Emmanuel Enwenwen was born into a Catholic family in Nigeria. At the age of 12, he entered the minor seminary and, years later,  “driven by a burning zeal to serve God and humanity,”  he entered the major seminary. After a decade of formation, he was ordained a priest on July 7, 2018.

How did you discover your vocation as a priest?

—Growing up in a Catholic family and community had a profoundly positive influence on my faith. I grew up seeing Catholic priests as agents of hope because of the role they played in our community.

The selflessness of these priests, who dedicated their lives to serving the needy and the sick, was a great source of inspiration for me. The desire to bring the message of hope to people in their difficult times became a burning zeal that led me to the altars.

What was the reaction of your family and friends when you told them you wanted to be a priest?

—Their reaction was positive. They assured me of their support and promised never to be an obstacle to my progress and mission. I have enjoyed that support to this day. I owe them eternal gratitude and pray for them every day.

How would you describe the Church in Nigeria?

—The Catholic Church in Nigeria has continued to be a mother focused on the salvation of all her children. This has yielded many positive results, as seen in Mass attendance.

This commitment to faith is also reflected in the number of vocations to both the priesthood and religious life. A few years ago, we were beneficiaries of missionaries who came to evangelize us. Today, many Nigerians have become missionaries in different parts of the world.

What are the challenges facing the Church in your country?

—The Catholic Church in Nigeria faces numerous challenges in its efforts to fulfill its spiritual and social mission. One of the main problems is insecurity. There is violence from insurgent groups, bandits, and kidnappers who attack clergy, lay people, and even places of worship, disrupting pastoral activities and sowing fear. Indeed, in some parts of the country, the Church has become an easy route to martyrdom.

How do you see the future of the Church in Nigeria?

—The future of the Catholic Church in Nigeria has profound significance, not only for the faithful, but for the soul of the nation itself. Thanks to a young and dynamic population, the Church has the capacity to reshape the nation’s moral landscape. Furthermore, with the many young people in seminaries and convents, there is great hope for continuity for the future.

What do you appreciate most about your education in Rome ?

—Studying in Rome is the best thing that can happen to any Catholic priest. Aside from the rich academic opportunities, history and faith converge here in Rome. I greatly appreciate the multicultural nature of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, which has exposed me to the different cultures of the world. For me, it’s a long period of learning, unlearning, and relearning.

What is your priestly vocation today?

—The gift of the priesthood is for me one of the greatest blessings I have received from God. I consider myself an unworthy servant entrusted with the greatest privilege of serving the People of God.

I feel privileged to celebrate the Holy Eucharist every day and to be a bearer of the Good News of Christ, which is a message of hope. Not only am I happy being a priest, but I feel fulfilled and grateful for the privilege of being a priest.

How does the training you received through the CARF Foundation’s supporters help you in your pastoral work?

—I’m a student of Institutional Social Communication. Being a professional in the field of communications equips me with many tools for my pastoral work in today’s changing world. Good communication contributes enormously to the success of missionary work.

My training gives me a critical eye to interpret the reality around me and communicate a message that brings hope to the people entrusted to my care. The knowledge acquired here will be passed on to other young men preparing for the priesthood in Nigeria.