope. Wayne Dawson, a serene and reflective priest, has become accustomed to gently but firmly leading the parish at St.

Priest by ella frank