By Fr. Clement Mutie Mbithi, Mccj
“Our life is in God’s hands; he does whatever he wants; by an irrevocable gift we have sacrificed our lives to him. Blessed be Him” St Daniel Comboni
My Journey as a Comboni Missionary
My name is Fr. Clement Mutie Mbithi, a Comboni Missionary priest. I was born and raised in Kenya, in the Diocese of Wote-Makueni, Sacred Heart Parish, Mbitini. I come from a large Christian-Catholic family and am the sixth child among ten siblings. My late father, a devout Catholic and a man of unwavering faith, passed away in 2020. My mother, who continues to be a source of strength and inspiration, is a woman of deep trust in God. Growing up in this faith-filled environment was a profound blessing, shaping the person I am today and laying the foundation for my vocation as a missionary.
My parents’ dedication to faith was evident in every aspect of their lives. My father’s steadfast commitment to the Church, where he served tirelessly, and my mother’s quiet yet resolute trust in God, taught us children the value of faith and perseverance. Our home was my first “school of life,” where I learned to pray, trust in God, and embrace Christian virtues such as love, humility, and community living.
Being part of a large family taught me many valuable lessons. My older siblings instilled in me respect and the importance of listening, while my younger siblings nurtured in me a sense of responsibility, care, and joy in looking after others. As the sixth-born, I experienced the dynamics of both learning from my elders and guiding the younger ones. These early family experiences gave me a strong sense of security, belonging, and love, all of which prepared me for my calling.
Early Signs of a Vocation
During my childhood, I was drawn to the activities of the Church. My father’s example as a devote Catholic who never missed Mass was a powerful influence. He was a living icon of the Catholic faith, always encouraging us to attend catechism classes, Sunday school, and youth group activities. My faith began to take deeper root during these early years, especially after I joined the altar servers’ group in our parish. Serving at the altar awakened a profound desire in me to become a priest. At the time, I did not fully understand the distinctions between diocesan and missionary priesthood, but the seed of my vocation had been planted.
In high school, this desire became more focused. Though I kept my dream a secret, my determination to pursue it strengthened. A pivotal moment came in 2009 when my cousin, during a casual conversation, told me, “You are going to be our family priest.” Her words echoed the deepest desires of my heart, though I did not openly admit it. This encounter gave me courage and affirmed the path I hoped to follow.
Meeting the Comboni Missionaries
A key turning point came two weeks before my final high school exams. A Comboni Missionary, Fr. Austine Radol, Mccj, visited our parish for a vocational promotion. His visit coincided with a Thanksgiving Mass at my school, where he shared stories of the Comboni Missionaries’ work spreading the Gospel and serving the poorest and most abandoned. His testimony resonated deeply with me.
After Mass, I approached Fr. Austine with a mix of fear and excitement and promised to contact him after receiving my exam results. His encouragement and openness gave me the courage to explore my vocation more deeply. The Gospel passage of Matthew 4:18-22, where Jesus calls Peter and Andrew to follow Him, became a source of inspiration for me. Like the disciples, I felt a call to leave behind my fears and uncertainties and trust in God’s plan for my life.
Formation Journey with the Comboni Missionaries
Pre-Postulancy (2011)
In May 2011, I officially began my formation journey with the Comboni Missionaries. My pre-postulancy was at Holy Trinity Parish, Kariobangi, where I taught at St. Martin De Porres Primary School. Working with children from disadvantaged backgrounds; orphans, children of single parents, and those from poor families, opened my eyes to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of faith. Despite their hardships, these children radiated hope and trust in God, teaching me invaluable lessons about perseverance and gratitude.
Postulancy (2012-2015):
The postulancy period in Ong’ata Rongai was a time of deep personal growth and discernment. I spent three years studying philosophy while living in community and immersing myself in the Comboni charism. This period provided opportunities for spiritual development through prayer, monthly spiritual direction, and pastoral engagement. I also became more aware of my motivations, doubts, and fears, but I always sought to align my desires with God’s will. The postulancy laid a solid foundation for my missionary journey, shaping my identity and strengthening my resolve to serve.
Novitiate (2015-2017):
In 2015, I joined the novitiate in Lusaka, Zambia. This two-year period was marked by intense spiritual growth, silence, and discernment. During the first year, known as the canonical year, I worked at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, ministering to the sick and their families. This experience taught me compassion and empathy, particularly in moments of deep human suffering.
The second year of novitiate included a four-month mission experience in Malawi, where I engaged with new cultures, languages, and methods of evangelization. This broadened my understanding of what it means to be a missionary and strengthened my connection to the Comboni charism. By the end of the novitiate, I took my first vows, officially becoming a member of the Comboni Missionaries.
Theological Studies and Challenges
After the novitiate, I was assigned to the Scholasticate in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, for theological studies. The four years I spent there were transformative, deepening my understanding of theology and the Bible while also exposing me to intercultural living within and outside the community.
However, this period was not without challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I lost my father. The inability to return home for his burial was one of the most painful moments of my journey. My father had been a pillar of support throughout my life, and I longed for him to witness the fulfilment of my calling. This experience taught me to trust in God’s plan, even in the face of profound loss, and to find solace in prayer and community.
Pastoral Year and Ordination
Following my theological studies, I was assigned to West Pokot, Kenya, for my pastoral year. This period was a blend of missionary service and preparation for priestly ordination. I worked closely with the local community, embracing their culture and sharing the Gospel in ways that resonated with their lived experiences.
On February 30, 2022, I was ordained as a deacon, and on June 11, 2022, I received priestly ordination in the Diocese of Kitui. These moments were the culmination of years of discernment, formation, and prayer, marking the beginning of my life as a priest.
Post-Ordination Mission and Current Role
After ordination, I pursued further studies at the Gregorian University in Rome, specializing in vocational formation. This academic journey deepened my understanding of how to guide and mentor others in their vocational discernment. In June 2023, I completed my licentiate and returned to Kenya to serve in the Postulancy Formation House in Ong’ata Rongai. Here, I accompany young men from Kenya and South Sudan who are preparing to become Comboni Missionaries. This role is both a privilege and a responsibility, allowing me to share my experiences and support others as they discern their call to missionary life.
Reflections and Gratitude
Looking back, my journey has been one of growth, challenges, and deepening faith. Each stage, from my early family life to my current role as a missionary, has been marked by God’s faithfulness. I have learned to embrace both the joys and crosses of this vocation, always relying on God’s mercy and grace.
The people I have encountered along the way, the children at St. Martin De Porres, the sick at the hospital in Zambia, and the communities in Malawi and West Pokot, have profoundly shaped me. Their resilience, faith, and love continue to inspire my commitment to serving the poorest and most abandoned.
Today, I look to the future with hope and joy, trusting in God’s providence and remaining open to His call. I am proud to be a Comboni Missionary, dedicated to spreading the Gospel and bringing Christ’s love to the world.
