(This article was first published in the African Missionary No.46 Autumn-Winter 2025)Â
In this reflection Fr Moses Katabawa, a Zambian SMA missionary, looks back on this first year as a priest, and expresses his gratitude to the many people, including members of the Family Vocations Community (FVC), who have helped and supported him. Fr Moses is 36 years old. He was Ordained on the 17th of August 2024 and is working in Zambia with Fr Martin O’Farrell SMA in Divine Mercy Parish, Ndola.
 As I reflect on my first year as a priest, my heart is filled with gratitude, first to God for His grace, and also to all of you, who have supported me through your prayers, generosity, and encouragement. The last year has been a journey of grace, humility, and spiritual growth. I came into ministry after being ordained, knowing that being a priest requires complete self-giving and daily purpose renewal.
 SMA Ordinations 2025.  Eight new SMA Priests were Ordained, two from The Central African Republic, two from Tanzania, two from Ivory Coast and one each from Zambia and Kenya. In addition, twenty-three young men, studying in SMA Seminaries in Nairobi, Kenya, Ibadan, Nigeria and in Ebimpe, Ivory Coast became Deacons and will, with God’s help, be Ordained Priests in 2026.  |
Moments of Joy and Fulfilment: The celebration of the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist and Reconciliation, have been some of the year’s most joyous events. It has been exciting and humbling to stand at the altar and offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. There have also been moments of great joy at baptisms, the blessing of marriages, visiting the sick and elderly. Such are moments where heaven profoundly affects the earth.
Pastoral Challenges and Growth:  Alongside the happy moments came difficulties – guiding bereaved families, negotiating parish dynamics, or resolving spiritual difficulties. There have been challenging moments, difficult conversations, pastoral responsibilities, and the weight of spiritual leadership. All these have taught me to rely on God’s grace rather than on my own strength. I have found that one of the priest’s most effective tools is listening. Accompanying people through their struggles, sharing in their celebrations, and simply being present has been a rewarding experience.
Community and Brotherhood: I am grateful for the fraternity I experienced among my fellow priests and the support of the lay faithful. Sharing experiences, praying together, and receiving encouragement has helped me to remain grounded, especially during low moments.
Personal Prayer and Interior Life: Perhaps the greatest realization during the past year was the importance of maintaining a strong personal prayer life. Amid the hustle and bustle of the parish, it has become clear to me that, without daily communion with Christ in prayer, my ministry would lose its depth. Silence before the Blessed Sacrament has become my strength.Â
Looking Forward: As I reflect on this first year, I am filled with hope. Priesthood is service, a journey and not a destination. I pray that, in the years ahead, I may grow in holiness, humility, and love.
Your support has played a pivotal role in making this possible. The formation I received, the vestments I wear, the books that continue to nourish my faith—all were made possible through your generous hands. Please know that I carry you with me each time I approach the altar. You are remembered in my prayers and in my Masses.
We ask you to remember Fr Moses in your prayers. Let us pray that he, and all young and newly ordained SMA Missionaries, may experience fulfilment, peace and joy in their pastoral and missionary work. AMENÂ
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