Vedastus embarked on his journey towards priesthood at the prestigious Bidasoa International Seminary in Pamplona. After being ordained as a priest in August 2024 in his home country, Tanzania, he shared that the youth in his country take great pride in their Catholic faith. According to Vedastus, “When you go to Sunday Mass in Tanzania, more than 60% of the attendees are young people.”
Roots of his Priestly Vocation
Born in 1994 into a devout Catholic family, Vedastus’ calling to priesthood was nurtured by his mother’s strong faith. A pivotal moment in his journey was when he realized the significance of priests in his village, where Mass was a rare annual occurrence due to the scarcity of priests.
Vedastus Martine gives Communion to his mother during her first Mass in Tanzania
Inspired by the Arrival of a Priest
Witnessing the impact of a priest celebrating Mass in his village left a lasting impression on Vedastus. This event sparked his desire to become a priest and serve his community by ensuring regular access to the sacraments.
Early Aspirations and Challenges
At the age of 14, Vedastus made the brave decision to join the minor seminary, despite his father’s initial reservations about his career choice. His father’s unwavering support and sacrifice inspired Vedastus to pursue his calling to priesthood.
Commitment to Service
While contemplating a potential career in medicine, Vedastus remained devoted to his calling as a priest. His dedication to serving his diocese and community reflects his deep-rooted faith and sense of purpose.
Rise of Catholicism in Tanzania
Despite the challenges of priest shortages, the Catholic faith is flourishing in Tanzania. Vedastus attributes this growth to the innate religious nature of humanity and the impactful work of missionaries in the region.
Youthful Enthusiasm for Catholicism
Vedastus highlights the vibrant presence of young Catholics in Tanzania, emphasizing their pride in their faith and the role of the Church as a source of spiritual guidance and community connection.
Vedastus, during his stay at the Bidasoa International Seminary, at a soccer match
Gratitude and Acknowledgment
As Vedastus reflects on his transformative journey in Pamplona, he expresses deep gratitude to the CARF Foundation for enabling his studies and experiences. He extends his heartfelt thanks to all benefactors and emphasizes the collective role in spreading the message of God’s love.
