In the service of God

Finding joy and hope in the mystery of priesthood

By Fr. Edmond Nyoka
September/October 2013

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Edmond Nyoka was a student of Scarboro lay missioner Mary Olenick when she taught English and Life Skills to young men studying for the priesthood at Christ the King Formation Centre in Rumphi, Malawi, in 2003. Mary says, “Edmond is a quiet, gentle and humble person. I admire his faith in God and the love and dedication he has for his family.” Fr. Edmond is now a priest at St. Peters Cathedral, Mzuzu Diocese, Malawi, Central Africa.

Fr. Edmond Nyoka with his friend, Scarboro lay missioner Mary Olenick.

My journey as a priest began on July 16, 2011. There is a saying here in Malawi: “However long the night might be, there is always dawn.” For me, such a saying does not offer false hope, but real hope in the possible outcome of my labour in the service of God.

My calling to the priesthood remains a mystery and I have learned to listen to the voice within. When I face problems, I sometimes question if this is the vocation God wanted for me. I have been to Christian communities where people have said that I am too young to be a priest and should be lightly trusted. Such moments have been difficult, but God helps me to show the people that I am fit for God’s service.

Many priests in Malawi are living under economic hardships. Our country is very poor so any work in the service of God is a challenge. We have huge parishes and long distances to travel on dirt roads. After ordination we are given a motorbike for easy travel and maintenance considering the terrain of most of our regions. In the rainy season the roads are slippery and sometimes rocky. Each day, however, by the grace of God I continue to serve my brothers and sisters.

I am uplifted and encouraged to see the many happy faces at Mass, the gifts offered in support of the priests, the listening spirit of the local church leaders, and the numerous people coming back to church. For me, this reinforces the need for priests and affirms my ministry as a priest.

I believe the big challenge today is with the youth in Malawi and in other parts of the world. They need to know that the Church is both human and Divine. The human part is guided by the Divine, but being human we also make mistakes. Taking up vocations in the church remains as relevant as before. We cannot be swayed by the voices that always speak of the dark side of the object with two faces.

I feel great joy that God has given me my heart’s deepest desire—to be a priest. I know that following the Lord can be a challenge as it requires me to carry my cross, but there is always hope and faith that I am not going through this alone. The reality is that there are both good and tough times. When tough times come, I remember the words of Jesus that he will always be with me. When the road seems narrow and dark, when I doubt my capabilities, yet things turn out okay, I am filled with wonder knowing God’s hand was guiding me.

However long the night might be, there is always dawn.

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