My name is Ssebaggala Francis and I am the second of seven children to Walusimbi Patrick and Kamusiime Agnes. Our home is Kabuuma village in the Kampala Archdiocese.
I am a Capuchin brother aspiring to become a priest, and indeed God has brought it about that I am in my final year of philosophical studies! I am currently studying at Tangaza University in Nairobi, Kenya. I was inspired to join religious life after seeing some visible signs in my life pointing towards it. The efforts and prayer life which my beloved mother rooted in me was a catalyst of burning zeal in me to become a priest. For some time I forcefully ignored this burning desire in me but day by day I was seeing signs that I was called to join the religious life.
My mum never left me behind whenever she went to Church or to any prayer meetings, regardless of whether I seemed interested in going. One time she asked me to lead a concluding prayer when we had visited her aunt, and while I obeyed, I couldn’t help but wonder why she had chosen me when there were so many older people around. Now that I’m in my fifth year of formation as a Capuchin I’ve been able to recognize this as a ready sign for me of my calling.
This encouragement in the faith was also supplemented by my grandmother, who always brought me along whenever there were ordinations taking place at her place of work, Nsambya Parish. She would also ensure I received a blessing from the newly ordained priest, and I’m sure these blessings helped me along the road to the priesthood.
I’m really happy that I’m a Capuchin brother in this Order of simple, humble and prayerful friars. And from day one in formation I have prayed that these virtues become my three pillars for my vocation.
What saddens me in my life are encountering unmet needs in my vocation journey, my family or any person around me. I know the Order is struggling as well for our wellbeing, and then I look back home and I see that no financial support can come from there. This makes me feel confused about why Jesus could be calling me to the priesthood when He could have called someone from a well-to-do family! But I trust Him and know He has called me.
What consoles me is that in moments of difficulty I encounter a person who wishes to speak to me because they are in challenging situations. After I speak to this person, thankfully they are able to leave our conversation with comfort and joy. This makes me so happy to see Jesus manifesting His presence in the lives of these people.
My hobbies are playing volleyball and watching different sports activities, as well as listening to music. I enjoy living in a community where people are happy and joyful for I dislike conflict very much. Anyone who wishes to start a fight with me will not get one!
I ask for more prayers in my vocation that I may be a simple, humble and prayerful brother of St Francis of Assisi.
OPTIONS FOR SPONSORSHIP
$500/month is a full sponsorship, but we give options for multiple sponsors to join together to sponsor a seminarian. If a seminarian is already partially sponsored, you may see less options for sponsorship.
Br. Francis will be writing to each sponsor and praying for each family daily. Please know that sponsorship for his studies to become a priest (total of 4 years) is an enormous answer to his prayers and he will forever be praying for you whether you sponsor him partially or fully.