Uganda is one of those countries where it is common to be born in a large family, however paradoxical it seems. This is the case of Gerald Emanuel Ongodia, seminarian of the Diocese of Soroti. He has ten brothers, three boys and seven girls, of whom two left with the Lord.
He shares how his priestly vocation was marked by the faith and community values of his land. In his testimony, this seminarian highlights the importance of solid spiritual formation, close leadership and the use of technologies to transform lives.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arq_f0dumq
Two circumstances that marked their vocation
It usually happens that, sometimes difficult, an African mother raised the abortion option for the difficulty of educating so many children. This idea went to Gerald’s mother in a moment of despair.
“Thank God the pregnancy continued and today I am here, with a vocation to the priesthood,” says Gerald. He also appreciates the determination of his father, catechist, and considers that his vocation has his roots in these two circumstances of his life.
His family works in the countryside and lives from agriculture. Due to the economic difficulties they passed, their parents taught them to continue always fighting, working and leaving everything in the hands of the Lord, in addition to knowing how little or much they have.
Pray for the spiritual formation of this seminarian
Gerald entered the minor seminar of his diocese of Soroti, in Uganda with fourteen years. Now, with 28 and sent by his bishop, he studied his last year of theology in the ecclesiastical faculties of the University of Navarra, in Pamplona.
“My parents are very happy with my vocation, and they are praying a lot for me so that the Lord, who called me, helps me to be a good and faithful priest,” he says with emotion.
Religious challenges in Uganda
Uganda is a country that enjoys religious freedom, Although, as in many other places, there are tensions and competitions between the different religious denominations.
A different 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 usually attract people often occur as more dynamics, focused on material well -being and prosperity, offering healing services and certain miracles ».
These are some religious challenges facing his country, especially his diocese, Soroti, located northeast of Uganda, a region where religious life has a fundamental role.
Church social and educational support
«My diocese is mainly Catholic, and as in many other Uganda regions, faith plays a key role in people’s daily life. Religious life is very marked by African traditions and liturgical celebrations such as baptisms, weddings and funerals, ”says Gerald.
Most Catholics in Soroti live in rural communities, where The Catholic Church is not only a place of worship, but also a community, educational and spiritual support center.
Therefore, parishes organize numerous activities, offering not only spiritual training but also programs to help the most needy.
Improve education and health
Another joys of his diocese is the large number of young people who participate in the activities of the parishes.
«However, my diocese needs more instruments to improve education, both in the secular and religious field. The diocese offers educational programs, but often faces with limitations in terms of resources, ”he laments.
Also, access to health care is a challenge, especially in rural areas. To contribute to the improvement of health, many Catholics are involved in community health projects. That is why his diocese is working to improve economic conditions, providing skill training and supporting agricultural development projects. But above all they dream of building a large cathedral, a project that is already advanced in its diocese.
The four characteristics in the spiritual formation of a 21st century priest
Soroti also needs well -trained priests capable of being religious leaders in rural communities.
In this sense, Gerald is clear that, in countries like Uganda, young priests of the 21st century face unique challenges, “but they also have special opportunities to become charismatic and close to people.”
With enthusiasm and full of desire to put into practice when all the training received, List the four characteristics that a young priest of today must have:
- Solid spiritual formation: Know both theology and the social and cultural reality of your community.
- Empathy and closeness: be a spiritual guide and support, especially for the most vulnerable.
- Technological Domain: Use digital tools to evangelize and connect with the faithful.
- Social Commitment: Promote justice and well -being in their communities.
Europeans can learn a lot from Africa
To finish this testimony that he shares with the readers of the CARF Foundation, Gerald Emanuel Ongodia gives us some reflections for us, Europeans, about what we can learn from Africa.
According to Gerald, «Europe can learn a lot from Africa, and particularly from Uganda to be more vibrant in religious community life. In many places in Africa, community life is deeply significant. African communities are usually very close and have a strong mutual support network ».
Also, it warns Europeans that we have to strengthen our resilience in the face of difficulties: «Despite the huge socio -economic challenges, people in Uganda and in large part in Africa show a remarkable resilience capacity. Hope and faith play a crucial role, and people, even if they live in difficult conditions, maintain a strong sense of community and faith, ”he says.
In addition, also look at the spirituality and religiosity of Uganda and so vibrant. Because for this young Ugandan seminarian, liturgical celebrations, songs and dances are authentic expressions of faith that 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 everyday life; It is rooted in all daily actions. This can inspire Europeans to be more aware of how spirituality can be a practical guide in daily life, ”concludes Gerald, saying goodbye to the benefactors and donors of the CARF Foundation that make possible their dream of training.
