A Spark Ignited in Childhood
My name is Hendreson Harold Masanjala, born on 8th July 1995 in Chiladzulu District, Malawi. I come from a humble family of four children, and I am the second born. My upbringing was deeply rooted in the Catholic faith. My parents, though not wealthy, gave us the most precious inheritance; faith in God.
My vocation story began like a small flame, sparked when I was just 10 years old at Saint Anne’s Parish in Namulenga, my home parish. I became an altar server and was immediately drawn to the reverence and mystery of the Mass. I was fascinated by the priests, their calm presence, the power in their words, and their total dedication to God’s people. One man in particular, Fr. Alfred Nsope, our parish priest at the time, stood out to me. His gentleness, his joyful service, and his pastoral closeness to the people deeply inspired me.
One Sunday, as I walked to church with my father, a question formed in my heart and spilled out of my mouth: “Dad, what should I do to become like Fr. Alfred Nsope?” My father chuckled warmly and said, “You need to work hard in school.” His simple answer became a powerful motivator for me. From that moment, I began to carry this dream within me not fully understanding it, but sensing it was something sacred. That day marked the beginning of a lifelong journey.
A Life-Changing Encounter with the Comboni Missionaries
As I grew older, the desire to serve God did not fade, it deepened. When I was 15 years old, I encountered a Comboni Missionary for the first time, Fr. Mennas Mukaka, MCCJ. He visited our parish and spoke to a group of young people about the life of St. Daniel Comboni. What struck me most was the radical nature of Comboni’s life: how he left everything behind, endured suffering and rejection, all for the sake of evangelizing Africa.
Fr. Mennas shared the Comboni charism, which emphasizes going where others do not go, especially to the most abandoned. Something clicked in me. I thought, “This is the kind of life I want; to be a missionary like St. Daniel Comboni, a man who gave his whole life to bring the light of Christ to those in darkness.”
A month later, I wrote a letter to Fr. Mennas, expressing my desire to join the Comboni Missionaries. He responded warmly, inviting me to the “Come and See” program in Lunzu, Blantyre. I attended seven sessions of the program. Each one opened my eyes and heart more to the beauty and depth of missionary life. Eventually, I was admitted into the pre-postulancy program in Lunzu for three months. I was nervous, but my heart was filled with peace and courage.
Formation: Growing in Faith and Mission
In August 2014, I began my Postulancy in Balaka, entering a new stage of my formation. I studied Philosophy for three years while engaging in pastoral work at Mbera Parish. This time was crucial; it was not just about acquiring academic knowledge, but about forming the heart of a missionary.
During this period, I was introduced more deeply to Comboni spirituality, community life, and the meaning of the Cross in mission. The words of our founder (St Daniel Comboni) echoed in my soul: “I want my missionaries to be Holy and Capable.” I realized that holiness wasn’t about being perfect but about being rooted in prayer, humble in service, and deeply committed to God’s mission.
After my studies in Balaka, I was sent to the Novitiate in Bauleni, Lusaka, where I spent two years in deeper spiritual formation. These were some of the most intense and beautiful years of my life. I learned the value of silence, daily prayer, discernment, and listening to the gentle voice of God. It was here that I truly began to embrace the missionary identity.
On 1st May 2019, I professed my first religious vows, a day that remains etched in my heart as a moment of deep joy and surrender. I then received my assignment to the Scholasticate in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, for Theological studies.
Missionary Zeal in Kinshasa and Beyond
Living in Kinshasa for four years was a transformative experience. I encountered the richness of the African Church in a new context; diverse, alive, and full of challenges. Theology deepened my understanding of the Gospel, but it was the encounters with people especially the poor, the sick, and the youth that brought that theology to life.
In the midst of daily struggles; language barriers, cultural differences, moments of loneliness, God was always present. I learned to rely on him more, to serve with humility, and to remain faithful even when things felt difficult. The Comboni mission spirit became more than an idea, it became my way of life.
Upon completing my studies, I was assigned back to Malawi-Zambia province to begin my missionary service. I served at St. Kizito Parish in Lusaka, working with youth, small Christian communities, and the poor. It was here that I realized how sweet it is to serve the Lord among His people.
On 24th August 2024, I made my final vows, committing my life forever to God in the Comboni family. Two months later, on 26th October 2024, I was ordained a deacon by His Lordship George Zumaire Lungu, bishop of Chipata Diocese, Zambia. Currently, I continue to serve at St. Kizito Parish, preparing for the next step in my journey.
A Vocation Lived as a Gift and a Mission
Looking back over the twelve years of my formation, I see how God has patiently shaped me through people, experiences, challenges, and deep moments of grace. My vocation started as a whisper in the Church and has grown into a living testimony of God’s faithfulness.
When I first told my mother I wanted to become a priest, she said, “My son, you cannot manage.” But with hope and trust in God, I said, “Let me go and try. If I fail, thanks be to God. If I make it, thanks be to God too.” That simple faith has carried me until today. The Comboni formation has taught me that vocation is not just a personal choice, it is a divine invitation that calls for a daily commitment yes, often in silence, often in struggle, but always with joy and love.
Today, I say with conviction: “I am happy to be a Comboni Missionary. I am happy to follow in the footsteps of our beloved founder, St. Daniel Comboni.” If I had a thousand lives, I would give them all for the evangelization of the poor and the abandoned.
An Invitation to Come and See
To every young person discerning their vocation, I say: “Come and see” (John 1:39). God is still calling. He calls ordinary people like you and me to do extraordinary things through His grace. Let us walk together in faith, joy, and mission. The harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few. Will you be one of them?
By Deacon Hendreson Harold Masanjala, Mccj
