Uganda is one of those countries where it is common being born into a large familyparadoxical as it may seem. This is the case of Gerald Emanuel Ongodia, a seminarian of the Diocese of Soroti. He has ten siblings, three boys and seven girls, two of whom went to the Lord.
He shares with us how his priestly vocation was marked by the faith and community values of his homeland. In his testimony, this seminarian highlights the importance of a solid spiritual formation, close leadership and the use of technology to transform lives.
It often happens that, on difficult occasions, an African mother considers the option of abortion because of the difficulty of raising so many children. This idea crossed the mind of Gerald's mother in a time of desperation.
"Thank God the pregnancy continued and today I am here, with a vocation to the priesthood," Gerald says with joy. He is also grateful for the determination of his father, a catechist, and considers that his vocation has its roots in these two circumstances of his life.
His family works in the fields and lives from agriculture. Due to the economic difficulties they went through, their parents taught them to always go forward fighting, working and leaving everything in the hands of the Lord, besides knowing how to share the little or much they have.
Gerald entered the minor seminary of his diocese of Soroti in Uganda at the age of fourteen. Now, at 28 and sent by his bishop, he is in his final year of theology in the Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University of Navarrein Pamplona.
"My parents are very happy with my vocation, and they are praying a lot for me so that the Lord, who called me, will help me to be a good and faithful priest," he expresses with emotion.
Uganda is a country that enjoys religious freedom, although, as is the case in many other places, there are tensions and competitions between the different religious denominations.
A separate problem is the proliferation of certain sects. Gerald says that "although Catholicism is predominant, some Protestant groups and non-Catholic religious movements have gained ground in many parts of Uganda. The sects that tend to attract people often present themselves as more dynamic, focusing on material well-being and prosperity, offering healing services and certain miracles."
These are some of the religious challenges facing his country, especially his diocese, Soroti, located in northeastern Uganda, a region where religious life plays a fundamental role.
"My diocese is mainly Catholic, and as in many other regions of Uganda, faith plays a key role in people's daily lives. Religious life is very much shaped by African traditions and liturgical celebrations such as baptisms, weddings and funerals," explains Gerald.
The majority of Catholics in Soroti live in rural communities, where the Catholic Church is not only a place of worship, but also a community center for social, educational and spiritual support..
For this reason, the parishes organize numerous activities, offering not only spiritual formation but also programs to help those most in need.
Another joy of his diocese is the large number of young people who participate in parish activities.
"However, my diocese needs more tools to improve education, both secular and religious. The diocese offers educational programs, but often faces resource constraints," he laments.
Also, access to health care is a challenge, especially in rural areas. To help improve healthcare, many Catholics are involved in community health projects. That is why their diocese is working to improve economic conditions, providing skills training and supporting agricultural development projects. But above all they dream of building a large cathedral, a project that is already well underway in their diocese.
Soroti also needs well-trained priests capable of being religious leaders in rural communities.
In this regard, Gerald is clear that, in countries like Uganda, young priests in the 21st century face unique challenges, "but they also have special opportunities to become charismatic leaders who are close to the people."
With illusion and full of enthusiasm to put into practice all the training received when he returns to his country, lists the four characteristics that a young priest of today should have:
1. Solid spiritual formationTheology, as well as the social and cultural reality of their community.
2. Empathy and closeness: to be a spiritual guide and support, especially for the most vulnerable.
3. Technological mastery: use digital tools to evangelize and connect with the faithful.
4. Social commitment: promote justice and well-being in their communities.
To conclude this testimony that he shares with the readers of the CARF Foundation, Gerald Emanuel Ongodia offers some thoughts for us Europeans on what we can learn from Africa.
According to Gerald, "Europe can learn a lot from Africa, and particularly Uganda to be more vibrant in religious community life. In many places in Africa, community life is deeply meaningful. African communities are often very close-knit and have a strong network of mutual support."
He also warns Europeans that we need to strengthen our resilience in the face of hardship: "Despite enormous socio-economic challenges, people in Uganda and much of Africa show remarkable resilience. Hope and faith play a crucial role, and people, even when living in difficult conditions, maintain a strong sense of community and faith," he relates.
In addition, to also look at Uganda's vibrant and lively spirituality and religiosity. For this young Ugandan seminarian, liturgical celebrations, songs and dances are authentic expressions of faith that we European Christians could rediscover to strengthen our connection with God.
And finally, the interconnection between faith and daily life: "In many places in Africa, faith is not something separate from daily life; it is rooted in all daily actions. This may inspire Europeans to be more aware of how spirituality can be a practical guide in daily life," concludes Gerald, signing off with thanks to the benefactors and donors of the CARF Foundation who make his dream of formation possible.
Marta Santínjournalist specializing in religion.
