"My name is Lungelo Halalisani Sikhakhane and I am a seminarian from the Diocese of Eshowe in the South African Republic.
I am 30 years old and now I am beginning my fourth year of Theology at the University of Navarra. Thanks to an example of a holy priest, I was able to see what priesthood really is, what it means for the people of God. His name was Father Ruprecht Wolf, he was chancellor of the diocese and at the same time he helped in the boarding school of the elementary school where I studied. This priest was a model for me and attracted me to give my life to God in his service and in the service of my brothers.
Our diocese is very small but it is growing. My bishop sent me to study in Spain to enrich the local church, to help in the formation of Christians and to be a holy priest. The help I get from the CARF Foundation makes this dream of mine and the diocese possible. The Church in this region does not have many priests since the country in general is not a Catholic country, the challenges of Protestant sects and evangelisms present difficulties in spreading the Catholic faith. In addition to this challenge there is a lot of violence and inequality that hinders an integrated and authentic life, especially for the youth. Very often the few Catholics are also sometimes without priests to attend to their pastoral needs, so the yes of each of us seminarians is really necessary for the work of God in my land.
I would like to thank you for the support you give me in my formation. Without it, it would not be possible for the Church and, in my particular case in my diocese, to carry out the evangelical mission for which good and holy priests are entrusted. Every day I strive and work hard to make the most of this formation experience".
