My name is OCLOO K. Elisée. I was born in June 14th 1988, in Noépé, Southern Togo, in a Catholic Christian family. My vocation has its roots in my childhood. From a very young age, I felt a deep desire to serve God as a priest. This call became even more intense after reading the story of the lives of the Ugandan Martyrs, shared with us by our teacher in class, a story that profoundly impacted me.
Discovering my Missionary Vocation
I became aware that there are still peoples who have never heard the Good News of salvation and, as a result, do not believe that Jesus Christ came to save humanity. It was from that moment that my desire to become a missionary priest was strengthened, to go to others and share the message of Christ with them. I was part of the CV-AV group. It is a group that supports children in their spiritual growth by providing a nurturing environment to deepen their faith. Through engaging activities, prayers, and biblical teachings, they learn to live in accordance with Christian values. The group imparts the importance of charity, solidarity, and the love of God. After, completing the first cycle of the secondary school, this desire remained within me. After completing the second cycle of the secondary school, I put this calling on hold to fully engage in active life, captivated by the vocation of teaching. However, despite this professional direction, I never lost sight with my life of faith, and the feeling of belonging to Christ remained, quiet yet unshakable, illuminating every step of my journey.
A Period of Reflection
At university, my vocation resurfaced within me with such intensity that I could no longer bear the thought of continuing in active life. Moved by this inner call, I resolutely chose to deepen my relationship with Christ, to live in intimate and profound friendship with Him. I surrendered myself to Him. Through prayer and apostolate, he helped me nurture the desire he had placed within me. I then spoke to Father Bernard Domara, a Comboni missionary priest, who graciously agreed to help me discern this path. Through our meetings, he guided me in living this deeply profound relationship with Christ, experiencing the love of the Lord who calls.
Beginning my formation Journey
I then began to proclaim Christ to those around me, sharing with them themes centered on Christian life. After a year as an aspirant, I entered the Comboni postulancy at Adidogomé on September 9, 2014. Following three years in the postulancy, my Superiors then offered me the opportunity to continue my formation at the International Novitiate of Saint Daniel Comboni, in Cotonou, Benin. This privileged time allowed me to deepen my personal intimacy with God, in a living and intimate encounter with the One who is the center of my life. I also had the chance to deepen my knowledge of our founder, Saint Daniel Comboni, discovering his life, his charism, and his spirituality. I am deeply moved by his unwavering faith and trust in God, as well as his passionate dedication to the mission.
The time spent in the novitiate was a decisive period, one in which I learned to internalize the formative values and evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience. It was a moment that provided the ideal environment for the maturation of my discernment, supported by spiritual guidance and direction. Through the communal and apostolic experiences, which I deeply cherished, I encountered the demands of the consecrated life and the Comboni mission, while discovering its profound beauty. These moments were pivotal stages of my formation, purifying me and allowing me to grow in my vocation.
Taking my first Vows
Following my request, I was admitted to the first profession and took my vows on May 4th, 2019, in Cotonou. From August 2020 to May 2024, I pursued my theological studies at Tangaza University, in Nairobi, Kenya. During this period of formation at the scholasticate, I also came to understand that conversion is never a finished project but a continuous process, one that demands daily practice and a commitment that is constantly renewed.
Perpetual Vows and Ordination
By the grace of God, I took my perpetual vows on July 14th, 2024, and was ordained deacon on July 27th of the same year in Aného. On Saturday, December 21st, 2024, I was ordained a priest together with 25 others. I give thanks to the Lord with all my heart for the priceless gift of the priesthood, and I surrender myself entirely to Him, imploring his help to serve his people with love and unwavering fidelity.
My Missionary Commitment
I will be in charge of missionary animation. Taking into account the challenges faced by missionary animation in the present day and recognizing God as the divine author and source of the mission, I will organize engaging and thoughtfully tailored activities for various age groups: youth, adults, and families alike. I will Draw upon tangible testimonies and encounters with missionaries to inspire zeal and awaken hearts. Emphasize the unique role each individual plays in the universal mission, while fostering collaboration with other parishes.
A Life Dedicated to Christ
My life is not that of Christ, but it aspires to reflect his. I am convinced that this is at the very heart of the priestly ministry: to be configured to Christ, the Sovereign Priest and Eternal Shepherd. In my poverty, I carry a gift that transcends me, and I rely solely on his grace, for it is only through his grace that I will be able to serve him with love and sincere fidelity.
I give thanks to the Lord for his faithfulness. May he bless all those who accompany me with their love and prayers: my parents, my confreres, my friends, and all people of goodwill. May Saint Daniel Comboni, Saint Paul, and Saint John Paul II intercede for me.
By Fr. OCLOO k. Elisée, Mccj
