Originally from Zimbabwe, I am the youngest in a family of three boys and two girls. My Catholic education in Africa and the strong faith of my family helped me realize my calling to the priesthood.
In grade school we had Tuesday religion classes, and I remember very well the sisters always taught us we should imitate the saints. Their teachings were about mainly young saints, and they would always challenge us children to be like them – and see that age should not be an obstacle to sainthood. This helped me realize the importance of putting one’s trust in God and offering oneself to the mission with which Christ entrusts us at Baptism.
The desire to be a priest intensified when I graduated from high school. My parish priest had a great influence on my vocation. He always told me that, if you put all your trust in the Lord, nothing is impossible, and He will always be with you. I also knew other priests and religious whose joy and holiness opened me to see the joy of the priesthood. Speaking to them and sharing my feelings about my vocation helped me appreciate my call.