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.
