St. Bartholomew, apostle: example of faith and dedication

The Church history is full of testimonies of saints and apostles, such as St. Bartholomew, who show by their lives how to respond to God's call with total dedication and generosity.

One of the twelve chosen by Jesus to announce the Gospel to the world. Nathanael can be a beacon of inspiration for those young men who feel the call to a priestly or religious vocation.

Who was Saint Bartholomew?

St. Bartholomew is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, named in the Gospels, although with few explicit mentions in the New Testament. He is traditionally identified with Nathanael, a young Israelite known for his sincerity and deep faith in Jesus. His name, Bartholomew, means son of Tolmai or son of the teacher, and Nathanael, God has given.

Although his figure appears briefly, tradition and history attribute to him a fundamental role in the expansion of Christianity, reaching distant lands to proclaim the Lord and the Gospel.

The call of St. Bartholomew

St. Bartholomew's vocation began in a moment of profound sincerity and search for truth. In the Gospel of John (1:45-51)Philip, one of the first disciples of the Master, meets Nathanael and tells him: "We have found him of whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets: Jesus of Nazareth, son of Joseph". Nathanael, skeptical, replies, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?".

But when he meets Jesus, who surprises him by saying that he had seen him under the fig tree before Philip called him, his heart opens to faith, exclaiming, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel."

This meeting is a precious example for all those who feel the call: a vocation is always born from a personal encounter with Christ, who knows our heart and invites us to follow him with total trust.

A testimony of life

After his encounter with Jesus, St. Bartholomew did not hesitate to leave behind his former life to devote himself fully to the mission of proclaiming the Gospel. According to tradition, he preached in various regions, such as the India, Armenia, Mesopotamia and Ethiopiatransmitting the word of God and often facing great difficulties and persecutions.

His courage and fidelity are an example for those preparing for the priesthood or consecrated life. Unreserved dedication to the mission, courageous witness even in the face of suffering, and trust in God's providence are essential traits that St. Bartholomew transmits to us.

San Bartolomé, apóstol mártir servicio iglesia
The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew, José de Ribera, Museo del Prado.

Martyrdom, the culmination of love for Christ

Like many apostles, St. Bartholomew gave his life for love of Christ and the Church. Tradition has it that he was martyred for preaching faith in Jesus. It is said that he was flayed alive, a particularly cruel martyrdom which, however, did not make him lose heart and renounce Love.

This extreme sacrifice reminds us that the priestly and religious vocation is a call to give one's life for the Gospel, not necessarily in a physical way, but with total and unreserved love, willing to give our time, talents and, at times, even face trials for the love of Christ and others.

Why is St. Bartholomew an example for seminarians and priests?

At the CARF Foundation, which promotes the formation of diocesan priestsIn St. Bartholomew we see an exemplary model of faith, dedication and courage. His life invites us to reflect on three fundamental aspects:

The legacy of St. Bartholomew

The mission of the CARF Foundation is support the formation of priests so that they may respond faithfully to God's call, just as St. Bartholomew did. We believe that every seminarian, like the apostle, is called to be a light in the world, the smile of God in the world and a living witness to the love of Christ.

To support a seminarian is to accompany that vocation that springs from a personal encounter with Jesus and is expressed in a life given, often with sacrifices, for the salvation of souls. For this reason, we invite you to learn more about the Foundation's work and to join us in this beautiful mission.

St. Bartholomew, apostle and martyr, teaches us that the true greatness of the Christian life lies in responding to the call of Christ with an open heart, full of faith and love. His example challenges all those who feel the call to the priestly or consecrated life not to fear the obstacles, but to trust fully in God's grace.

May his life and testimony be an inspiration so that more and more young people may discover the beauty of vocation and give their lives to God and to the service to the Church.

The Gospel of the day (Jn 1:45-51)

At that time, Philip found Nathanael and said to him:

- We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and the Prophets wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. Then Nathanael said to him:

- Can anything good come out of Nazareth?

-Come and see," Philip replied.

Jesus saw Nathanael approaching and said of him:

- Here is a true Israelite in whom there is no duplicity. Nathanael answered him:

- How do you know me? Jesus answered and said to him:

- Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.

Nathanael replied:

-Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel.

Jesus replied:

-Because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you think? You will see greater things. And he added:

- Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.

Bibliography:

Saint Mary Queen: the Virgin Mary, empress of heaven and earth

Every year, the Church celebrates with emotion the feast of St. Mary QueenIt is a date that invites us to contemplate with deep devotion the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Queen of heaven and earth. St. Josemaría teaches us his devotion and love for our mother. Her reign is not based on human power, but on the immense love she has for us all; on a surrender to God's will with humility and service, in perfect harmony with her yes from the first moment of the Incarnation of the Son of God.

The Pope Pius XII instituted this feast in 1954.It was later, with the liturgical reform of the Second Vatican Council, it was placed within the octave of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, on August 22. Thus, the coronation of Mary as Queen and Mistress of all creation is celebrated just after her glorious entrance into heaven in body and soul.

Holy Mary Queen because she is Mother

The royalty of the Virgin Mary is intimately linked to her role as Mother of God. St. Josemaría Escrivá, a great devotee of our Mother, often meditated on this truth, teaching that Mary was the first woman of the world. exalted by God above every creatureWe have as our Mother the Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and of the World".

On another occasion St. Josemaría wrote in a homily: "If our faith is weak, let us turn to Mary. St. John tells us that through the miracle of the wedding feast at Cana, which Christ performed at the request of his Mother, his disciples believed in him. Our Mother always intercedes before her Son so that he will attend to us and show himself to us in such a way that we can confess: You are the Son of God, Friends of God 285

From the first moment of her conception, Mary was filled with grace. She was preserved from original sin and lived her entire existence perfectly united to the will of God. In the fullness of her self-giving, she accepted to be the Mother of the Savior, and at the foot of the Cross, she also became the Mother of God. Mother of all men and Coredemptrix with her Son.

Therefore, her reign is not symbolic: it is a reflection of her essential role in the plan of salvation, willed by God as intercessor, protector and guide of the Christian people.

Santa María Reina san Josemaría amor a la Virgen María

Virgin Mary source of peace in the midst of storms

Unlike human reigns marked by power or ambition, Mary's reign is filled with maternal tenderness and compassion. As St. Josemaría points out, she is Queen of Peaceand to turn to her is to find consolation: "Holy Mary is the Queen of Peace. Therefore, when your soul is troubled... do not cease to acclaim her.... Regina pacis, ora pro nobis!".

Our Lady is not distant: she is close, understanding and available. Many Christians experience how, when they turn to her in the midst of difficulties-illness, family worries, vocational doubts-her presence serenades the heart and opens paths of hope.

Queen and Mother of the Apostles

In addition to consoling, Mary encourages. It is Regina ApostolorumQueen of Apostles. St. Josemaría insisted that the Blessed Virgin Mary encourages us to live a life of self-giving and mission:

"Be bold. You can count on the help of Mary, Regina apostolorum. And Our Lady, without ceasing to behave as a Mother, knows how to place her children before their precise responsibilities. (...) Many conversions, many decisions of dedication to the service of God have been preceded by an encounter with Mary. Our Lady has fostered the desire to search, she has maternally activated the anxieties of the soul, she has made us aspire to a change, to a new life. And so the "do what he will tell you" became a reality of loving dedication, a Christian vocation that has since then illuminated our whole personal life.". St. Josemaría, It is Christ who passes by, 149

This apostolic dimension of Mary's reign connects profoundly with the mission of the CARF Foundationwhich promotes the training of seminarians and diocesan priests and religious men and women at the service of the universal Church. Mary, who knew how to welcome and guide the vocation of the first apostles, continues today to accompany those who give their lives to the priesthood or consecrated life.

How to celebrate the feast of Saint Mary Queen?

We propose you to live this day with some simple but profound gestures:

santa maría reina san josemaría virgen maría
The Coronation of the Virgin Mary. Photo of the gallery of the scenes of the Rosary of the Sanctuary of Torreciudad.

"Mary's divine Maternity is the root of all the perfections and privileges that adorn her. By this title, she was conceived immaculate and is full of grace, she is always a virgin, she ascended body and soul to heaven, she has been crowned Queen of all creation, above the angels and the saints. More than her, only God. The Blessed Virgin, because she is the Mother of God, possesses a dignity that is in a certain sense infinite, of the infinite good that is God. There is no danger of exaggerating. We can never delve deeply enough into this ineffable mystery; we can never thank Our Mother enough for this familiarity she has given us with the Most Blessed Trinity."St. Josemaría. Friends of God, 276

Prayer proposal for August 22

That this August 22, when honoring Saint Mary QueenLet us find in her maternal help and reigning presence the peace and the impulse to serve with generous hearts and willing hands.

Bibliography:

Emmanuel Enwenwen, priest: "many Nigerians are missionaries today".

Emmanuel Enwenwen was born into a Catholic family in Nigeria. At the age of 12 he entered the minor seminary and, years later, "driven by an ardent zeal to serve God and humanity", entered the major seminary. After a decade of formation, he received priestly ordination on July 7, 2018.

How did you discover your vocation as a priest?

-Growing up in a Catholic family and in a Catholic community had a lot of positive influence on my faith. I grew up seeing Catholic priests as agents of hope because of the role they played in our community.

The selflessness of these priests who dedicated their lives to the service of the needy and the sick was a great source of inspiration for me. The desire to bring the message of hope to the people in their difficult times became a burning zeal that led me to the altars.

What was the reaction of your family and friends when you told them you wanted to become a priest?

-Their reaction was positive. They assured me of their support and promised never to be an obstacle to my progress and mission. I have enjoyed that support until today. I owe them eternal gratitude and pray for them every day.

How would you describe the Church in Nigeria?

-The Catholic Church in Nigeria has remained a mother focused on the salvation of all her children. This has yielded many positive results, as seen in the attendance to Mass.

This faith commitment is also seen in the number of vocations to both the priesthood and religious life. A few years ago, we were beneficiaries of missionaries who came to evangelize us. Today many Nigerians have become missionaries in different parts of the world.

What are the challenges facing the Church in your country?

-The Catholic Church in Nigeria faces numerous challenges as it strives to fulfill its spiritual and social mission. One of the main problems is insecurity. There is violence from insurgent groups, bandits and kidnappers who attack clergy, laity and even places of worship, disrupting pastoral activities and spreading fear. In fact, in some parts of the country, the Church has become an easy route to martyrdom.

How do you see the future of the Church in Nigeria?

-The future of the Catholic Church in Nigeria has profound significance, not only for the faithful, but for the soul of the nation itself. Thanks to a young and dynamic population, the Church has the capacity to reshape the moral landscape of the nation. Moreover, with the many young people in the seminaries and convents, there is great hope of continuity for the future.

Emmanuel Enwenwen sacerdote Nigeria

What do you appreciate most about your education in Rome?

-Studying in Rome is the best thing that can happen to any Catholic priest. Aside from the rich academic possibilities, here in Rome, the Rome history and faith converge. I greatly appreciate the multicultural character of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, which has exposed me to the different cultures of the world. For me it is a long period of learning, unlearning and relearning.

What is your priestly vocation like today?

-The gift of the priesthood is for me one of the greatest blessings I have received from God. I consider myself an unworthy servant entrusted with the greatest privilege of serving God's people.

I feel privileged to celebrate the Holy Eucharist every day and to be a bearer of the Good News of Christ, which is a message of hope. Not only am I happy to be a priest, but I feel fulfilled and grateful for the privilege of being a priest.

How does the training received through the benefactors of the CARF Foundation help you in your pastoral work?

-I am a student of Institutional Social Communication. Being a professional in the field of communication equips me with many tools for my pastoral work in today's changing world. Good communication contributes greatly to the success of missionary work.

My training provides me with a critical eye to read the reality around me and communicate a message that brings hope to the people entrusted to my care. The knowledge acquired here will be passed on to other young men preparing for the priesthood in Nigeria.

Original interview published in Omnes

Why does the CARF Foundation support the formation of Catholic congregations?

The CARF Foundation in its mission of service to the Church, is committed not only to facilitating access to formation for priests and future priests from all over the world, but also for members of various Catholic congregations of men and women religious.

In the Church there are different Catholic denominations and congregations.

Each religious congregation has its own mission and specific activities according to its charism. They dedicate their time to fields as diverse as education, health or social assistance to the most needy, or simply, through contemplation, to being the spiritual lungs of modern life. Their services are fundamental to our society and their work in these fields is highly appreciated and valued.

The CARF Foundation, in addition to assisting in the formation of seminarians and diocesan priests from all over the world, also grants scholarships to religious men and women belonging to the various Catholic congregations so that they may have access to a solid and adequate formation for the realization of their mission as pastoral agents.

Why is it important for Catholic congregations to have well-formed members?

Members of Catholic congregations are important bearers and transmitters of the faith. A solid formation enables them to fully understand and live the fundamentals of the Gospel and the doctrine of the Church.

Many of these religious orders are dedicated to education and are at the service of society. An integral formation enables them to respond to the needs of others more effectively and in keeping with their mission. Moreover, in an increasingly globalized world, it is essential that members of Catholic congregations be well trained both for institutional communication and for interreligious and ecumenical dialogue.

The CARF Foundation supports the formation of religious congregations such as Franciscan priests.

The Franciscan priests, who belonged to the Order of Friars Minoralso known as the Franciscan Friars, one of the most important religious congregations, share the distinctive characteristics of Franciscan spirituality founded by St. Francis of Assisi; they embrace evangelical poverty as a way of imitating Christ, living a simple life stripped of material goods and committed to living in fraternal community. The CARF Foundation, to the extent of its possibilities, supports the formation of religious congregations such as the Franciscan Friars.

Father MarwanAfter serving as pastor at the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, he was ordained a Franciscan priest. He studied at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, thanks to a study grant from the CARF Foundation.

The CARF Foundation supports the formation of priests of the Priestly Fraternity of the Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo.

The Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo, also known as the Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo, also known as the Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo. Missionaries of Communion and LiberationLuigi Giussan, an Italian priest. The main objective of this movement is to promote a personal encounter with Jesus Christ and the profound experience of the Catholic faith in daily life.

"I cannot fail to thank those who, with prayers and material help - such as my benefactors at the CARF Foundation - have helped me in my work.-I was able to study at this great university where I met many new friends from all over the world, and I was able to study in depth with excellent professors in so many disciplines that will help me in my mission as a priest of the Lord. Filippo Pellini is 32 years old, belongs to the Priestly Fraternity of the Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo and has received a grant from the CARF Foundation to complete his theology studies at the University of Rome. Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome. 

congregaciones religiosas formación CARF PUSC

The CARF Foundation supports the formation of priests of the Congregation of the Precious Blood. 

The Missionaries of the Precious Blood, founded by St. Gaspar del Bufalo in 1815 in Italy, are dedicated to the preaching of the Gospel and the service of the redemption of the world through devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus shed on the Cross.

Their charism focuses on reconciliation, redemption and spiritual renewal. They seek to bring God's love and mercy to all corners of the world and to all people.

The congregation is composed of priests and religious brothers who live in fraternal communities and profess the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. 

Francesco Albertini is a young seminarian from the Missionaries of the Precious Blood and the first of his congregation to study at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, thanks to a study grant from the CARF Foundation.

Table of Contents

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, August 15

The Asunción The Assumption is a reality that also touches us, because it indicates to us in a luminous way our destiny, that of humanity and of history. In Mary we contemplate the reality of glory to which each one of us and the whole Church are called.

"The feast of the Assumption is a day of joy. God has won. Love has won. Life has won."

The Assumption: "Heaven has a heart".

It has become clear that love is stronger than death, that God has true strength, and his strength is goodness and love. Mary was raised to heaven body and soul: In God there is also a place for the body. Heaven is no longer for us a very distant and unknown sphere. In heaven we have a mother.

And the Mother of God, the Mother of the Son of God, is our mother. He said so himself. He made her our mother when he said to the disciple and to all of us: "Behold your mother".

The sky is open and has a heart. In the Gospel we have to listen to the Magnificat, this great poetry that came from the lips, or rather, from the heart of Mary.inspired by the Holy Spirit. In this marvelous hymn the whole soul, the whole personality of Mary is reflected. We can say that this song is a portrait, a true icon of Mary, in which we can see her as she is. I would like to highlight only two points of this great song.

asunción de la virgen maría 15 agosto
Assumption of the Virgin Mary by Martín Cabezalero, 1665.

Magnificat, the song of thanksgiving

It begins with the word Magnificat: my soul "magnifies" the Lord, i.e., proclaims that the Lord is great.Mary wants God to be great in the world, to be great in her life, to be present in all of us. She is not afraid. She knows that if God is great, we too are great. She does not oppress our life, but raises it up and makes it great: it is precisely then that it becomes great with the splendor of God.

The fact that our first parents thought otherwise was at the core of original sin. They feared that, if God was too big, he would take something away from their life. They thought they had to push God aside in order to have room for themselves. This has also been the great temptation of modern times, of the last three or four centuries.

This is precisely what the experience of our time has confirmed. Man is great only if God is great. With Mary we must begin to understand that this is so. We should not distance ourselves from God, but make God present, make God great in our life; then we too will be divine: we will have all the splendor of divine dignity. Let us apply this to our life. It is important that God be great among us, in public life and in private life.

Let us magnify God in public life and in private life. That means making room for God every day in our life, starting from the morning with prayer and then giving time to God, giving Sunday to God.

A second reflection. This poetry of Mary, the Magnificat, is totally original; however, at the same time, it is "woven" with "threads" of the Old Testament, with the word of God. Mary, so to speak, "made herself at home" in the word of God, lived by the word of God and understood it.

Indeed, she spoke the words of God, and her thoughts were the thoughts of God. She was illuminated by divine light and also received the inner light of wisdom. She radiated love and goodness. Mary lived by the word of God; she was imbued with the word of God. By being immersed in the word of God, by having such familiarity with the word of God, she was immersed in the word of God.

He who thinks with God, thinks well; and he who speaks with God, speaks well; he has valid criteria of judgment for all things in the world, he becomes wise, prudent and, at the same time, good; he also becomes strong and courageous, with the strength of God, who resists evil and promotes good in the world.

More and more it has been thought and said: "This God does not leave us freedom, he limits the space of our life with all his commandments. Therefore, God must disappear; we want to be autonomous, independent. Without this God, we will be gods, and we will do as we please". Benedict XVI, Homily of August 10, 2012.

la asunción de la virgen maría 15 de agosto

The Virgin Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth

Thus Mary speaks to us, she speaks to us, she invites us to know the word of God, to love the word of God, to live with the word of God, to think with the word of God. And we can do this in many different ways: by reading Sacred Scripture, above all by taking part in Catholic MassIn the course of the year, the Holy Church opens to us the whole book of Sacred Scripture. She opens it to our life and makes it present in our life.

But I am also thinking of the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, in which the word of God is applied to our life, interprets the reality of our life, helps us to enter the great "temple" of the word of God, to learn to love it and to be imbued, like Mary, with this word. Thus life becomes luminous and we have the criterion to judge, we receive goodness and strength at the same time.

The Virgin Mary, through the Assumption, was raised body and soul to the glory of heaven, and with God is queen of heaven and earth. Is it so far away from us? On the contrary. Precisely by being with God and in God, he is very close to each one of us. When she was on earth, she could only be close to a few people. By being in God, who is close to us, even more, who is within all of us, Mary participates in this closeness of God.

Being in God and with God, Mary is close to each one of us, she knows our hearts, she can hear our prayers, she can help us with her motherly goodness. She has been given to us as a "mother" - so the Lord said - to whom we can turn at every moment. She always listens to us, she is always close to us; and, being the Mother of the Son, she participates in the power of the Son, in his goodness.

We can always place our whole life in the hands of this Mother, who is always close to each one of us. On this feast day, let us thank the Lord for the gift of this Mother and ask Mary to help us find the right path every day. Amen.

asuncion virgen maría torreciudad 15 agosto

Gospel (Lk 1:39-56) on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

"In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, into a city of Judah; and she entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost; and she cried aloud, and said:

-Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb: from whence is it so good for me that the mother of my Lord should come to visit me? For as soon as your greeting came to my ears, the child leaped for joy in my womb; and blessed are you who have believed, for the things spoken to you by the Lord will be fulfilled.

Maria exclaimed:

-My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior:

because he has set his eyes on the humility of his handmaid; Therefore, from now on all women will call me blessed. generations.

For the Almighty has done great things in me, whose name is Santo; his mercy is poured out from generation to generation on those who fear him.

He manifested the power of his arm, scattered the proud in heart.

He overthrew the powerful from their throne and exalted the humble.

He filled the hungry with good things and the rich he sent away empty.

He protected Israel his servant, remembering his mercy, as promised to our parents, Abraham and his descendants forever.

Mary stayed with her for about three months, and returned home."

Don Francisco Varo PinedaDirector of Research at the Faculty of Theology of University of Navarra and professor of Sacred Scripture.

Excerpts from a homily delivered by Benedict XVI on August 15, 2005 at Castelgandolfo (Italy).

Elias, a priestly vocation for Tanzania

Elias Emmanuel Mniko is 22 years old. and a look that conveys peace and conviction. Born in the region of Mwanza, northern Tanzaniaon the shores of Lake Victoria. She grew up in a home full of harmony and faith, where her father Emmanuel and her mother Miluga lovingly raised their four children.

A vocation that the Lord put in his heart

Since high school, he began to feel a deep desire: to be a priest. He could not fully explain it, but something inside him would light up every time he saw the priests at school: dedicated, serene and close. He was fascinated by the seminarians in their white cassocks, elegant and discreet. "It was a desire that the Lord put in my heart," he says now with simplicity.

Although he did not enter the minor seminary, Elias was not discouraged. He spent a year of formation at the vocation house. St. John Paul IIin his native diocese. There, in the silence of prayer and the joy of service, he matured his vocation. He understood that, in Tanzania, being a priest is not just a life choice: it is an urgent necessity..

The community is growing and there are few presbyters

The diocese of Mwanza, to which Elias belongs, faces great challenges. Although Catholics represent about 30 % of the population - some 1.2 million people - priests are scarce and communities are growing rapidly. In many villages, Mass is celebrated only once a month, and there are faithful who walk more than 10 kilometers to attend. Priestly vocations are a blessing desired with hope and faith by all the people.

In spite of everything, the Church in Mwanza is alive. The faithful are enthusiastic, the young people are proud of their faith, and the diocese is working hard to promote educational and health projects. Many schools and hospitals are run by the Church. There, in the midst of simplicity and sometimes precariousness, hope is sown every day.

"I am living a wonderful experience."

Currently, Elias resides in the Bidasoa international seminarin Pamplona. He has completed his first year of Philosophy and his face reflects amazement and gratitude. "I am living a wonderful and fraternal experience," he says. He is excited about sharing daily life with seminarians from all continents, learning from the formators and getting to know other cultures.

Elías Mniko vestido con sotana de sacertoda en un pueblo de Tanzania durante su formación

Europe is teaching me many things," he says. Europeans are very loving. But I also believe that you Europeans can learn from us Africans about the importance of family life.

The priest's life demands sacrifices

Elijah speaks calmly, but his every word is charged with inner fire. He knows that priestly life demands sacrifices. He knows that, when he returns to Tanzania, a demanding mission awaits him: to care for many souls, to accompany scattered communities, to console the suffering and to be the living presence of Christ in the midst of his people.

Sometimes he thinks of his family, his land, the joyful songs at Mass and the ground corn that accompanies almost every meal. He also remembers his friends, his parish catechists and the bishop who encouraged him not to be afraid to say yes to God.

Life at the Bidasoa International Seminary seems to him to be a gift. There are times for prayer, study, sports, service and also parties. "Here we learn to be brothers," he explains. Although at first it was difficult for him to adapt - the cold of Navarre, the language, the food - today he feels at home. His Spanish improves day by day and, when he smiles, he does it with that African warmth.

"The young people of Tanzania have a lot of hope."

Elias is not naive. He knows the problems of the Church, both in Europe and in Africa. In his country, in addition to the shortage of priests, there are social challenges: poverty, lack of access to education in rural areas and the risk of religious syncretism. But he also knows that there is a fire that will not go out. "Young people in Tanzania have a lot of hope. They know they are the future of the Church. That's why they want to train well, serve with joy and give their lives if necessary.

Mwanza, his diocese, has seen the birth of vocations like his. The local major seminary is unable to train all the candidates, so the diocese sends some, like Elias, to formation centers outside the country. It is a brave investment, in the hope that these young men will return to bear fruit.

Return to your country to serve

Elias looks to the future without fear. "I want to go back to my country and serve my people. I want to be a good pastor, like Jesus. And, if I can, I also want to help other young people hear the voice of God". He says this with a peace that moves, because there is nothing stronger than a heart that is surrendered.

His story, like that of many African seminarians, is a song of hope for the whole Church. In a world where faith sometimes seems to be dying out, voices like his remind us that the Gospel is still alive, sowing in fertile lands like Tanzania.

Marta SantínJournalist specializing in religious information.