Rev. Deacon John Mathiang Machol told Good News Radio that he went to the Seminary without intending to become a priest, explaining that he wanted to have Secondary School education to enable him pursue further studies in Medicine.
Deacon Mathiang also said that the Vocation to priesthood was not a one-day decision, describing it as having grown “slowly slowly”.
The Deacon further said that he has come this far, not because of his own strength, but through prayers from the people of God.
Deacon John Mathiang said that he decided to serve as a Catholic Priest to thank God for keeping him alive during the difficulties he had as a Child Soldier, adding that becoming a priest would enable him serve a large family.
Deacon John Mathiang revealed that his decision to become a priest was not accepted by all the members of his family, explaining that only his brother gave him the needed support when he contemplated quitting the formation program ten years ago.
Deacon John Mathiang will be ordained a Catholic Priest in Rumbek on Sunday, July 18th by his Lordship Caesar Mazzolari. The last diocesan native priest for Rumbek diocese was ordained 28 years ago (in 1982).