Cédrick Tembeze
28 years old, ordained on June 26 for the diocese of Toulouse
“I started my journey in the DR-Congo, where I was born, before continuing it in France at the Institut du Bon-Pasteur, where I did my first cycle. I then left to join a diocese, in this case that of Toulouse. I did the second cycle at the Toulouse seminary. This diocese offered me the possibility of a broader ministry, open to all. I will be a young priest, happy to rub shoulders with other young people, but attentive to older people, who understand this world less well, ask themselves questions and worry about transmission. As a young priest, one can feel a certain fear that there will be many requests due to the drop in the number of priests, but it is a challenge that must be faced. There are reasons for hope in the Church of France. Young people get involved, as in the student parish of Toulouse. The Synod on synodality also constitutes a moment of dialogue and questioning which continues in the parish.
I will perhaps bring an African specificity. During my first two years of seminary in Toulouse, this was a big question, but I made the decision to stay in France. I had to find a balance between adapting to the French reality and in particular that of Toulouse when I am not French, without denying what I am. It was difficult at first but I worked on the question and received a very warm welcome in the diocese. At the beginning, every time the parishioners asked me if I was going to go back to Africa or stay and I had to say that I was incardinated here, it bothered me. But, now, I got used to this reality and I take the time to explain. I appreciate their smile when they understand that I will stay. »
