Episcopalian Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu was born in Klerksdorp, South Africa in 1931. He worked as a teacher until 1953 when he quit in protest of the passing of the Bantu Education Act of 1953 that legalized segregation in schools. He spent the majority of his life fighting against the apartheid system of racial segregation in South Africa.

Tutu received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his work and was appointed chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission by President Nelson Mandela in 1995. The Commission was created to investigate the violation of human rights by the apartheid system.

The bishop has now shifted his focus to HIV/AIDS. He makes appearances around the world to raise awareness of the disease.

A handful of Sacred Hearts, La Pietra, St. Andrew’s Priory and Kamehameha students were invited to meet with the bishop this summer at St. Andrew’s Priory.

“After learning that Archbishop Tutu had won a series of awards and is a world-renowned activist, meeting him was surreal and was definitely a phenomenal experience,” said senior Xylia Lydgate. “He has a unique sense of humor and a radiant personality. He knows how to make those around him laugh.”

Senior Caitlin Colipano agreed. “He is a child at heart. I guarantee that nobody can resist smiling when he is in the room.”

Head of school Betty White also visited with the bishop at the Priory.

“My personal reaction was one of awe to be in his presence,” said White. “It reminded me a bit of the Dalai Lama. The Priory was well prepared, and I liked the pomp and circumstance of such a visit. I was also impressed with his wife. She appeared younger, very articulate, charismatic and had a flair for talking with young people.”

The students who met with the bishop had the opportunity to meet one of the greatest moral icons of a generation.

“I think the girls understood the significance of his visit to Hawaii,” said White. “Of the thousands of people with whom he spoke and shared in Hawaii, he saved time for the youth.”