Justin Etotshi Okeya, a priest from the Diocese of Kole (Democratic Republic of the Congo), is studying Biblical Theology at the Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University of Navarra thanks to the support of the benefactors and friends of the CARF Foundation.
At age 40, he is preparing to begin a doctorate in Sacred Scripture with a single goal: to return to his country to better educate the faithful and strengthen a Church that, amid enormous difficulties, remains the main source of hope for millions of people.
«The Catholic Church in the Congo is one of the country's most influential voices.», Justin Etotshi Okeya proudly states. Despite this achievement, priests in his diocese walk for kilometers to reach remote villages hidden among impassable roads. But fatigue does not stop them.
«Our diocese is very isolated, and access is difficult". The priests travel on foot through the villages and church communities. »Despite the fatigue, the joy of encountering the souls who await the messenger of the Good News restores the weary body," he explains.
A diocese larger than Belgium
His diocese, Kole, covers 66,000 square kilometers—an area larger than Belgium. But the shortage of priests is taking its toll, as they have only very few priests to serve nearly one million residents.
"My diocese is larger than Belgium. With only 77 priests, providing pastoral care to the communities remains one of the greatest challenges", he says.
Justin Etotshi explains that the Church in his country proclaims the Gospel not only from the pulpit, but also through its work in education, health care, and humanitarian aid. «The Catholic Church plays a leading role in the education of the elite and in stabilizing the social climate. »For my country and for my diocese, this is the way in which humanitarian organizations and many other institutions provide aid to those most in need.".
That is why every well-trained priest multiplies his impact on thousands of people. It is that conviction that has brought him to Pamplona.
Justin is studying Biblical Theology at the Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University of Navarra, and this September he will begin his doctorate in Sacred Scripture. He is able to do so thanks to the support of the CARF Foundation’s benefactors, knowing that everything he learns will one day benefit his diocese.
"In all humility, studying at the University of Navarra is a source of deep pride for me »and a source of immense joy, because it is one of the best Catholic universities where Church doctrine is taught with complete orthodoxy.".
But it is not just academic excellence that stands out, because for him, the university—as well as the Aralar Residential Hall where he lives—offers him not only a setting for academic study but also «a space conducive to the growth of spiritual and human life,» he explains.
Every class, every book, and every conversation with professors and classmates prepares us to return to a Church in need of priests who are capable of teaching, evangelizing, and accompanying its people.
A boy who was pretending to celebrate Mass
Justin's calling began long before he entered the seminary. He grew up in a Catholic family with six siblings. His father, now deceased, was a certified catechist, and his mother is a member of the Legion of Mary. Faith was not merely a family tradition, but the center of their daily lives.
She fondly remembers the Sundays of her childhood. The church was far away, but that was never a problem. «I kept urging Dad to leave as soon as possible because I wanted to sit in the front row »and observe the words and gestures of the priests and altar servers.".
That fascination continued when he returned home. So, after Mass, he would stage his own 're-enactment' of the celebration using a piece of papaya as a prop. To find an alb, he would borrow clothes from his older sister. «Without really knowing what I was doing, a deep love for the priesthood grew within me.».
Those childhood games would eventually turn out to be a definitive calling.
After six years at the seminar After completing minor seminary and spending seven more years in major seminary—three in philosophy and four in theology—Justin was ordained a deacon on August 18, 2012.
Shortly thereafter, On September 1, 2013, he was ordained a priest along with three other colleagues. Since then, he has dedicated his ministry to serving the Diocese of Kole, aware that every priest is indispensable to a Church that continues to grow.
A Church That Supports the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo remains a deeply religious country. More than 54 % of the population is Catholic, making the Church the largest religious community in the country.
In addition to evangelizing, it manages more than half of the Congolese educational institutions and health care facilities.
Relations with other religious denominations The situation is generally good, although Justin Etotshi acknowledges that some parishes in the eastern part of the country are suffering from violence perpetrated by extremist groups linked to the Islamic State.
Added to this are other major national challenges. «The numerous wars in the eastern part of the country, due to strategic minerals, »are a daily concern for the Congolese people.".
In his own diocese, the social situation is peaceful, but the lack of roads and health services makes daily life and pastoral work extremely difficult.
Among the most significant moments of his ministry are Pope Francis' visit to the Congo in 2023. «It was a moment of great joy for all the Catholic faithful», he recalls.
But its impact went far beyond popular enthusiasm. «His message also resonated with the country's authorities, »calls for greater justice, righteousness, and a sense of the common good.".
What he has discovered in Spain
During his stay in Spain, he was surprised to find that our country still preserves deeply rooted Christian traditions.
«What has impressed me the most is the enthusiasm that the Holy Week processions in southern Spain and the grand celebration of San Fermín in Pamplona".
They are expressions of a faith that, in his view, continues to play a significant role in the life of the country.
The Priest the 21st Century Needs
When thinking about the future of the Church, Justin is clear about what kind of priest today's world needs, and he offers us four key points:
«The 21st century is an ultra-connected era open to many transformations.» The priest must:
And that mission begins long before arriving at a parish. It also begins in a classroom, surrounded by books, teachers, and hours of study.
Thanks to the support of the CARF Foundation’s donors, partners, and friends, priests like Justin Etotshi can receive the training that will strengthen entire churches in the future.
In a diocese larger than Belgium, where there are only 77 priests, each donation He ends up becoming a source of comfort, hope, and the Gospel for thousands of people who are still waiting for a priest from the Congo to arrive.
Marta Santínjournalist specializing in religion.
carf@fundacioncarf.orgLandline: +34 914 029 082Mobile: +34 638 078 51145 Conde de Peñalver Street.
