This is the second in a series of short articles written by SMA Seminarians in Africa published in the 2024 Family Vocations Community Newsletter recently distributed to FVC Members. It is about Chishimba John who has now completed two years of studies in the SMA House in Kabwe. On completing his philosophy in two years time, he will God willing begin a Spiritual Year in Calavi in Benin.
My name is Chishimba John. I come from the city of Kitwe in the Catholic Diocese of Ndola in Zambia. My parish is St John the Evangelist which is run by the SMA Fathers. I am a 
seminarian at the SMA Formation House in Kabwe Zambia, doing my first year of Philosophy studies. I would like to share a little of my experience with you.
I have had a desire to serve God from my childhood, and this desire has continued to grow. I joined the Altar Servers in 2014 when Fr. Martin O’Farrell SMA (Cork) and Fr Padraic Kelly SMA (Galway) were working in our parish. I was inspired very much by the missionary work of these men.
It was at this time that I began speaking to my family and friends about my desire to become a priest. Some were not too keen on the idea, but most were very supportive and encouraged me to work hard. I completed secondary school in 2021 and still felt called to priesthood. I needed to do some research and I explored the SMA further, and also other congregations. There were two seminarians in our Parish and I spoke with both of them – a Capuchin Franciscan and an SMA. After my research, and with my past experience with the SMA in the parish, I chose to join the Society of African Missions.
My parish priest at this time was Fr. William Sinkala SMA (Ndola, Zambia) who I spoke with about my decision to join the Society. He put me in touch with the vocation director and when I was accepted I started my studies. I began the preparatory programme on 1st September 2022 at the Society’s House in Kabwe.
The programme offers many things to help us mature and better discern our vocation. Studies with Fr John Denvir SMA (Down) inspired me a lot. I tried to respond as well as I could to all that was offered in the programme, and to examine my motivation to be a missionary.
In August 2023 I began my philosophy studies at St. Augustine’s Major Seminary at Mpima, Kabwe, Zambia, and I am now committed to this central part of my formation. My experience with the SMA since childhood has been wonderful and I hope to continue the journey to become an SMA missionary if it is God’s will.
If you would like to support the education and training of SMA Missionaries in Africa please make contact with us via the details posted below.
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