THE CALL TO SERVE GOD

THE CALL TO SERVE GOD

I have often wondered what it is that drives young people to become priests. I use the word, “priest” here loosely to encompass monks, Rev. Brothers, Rev. Sisters, etc. It is such a hard decision for me because I could never imagine myself not living with my family: wife and children. But these people have not just “freely” chosen to lead such a life, but actually also “happily” chosen to do so. The case of pastors is different because they can get married and have children.

Recently, though, I got an insight into the conditions that candidates for the priesthood must meet before they are admitted. The information was contained in an interview accorded the Rev. Fr. Ignatius Waindim, Rector of the Major Seminary in Bambui, by CAMEROON PANORA, the Catholic monthly magazine published by the Diocese of Buea.

The Rector named the qualifications as “probity of life, adequate academic qualifications as required for  the Ecclesiastical Institutions of Higher Learning, readiness to sacrifice for the good of the church, stability in the seminary for proper and effective formation.”

In the interview conducted by Florence Awambeng, an associate editor of the publication, Fr. Waindim was asked what then were the basic qualifications required. He said:

“First he should have felt the call deep inside himself to become a priest after the mind of Christ and his Church. Without the vocation, there can be no admission for formation. Adequate academic qualifications that can enable one gain admission into any officially recognized university in or outside of the country; a good pass in Religious studies at the Advanced Level.

Also required are the recommendations of the Vocational Director in the Diocese and the admission by a diocesan bishop or Superior of a Religious Congregation or an Institute of Apostolic Life. There is also the presentation of the candidate by the Bishop or Religious Superior to the Rector of the Major Seminary for Admission. Note that there are no private candidates in the Major Seminary.”