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My Vocation Story

I grew up in Capuchin Franciscan parishes: St. Martins De Porres, in Kaoma (now run by the congregation of the Missionaries of Marianhills, (CMM)) and St. Lawrence (now run by the congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, (OMI)). I have been wanting to become a priest since childhood and the inspiration went on and on. I also used to admire the altar servers a lot and this led into having classes for first holy communion because I had been baptised as a baby. I had my first holy communion at St. Martins in 1993 under Fr. Bede Dolly, OFMcap, as a Parish Priest. I then joined the Altar Boys Club (ABC) as it was called. I enjoyed serving at mass and having many other altar servers activities at St. Martins, St. Lawrence and Lukona. I was confirmed in 1995 at Lukona.

When the oblates came to Limulunga, I began developing interest in them and at least came to know that there are a number of congregations with different charisms. I also came to know the difference between religious life and priesthood. I felt that maybe I was called to religious life and not only priesthood. Among the first Oblates I met were Fr. Joe Sephamola Fr. Paul Duffy. They helped me a lot in my searching and I thank them.

Anyhow, in December 1999, after completing my senior secondary school, I left Kaoma and went to Limulunga where I stayed with mum. Fr. Pat Gitzen was the Parish Priest of St. Lawrence this time. On January 1, 2000, through the courtesy of Bro. George Ngolwe, OMI, I sent my first letter to the Oblate Vocations Director. I got the response in March and was invited for a "come and see programme." That marked the beginning of the admission process and there were other guys from my home parish who were in the same process. Fr. Pat Gitzen organised a trip to Lusaka and it was an opportunity for us to visit the Formation House. My "come and see" was during the oblate week and it was so nice that I felt like just staying right away. I had an interview with Fr. Ron Walker who gave me all the required forms for admission process. It was a five day visit after which I went back to Limulunga, where I had all the forms completed within a week. This involved getting approval from my parents. Other forms were filled in and signed by the Parish Priest and the headmaster of Kaoma Secondary School. I also got the recommendation from the Parish Council Chairperson (Mrs Beatrice Simate at that time) also from the Sisters of the Holy Spirit in Limulunga. I took the forms to Lusaka. I stayed in Lusaka with my brother Francis for a while and used to visit the Oblate Formation House. On July 22, 2000, I attended priestly ordination of two Oblates; Fathers, Patrick Chiso and Freeborn Kibombwe at Kabwata Parish. It was another moment of inspiration. A week after the ordination, I went back to Limulunga.

The oblate community in Limulunga organised some activities to keep the youth busy. A soccer team was supported and a volleyball team was formed, of which I took part, and the assistant Parish Priest, Fr. Chiso was also involved. Classes were introduced and Sr. Monica, SHSp volunteered to teach english whilist Bro. Raymond Mwangala taught us religious studies. These classes were very insightful. I am grateful to all the people who were involved. I thank Sr. Monica, Fr. Raymond, Fr. Chiso and Fr. Gitzen for the efforts they put in. Besides, I was one of the annimators of Holy Childhood.

In October 2000, I received an admission letter to the Pre-Novitiate. I was so happy and looked forward to the beginning of my formation year on January 25, 2001.

One thing that stands most about my vocation to the Oblates is the words of St. Eugene de Mazenod when he says,"We must lead men to act like human beings, first of all, and then like Christians, and finally, we must help them to become saints." For me this is very practical in the sense that there is no way we can preach to people who do not see their dignit and have no reason to look to the future. That is why as 'we spare no effort to extend the saviour's empire and to destroy the dominion of hell', we have to give these people hope for today and the future. There is more to these words according to me.