This weekend, Fr. Paul Lesupati, a parishioner of Blessed Sacrament, is ordained a priest for the Diocese of Springfield in IL. Originally from Marsabit in Kenya, Father’s journey to this day is extraordinary. Six years ago, I took a sabbatical and went to Kenya where I volunteered with the Jesuit Refugee Services at a camp in Kakuma. Like all refugee camps, Kakuma fell under the authority of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). The UN organized the camps and then solicited non-governmental organizations to oversee various functions of the camp. JRS oversaw many of the social, psychological, and special needs of the refugees. When I arrived, Paul was a social worker at the camp. I accompanied him as he made his rounds to listen and address various needs. Perhaps someone had lost the roof to their house or someone needed special medical attention. Paul would listen and connect the person with the resources they needed. What I quickly noticed was the patience and attention he gave each person. They were not simply another client or a statistic. They were a fellow human being who found themselves in a difficult situation. On one visit, I told him he would make a good priest. He did not reply. Several days later, he wanted to talk to me. He told me he had studied with the Franciscans and was considering returning to the seminary. He later asked me about studying for our diocese. I said I did not know, but would put him in touch with Fr. Brian Alford, our vocation director. I soon returned to the U.S. Later he got an invitation to come for a visit and interview. He made a good impression and was accepted. Before beginning his studies at St. Meinrad in Indiana, he stayed at Blessed Sacrament. It became his home away from home. Our culture is very different from where he grew up, but Paul listened, observed, and learned. He worked at other parishes in the diocese including Mattoon, Newton, and Ste. Marie. All went well and this weekend he reached a special milestone. He will be assigned to the Cathedral beginning in July. Prior to that, he will return home to visit his family and celebrate Mass in his hometown. Fr. Dean Probst from Newton and I will accompany him for part of that visit.
One special note for me is that Fr. Paul Lesupati’s ordination falls on the weekend of my 40th anniversary of ordination. My prayers and goals as a priest has always been to help others become closer to the Lord. I have always prayed that I might be instrumental in bringing someone else to the priesthood. Little did I know what God had in mind. I am reminded of a passage in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, “What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him,” 1 Corinthians 2:9. I am simply amazed at the way God works. Please keep Fr. Paul Lesupati (and all our priests) in your prayers. Pray that they may see and proclaim the remarkable events and the great love God has for all people.
Father Jeff