26 AQUINAS LANDMARK | WINTER 2025 Focus on FaitH M . A M ’ C B A . “Keep an open mind and an open heart.” – MR. ANSELM MESUE, THEOLOGY TEACHER In a modest yet profound way, Anselm Mesue embodies the spirit of service and faith here at Aquinas. Born and raised in Tiko, Cameroon, Anselm’s journey has been one of resilience, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to faith. Growing up in a close-knit Christian family with his mother, two siblings, and extended relatives, Anselm was introduced early on to the practices that would shape his spiritual path. Through Sunday Mass and evening family prayers, as a young child, he lived a very faith-centered life amidst poverty, suffering, and war. His mother, a single mom and pillar of strength, taught him the power of faith, hope, and prayer. Anselm’s mother also taught him about the power of Divine Mercy—actively embracing the call to live out and spread God’s message of compassion. His grandmother instilled in him a devotion to St. Jude, the patron saint of hope and difficult cases, reminding him that faith is both a source of peace and a guide through life’s trials. These influences taught him the importance of service and kindness to others, values he continues to bring to the Aquinas community today. At an early age, Anselm attended a boys’ boarding school that prepared young men for priesthood. Here, he developed a love for daily Mass, prayer, and singing. However, life’s challenges soon tested his faith. As a seventh grader, Anselm lost his father unexpectedly. Throughout his childhood and teenage years, Anselm faced serious health challenges— malnutrition, kidney problems, heart issues, and typhoid—which kept him from his passion for soccer. Yet, these struggles brought him closer to God, especially during a pivotal moment in his senior year of high school when he nearly lost his life due to typhoid. “It was the help of God that made me overcome this,” he recalls, a sentiment echoed by his school community, who prayed fervently for his recovery. Despite these obstacles, Anselm found strength through mentorship. His soccer coach, a priest, saw his potential and invited him to help coach the middle school boys’ team, a role Anselm continues to fulfill as a coach at Aquinas today. He served alongside his coach for three years until his untimely passing. As a senior, Anselm was approached by the school’s principal to lead the team as Head Coach. He led them all the way to the Catholic semi-finals, a remarkable achievement that became a testament to his resilience and growing faith. After high school, Anselm spent one year in a spiritual formation center, before pursuing his studies in Theology and Philosophy. His path took him from Cameroon to the FAITH BEYOND BORDERS: A TEACHER’S STORY
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