Nataniel's vocation to the priesthood originated in the most unexpected situation, since his father belonged to the Kimbanguist religion, an African religious current originating in Angola, founded in 1921 by Simão Tocoknown as the prophet Kimbangu.
This faith combines elements of Christianity, especially Protestantism, with traditional African practices and beliefs. Kimbanguists believe in a supreme God, the importance of prophets and spiritual healing. They also promote unity, peace and social justice, and are distinguished by their emphasis on the fight against oppression and racial discrimination. Religion has a strong influence in Angola and other parts of Africa. However, a providential path led Nataniel to embrace the Catholic faith and, over the years, to feel a call to the priesthood.
Today he is in Rome, studying for his bachelor's degree in theology and living in the Sedes Sapientiae International Seminarthanks to a grant from the CARF Foundation.
Nataniel is the second of five brothers and sisters, and comes from a family that is not strictly Catholic, but had a religious experience that marked his life. His father is a military man, and although he does not practice much, in his family the religion that was practiced was kimbanguista. On the other hand, his mother, Isabel, who was a hairdresser, was baptized in the Catholic Church but ended up converting to Protestantism. This was Nataniel's reality until 2012.
The change began when Nataniel's mother decided to return to the Catholic Church. "She gave us the order that we would no longer attend any other church, and we started going to church every Sunday." For Nataniel, it was a challenge. He had grown up participating in the Protestant church's Sunday school, where Bible quizzes were held, and what motivated him most to go was the chance to win prizes. Now, attending church, everything seemed strange and different. But he had no choice but to accompany his mother.
By attending catechesis, Nataniel began to discover the teachings of the Church. He studied the Bible and Church history in greater depth, which strengthened his faith and gave new meaning to his life. In 2015, he joined the acolyte group, getting closer to the liturgy and the priest, and that same year he received baptism. "We can lose fame, youth, money, but the one thing that truly cannot be lost is Christ."
The year 2015 was key, not only because of his baptism, but also because he started high school. During that period, the idea of entering the seminary began to take shape in his heart. "Seeing the pastor carry out his ministry motivated me to follow in his footsteps. I felt in the depths of my being that my vocation was to be a priest, to give my life to the service of God and for the salvation of souls. I wanted to be an instrument of God in the midst of his people," he tells us joyfully.
Nataniel was a bright boy in studies, he had received scholarships to study computer engineering in London or the United States, but in 2017 he makes the decision to share with his parents his desire to enter the seminary. "It was a difficult time, especially for my mother. She didn't understand why I wanted to take such a radical step in my life. For her, having her only male child take this path was hard to understand."
Over time, his parents, who had returned to the Catholic faith, began to open their hearts and understand their son's desire. Finally, in February 2018, Nataniel's parents accepted their son's decision to become a priest and on February 25 he entered the archdiocesan seminary of Luanda, a decisive step towards the dream of his vocation. "It was a moment of great joy and gratitude to God for allowing me to follow the path that I felt He had prepared for me."
Today he sees how each step has led him to where he is, to this call to the priesthood that began in his heart in an unexpected way, but which has been confirmed and strengthened over the years. "My vocation was born in a diverse family context, it has been a true work of God."
He is deeply grateful to his parents for their understanding and for supporting him on this path. "My desire is to move forward, with faith and hope, dedicating my life to the service of God and his people."
With this testimony, Nataniel wishes to express his deep gratitude to all the benefactors of the CARF Foundation for giving him the opportunity to continue his studies in Rome.
She is currently in her third year of Theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. "Thanks to your support, I am able to commit myself to the mission of Holy Mother Church to bring the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ to all nations," he says.
"I pray every day for you so that the Lord, the Supreme and Eternal Good, from whom all blessings come, may continue to bless you and guide your steps towards the vocation to which we are all called, Holiness. Thank you very much!" he says with a smile.
Gerardo FerraraBA in History and Political Science, specializing in the Middle East.
Head of the student body at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.
