Uganda is one of those countries where it is common to be born into a large family, as paradoxical as it may seem. Gerald Emanuel Ongodia, a seminarian from the Diocese of Soroti, has ten siblings: three boys and seven girls, two of whom have gone to be with the Lord.
He shares with us how his priestly vocation was marked by his land’s faith and community values. In his testimony, this seminarian highlights the importance of solid spiritual formation, close leadership, and the use of technologies to transform lives.
Two circumstances that marked his vocation
It often happens that, in difficult times, an African mother considers the option of abortion because of the difficulty of raising so many children. This idea crossed Gerald’s mother’s mind in a moment of desperation.
«Thank God the pregnancy continued, and today I am here, with a vocation to the priesthood,» says Gerald with joy. He also appreciates 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 makes a living from agriculture. Due to the economic difficulties they went through, his parents taught them to always move forward, fighting, working and leaving everything in the hands of the Lord, as well as knowing how to share the little or a lot they have.
Pray for the spiritual formation of this seminarian
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 last year of Theology at the Ecclesiastical Faculties of the University of Navarra, in Pamplona.
“My parents are very happy with my vocation and are praying a lot for me so that the Lord, who called me, will help 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 present themselves as more dynamic, focused 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 the northeast of Uganda, a region where religious life plays a fundamental role.
Social and educational support from the Church
“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 strongly marked by African traditions and liturgical celebrations such as baptisms, weddings and funerals,” Gerald explains.
Most 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.
Therefore, parishes organize numerous activities, offering not only spiritual formation, but also programs to help those most in need.
Improving education and healthcare
Another joy in his diocese is the large number of young people who participate in parish activities.
“However, my diocese needs more tools to improve education, both in the secular and religious fields. The diocese offers educational programs, but is often faced with resource constraints,” he laments.
Access to healthcare is also 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 great cathedral, a project that is already well underway in their diocese.
The four characteristics of the spiritual formation of a 21st century priest
Soroti also needs well-formed 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 leaders and close to the people.”
With enthusiasm and eagerness to put into practice all the training received when he returns to his country, he lists the four characteristics that a young priest of today must have:
- Solid spiritual formation: knowing both theology and the social and cultural reality of his community.
- Empathy and closeness: being a spiritual guide and support, especially for the most vulnerable.
- Technological mastery: using digital tools to evangelize and connect with the faithful.
- Social commitment: promoting justice and well-being in their communities.
Europeans can learn a lot from Africa
To conclude this testimony that he shares with the readers of the CARF Foundation, Gerald Emanuel Ongodia gives us some reflections for us, Europeans, on 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 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 difficulties: “Despite the enormous socio-economic challenges, people in Uganda and in much of Africa show a remarkable capacity for 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 says.
Also, look at Uganda’s spirituality and religiosity, which is so alive and so vibrant. Because 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 everyday 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,” Gerald concludes, saying goodbye with gratitude to the benefactors and donors of the CARF Foundation who make his dream of training possible.
