Rev. Mr. John Fimmuchime

Theology III
Mount St. Mary's Seminary/Saint John Paul II Major Seminary Bachuo Ntai Mamfe-Cameroon
St. Louis Parish/Diocese of Kumbo, Cameroon

What did you do prior to entering seminary? I entered seminary after high school.

What influenced your decision to apply for seminary entrance?

I would say that the death of my mother when I was 2 years old is the root of my call to be a priest. There is no other explanation for the call that continues to inspire me to join the Catholic priesthood, which I trace back to the time of her death.  My mother died when I was a child, and still today I cannot picture her face; I have no photo of her, I only know that I had a mother who passed away.

In the year 2005, all of my siblings left home; some went in search of jobs, while others went to live with the older ones who were already married. I was left alone with my father. During elementary school, I worked on my late mother's farm, I cooked for my father and myself, and I did most of the housework, so I pretty much say I learned to live alone at age 12. At one point I began to think that the fact that I am alive can only be explained by God's love for me, and that serving in the Church and as a priest would be the best thing I could do for God; I only wanted a place where I could give my life completely to God.  Soon after completing my GCE/AL exams (high school) I shared this with my father. He told me, “John, if you want to become a priest, you will need to sponsor yourself.” My father gave me 500 francs, which is about $1.00. Little did I know these would be my father's final words and care for me, as he died a week later.  With his death, my zeal for the Catholic priesthood only increased. I was very determined to become a priest to respond to all that God has been teaching me in my life.  I saw the need to care for the broken-hearted and to thank God for my life through the services I may offer to His people as a priest.

Why do you want to be a priest? To serve God freely as a symbol of my gratitude to Him.

What are your favorite pastimes? Spending time in church, gardening, encouraging my best friend in the spiritual life and sharing knowledge with classmates.

What is your favorite quote?  Isaiah 49:23 “Those who hope in me will not be disappointed.”

Who is your favorite Saint and why? St. John the Baptist. I am moved by his life history especially his humility. I wish to live such a life.

What advice would you give to a young man thinking about the seminary? The seminary is for all who are from the world and are ready to say no to the things of the world.

Any other interesting facts about yourself? I worked for six months at a radio station and was given a certificate of recognition. I worked as a miller during high school.  I have a friend who has always been there to support me on my journey to the priesthood and I consider this as a gift.