Mount Saint Mary's Seminary, Theology I
Diocese of Kumbo
What did you do prior to entering the Seminary?
Upon completing my secondary and high school studies, I did a three-year course in the University of Bamenda where I obtained a Higher Teacher Training Diploma in Physics (DIPES I). I thus served as a Secondary School teacher for two years prior to entering the seminary. As far as life within the Church is concerned, I assisted in a number of ways in my home parish at various levels.
What influenced your decision to apply for seminary entrance?
I have always felt the desire to become a priest since my middle childhood days when I joined the altar servers group. A good number of lay people and priests influenced me in one way or another. However, my ultimate decision to enter the seminary was influenced primarily by the love I have for handing on the faith to God’s people. This love was nurtured by my dedication to teaching doctrine in preparation for the reception of the sacraments of Christian Initiation.
Why do you want to be a priest?
I wish to become a priest so that I can be an instrument in the hands of God, making Him manifest to the faithful. I have a great passion for bringing people closer to God and God to the people. There are many avenues through which a priest can do this, particularly through the celebration of the sacraments.
What are your favorite pastimes?
Since my middle childhood days, I have always a had great love for writing, soccer and listening to music. These are my favorite pastimes. Exploring these pastimes, I wrote a good number of short stories related to my childhood experiences for fun. I usually dedicate time to play soccer both in the seminary and during holidays.
What is your favorite quote?
The Latin quote “Cum Deo Omnia Possibilia,” meaning “With God Everything is Possible,” has been my favorite quote since my Secondary School days. It was actually the motto of the institution where I did my Secondary and High School studies. It reminded me when things were not moving well or when I was almost despairing that God can do all things for me.
Who is your favorite Saint and why?
My favorite saint is Saint Augustine of Hippo. The aspect of his life that makes him my favorite is his conversion story. It is a constant reminder to me that God’s time is the best. Despite the difficulties I may encounter in my dealings with the faithful, Saint Augustine’s life will always give me hope that with God everything is possible.
What advice would you give to a young man thinking about the seminary?
It is a great thing when a young man decides to respond to God's call. My advice for those thinking about the seminary is that they are not making a mistake. They should simply be open to accepting God's plans for their lives. Seminary life is about discerning God's will. Whether you end up becoming a priest or not, seminary formation molds seminarians into integral human beings who can excel both in the priesthood and any other vocational path.
