Father Abebayehu Tefera Atara, an Comboni missionary from Ethiopia, reflects on what it means to be a priest.
I grew up in Haro Wato, Uraga District, Guji Zone, Oromiya Region, Ethiopia, the eldest of nine children. While my father was a farmer and quiet man, my mother was a teacher and a luz for me. They both helped me to become resilient in the face of obstacles and problems I encountered in life. They encouraged me to focus more on my school work.
But God has his own way of dealing with life’s situations. My vocation was inspired by my parents’ piety, faith and spirituality. So, after completing my studies, I entered the postulancy in Addis Ababa, then the novitiate in Namugongo, Uganda, and finally the scholasticate in Nairobi, Kenya. Over the years I have often asked myself what it means for me to be a priest.
It is above all a life of joy, of lifting the cup of blessing and drinking the cup of salvation: this is what being a priest means to me. To be a priest is a profound vocation that invites one to dedicate one’s life to a higher purpose; it is more than a profession and a job. For me, being a priest is much more than fulfilling the typical customs and duties of religious authority. It is a journey of spiritual development, selfless service and connection to the community and to the Almighty.
The role of the priest is essentially to act as a mediator between the religious and the secular. As well as providing comfort in times of need and a sense of community within the Christian community, it is also about accompanying and encouraging people on their spiritual journey. It is a commitment that extends into the lives of people seeking guidance and clarity, but goes beyond the confines of the church. As stewards of the spiritual health of the community, priests have a vital role to play in maintaining it.
This includes not only leading worship and administering the sacraments, but also listening with empathy, guiding and modelling the ideals of love, compassion and empathy. The priest can have a great impact on the human experience through the honour of participating in important life events such as weddings, funerals and baptisms.
In other words, the life of a priest is a constant process of self-improvement. It requires a commitment to a life of introspection and prayer. The priest’s ability to accompany people on their journey is strengthened by the constant search for a better understanding and connection with the divine, which also enriches their spiritual life.
Promoting inclusion and understanding is another aim of clergy. This includes creating a comfortable and open environment where people can speak freely about their faith, ask questions and receive help without fear of being judged. To be a source of unity across differences, a priest must welcome diversity in the Christian community.
The priestly vocation is, at its core, a sacred and complex calling. It requires a strong sense of social responsibility, a deep commitment to spiritual development and an unwavering dedication to living the teachings of compassion and love. A priest’s journey is not without its challenges, but the rewards come from the positive changes he brings to the life of the communities he serves, as well as to his own life.
