“I feel called not only to ‘do’ missionary work, but also to ‘be’ a missionary presence: a brother to all, especially to those in need of hope and healing”. James Ukongo, a Comboni Brother, shares his journey of discernment to serve as a Comboni Missionary Brother.
I was born in Yei, South Sudan, into a humble, close-knit family. My father, Jenesio Umir, is a major in the South Sudan Police Service, while my mother, Mary Nyakori, is a dedicated farmer who raised us with love and discipline. I am the second of seven children and, as the eldest among four brothers and one sister, I found myself stepping up at home with responsibility for my siblings.
In hindsight, I realise that the seed of my vocation was planted when I was still a curious boy. I vividly remember the day my elder sister received her First Holy Communion. After Mass, she looked at me with joy and innocence and said, “I have received the Body of Christ.” Her words struck me deeply. What did she mean? How could one receive the Body of Christ? I was filled with curiosity and a desire to experience the mystery she had spoken of so reverently. It was this innocent curiosity that led me to join catechism classes, little knowing that this was the first step towards something far greater.
I soon became an altar server and a member of the Holy Childhood. I loved being close to the altar and to the mystery of the Eucharist, and to Christ. It was there that I began to feel a deeper longing, not only to serve at the altar, but to dedicate my entire life to God.
Another key figure in my spiritual journey was our parish priest at the time. His patient guidance, deep spirituality and pastoral care had a profound impact on me. He was not just a priest, but a spiritual father. He recognised my small efforts and constantly encouraged me to grow, pray and discern. I owe much of my spiritual growth to his presence during those formative years.
During my time at high school, I became an active member of the Young Christian Students (YCS) movement. It was there that my faith began to mature. The sense of sharing, service, solidarity and belonging to a Christian community awakened in me a desire for a more radical and committed faith.
A friend of mine, who is now a diocesan seminarian at the major seminary in Juba, put me in touch with the Comboni vocational promoter. After speaking with the Vocational Director, I was invited to Juba for monthly meetings with other aspirants. One year later, in 2017, I applied and was accepted onto the pre-postulancy programme.
This desire continued to grow. On 1 June 2017, I began my vocational journey as a priest candidate by entering the Pre-Postulancy, believing this to be the natural path of service. Growing up, I had never encountered the Comboni Brothers in our parish. However, during the Pre-Postulancy programme, I discovered that the Comboni family also includes Brothers who provide practical support through social and professional initiatives. This revelation stirred something within me, particularly during my time in a community at one of the missions in South Sudan, where I witnessed their work firsthand. I felt as though God was unveiling the path He was calling me to follow. After a long and honest discussion with my formator, I proceeded to postulancy on 9 August 2018.
I entered the postulancy and began philosophy studies like other priest candidates, yet uncertainty about the priestly vocation remained. During my second year, I shared my inner struggle with my formators. They listened with wisdom and encouraged me to complete my studies and revisit discernment afterward. Upon completion, both the provincial council and I agreed that I should enter the novitiate as a candidate to the Brotherhood.
Like other priest candidates, I entered the postulancy and began studying philosophy, yet I remained uncertain about the priestly vocation. During my second year, I confided in my formators about my inner struggle. They listened wisely and encouraged me to complete my studies and reconsider afterwards. Once I had finished my studies, the provincial council and I agreed that I should enter the novitiate as a candidate for the Brotherhood.
I joined the novitiate on 4 October 2021 in Lusaka, Zambia. It was not always easy. There were moments of doubt and personal struggle as I embraced a new reality during this demanding liminal stage of formation. Yet I grew spiritually and personally. I learned to listen deeply, share openly, and cultivate gentleness, respect, emotional balance, and fidelity to prayer. Prayer became the centre of my life. Lectio Divina, the Eucharist and silent reflection nourished me daily. I shifted my focus from external strength to inner strength and my relationship with Christ, in which I found peace, clarity and direction.
Community life was also a great teacher. I learned humility and openness, as well as the beauty of sharing life with brothers from a variety of different cultures and backgrounds. They challenged me, shaped me and supported me every step of the way.
After the novitiate, I was joyfully assigned to the Comboni Brothers Centre (CBC) in Nairobi, which was a significant step in my ongoing formation. Here, we strengthen our identity as brothers and prepare for our missions. I am currently in the final stage of my basic formation, studying Social Transformation at Tangaza University. This journey is equipping me with the faith, zeal and practical tools necessary to respond to the realities of our world.
As I reflected more deeply on my calling as a Comboni Brother. My desire is rooted in my love for God and his people. I feel called not only to ‘do’ missionary work, but also to ‘be’ a missionary presence: a brother to all, especially to those in need of hope and healing.
