A 35-year-old man from the Ivory Coast, who arrived in Sicily 7 years ago as a clandestino [illegal immigrant] has today become a deacon . The ceremony took place in the beautiful Cathedral of Monreale [Palermo], the diocese which first gave the young man hospitality.
On the day of his arrival, Elisee Ake Brou met and talked to a nun on the train taking him to Palermo and he never forgot this conversation. At first, he worked as a car-park attendant, until one day a couple offered him a lot of money to take part in certain sexual activities . He refused and went to work in a centre for the poor. Soon after, he realised that he had a vocation.
In my opinion, someone who has suffered poverty, hardship and humiliation like this will be able to understand the plight of others and will make a fine priest, so let us be happy for him as he takes this first step towards becoming one.
20 comments:
A part of me still wants to a priest...
My gran always wanted me to be one. In some ways, i think I'd be a good one. If it wasn't I seem to enjoy sinnning too much.
I am sure he will make a very good priest, lets pray that he has found his true vocation!
great website! English guy here with a sicilian partner -- I am heading out to Agrigento shortly and you have really made me laugh. Great blog and lots and lots of interesting stuff. Keep it up!!!!!!!!!!!
A story with a positive outcome. Good luck to this man.
:)
It's nice to hear a good story for once related to the clandestini.
A heartwarming story.
I hope he makes it through- think he will.
That is wonderful. Ironic that I posted about finally finding a new church today! :D
What a heart warming story. Just caught up with your not feeling well and do hope you are on the mend by now - sending hugs from me and Bowser.
Crushed - smile. Agree, Anne. Hi, Jason. Thank you so much for the encouragement. I second that, Ardent. Jmb, yes, it is. So do I, Calum. Hi, Leslie. Will be over shortly. Many thanks, Anne. Love to Bowser - and you!
That is good news, especially on Harvest Festival
The mystery Anne is actually me - a friend was picking up her mail from my computer and forgeot to sign out - sorry about that dear Welshcakes. So it's the genuine Mr Bowser not some other dog masquerading as the real thing!
I love a happy ending - or at least a happy middle of the story. And a man of integrity is always worth supporting. What a great story to share.
Would take a very special person to become a member of the cloth. You have to admire him for such a difficult yet dedicated lifestyle.
Good luck to that young man. He will truly be able to relate to any hardships and troubles of his flock. It's so good to hear a story like this.
A very heartening story.. thanks!
Hi, WW. Hope you have had a good Harvest Festival. Hi, Sally. I did wonder but then realised it must have been something like that, for Mr Bowser is inimitable! xx Glad you like the story too, mg. Ciao, nunyaa. As you say, you have to admire him. Dragonstar and cb - glad you both feel heartened, as I do, by the story.
That is a lovely story :-)
Yes, it's nice to hear a happy ending for a clandestini.
Cherrypie and Ellee - I think so, too.
That is a good news story Welshcakes.
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