Samuel Ngugi Mwangi has just been ordained deacon. “Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine”. I feel that this word of the Lord spoken by prophet Isaiah has indeed been a prophesy fulfilled in my vocation journey.
I was born on April 8th, 1991, in Gatundu, Kiambu County, Kenya, into a deeply Christian family. Baptized as an infant, my early life was steeped in faith. During my childhood, I served as an altar boy at St. Therese of the Child Jesus Kiangunu Parish and was actively involved in the Pontifical Missionary Childhood (PMC) group.
My high school and college years were marked by active participation in youth groups, reinforcing my spiritual development. Despite this active involvement, I harboured a profound desire to become a Catholic priest.
However, I grappled with feelings of unworthiness and uncertainty about how to pursue this calling. My yearning for a clear divine confirmation mirrored the biblical story of Samuel, who needed Eli’s guidance to understand God’s call. I often wondered who would guide me in fulfilling this deep-seated desire.
After high school, I chose to study accounting at Michuki Technical College in Kangema, Murang’a, hoping that college might dispel my persistent vocational doubts. Despite this detour, my conscience continued to urge me toward the seminary.
After completing my studies and beginning an internship in Thika town, I struggled with the same vocational calling during Sunday Masses. The internal conflict led me to return to my village for a period of reflection. I sought clarity by informing my family and the parish priest of my desire to join priesthood. Yet, the fear of articulating my call remained, adding to my inner turmoil about how to proceed.
Upon returning home, I confided in my family about my decision to become a Catholic priest and explained why I had left my job. As a prayerful family, they supported me by joining in a week of daily Rosary prayers, asking for divine guidance in my vocation.
This period of intense prayer provided me with the courage to approach the parish priest. However, my fear of facing this challenge alone led me to invite a close childhood friend for support. Together, we met with the parish priest of St. Therese Kiangunu Parish, who offered a warm welcome, encouragement, and prayer, reinforcing my resolve to pursue this path.
My ongoing vocational discernment included encounters with the Salesians of Don Bosco, who had previously supported my education. I also recalled the impact of a Comboni missionary priest, who had visited my family during my childhood. I reached out to him and learned about the Comboni Missionaries. He visited my family and shared insights about St. Daniel Comboni and the Comboni Missionaries.
This introduction led to a meeting with the Comboni vocation director, who, also visited my family and provided detailed information about the Comboni charism. St. Daniel Comboni’s passionate commitment to Africa deeply resonated with me, and I felt a strong connection to the Comboni Missionaries’ mission.
Inspired by this, I applied for and was accepted into the pre-postulancy program in Mukuru slums for the 2013-2014 intake. In May 2014, I began postulancy formation with the Comboni Missionaries in Ongata Rongai, where I engaged in philosophical studies and was introduced to missionary life.
This formative period was crucial for my personal and spiritual growth, allowing me to mature through community living and the guidance of formators. My love for the Comboni life deepened, and I felt increasingly aligned with the Comboni charism. After postulancy, I was admitted to the Lusaka Novitiate in 2017, where formation emphasized a personal encounter with God and a deeper understanding of the missionary vocation of St. Daniel Comboni.
I embraced this calling fully and took my first religious vows on May 4, 2019. Following my first religious profession, I pursued theological studies at the Scholasticate of Kinshasa, Congo, starting in July 2019. Initially, I undertook a French course before beginning formal theology studies, which I had to pause after two years.
In August 2022, I returned to Kenya for missionary experience and was assigned to the Comboni Community of Amakuriat in West Pokot County. This year-long experience allowed me to immerse myself in the local culture, pray with the Pokot people, and engage in their community.
The following September, I was recommended to return to Kinshasa to complete my theological formation. By July 2024, I completed my studies, and the General Council admitted me to final vows and holy orders.
Currently, I am back in Kenya, preparing for my final vows and diaconate ordinations which took place in August 2024. Throughout my formation, I have experienced God’s guiding love in unexpected ways. Christ’s reassurance, as expressed in John 15:16, that He chose me to bear lasting fruit, has been a source of strength and encouragement.
God’s providence has connected me with the right people, including mentors and supporters who have been instrumental in my vocational journey. My missionary experiences in Malawi, Zambia, and the liturgical rites in the Diocese of Zaire have profoundly impacted me. Engaging with local cultures and participating in various apostolates, such as prison ministry and working with Mother Teresa’s home, has deepened my under- standing and commitment to the Comboni mission.
I am deeply grateful for the grace of embracing the Comboni charism, dedicated to serving the poor and abandoned as exemplified by the Good Shepherd. Christ’s love has guided me in sharing my life and vocational experiences with others. The words of Jeremiah 1:5,8, affirming God’s preordained purpose for me, have strengthened my conviction in my call to be a religious missionary priest.
