Foreign priests in Italy. Don Justin, from Nigeria to Sicily

The contribution of foreign priests in the reality of the Italian Church and in particular in the Sicilian diocese of Monreale

There are about 800 foreign priests in pastoral service in Italy. They come mainly from Africa (Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo), followed in order by Asia (India in the lead), Eastern Europe (mainly Poles and Romanians) and America (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia).
“Theirs is supposed to be an experience circumscribed in time, for a maximum of nine years that cannot be extended”, explains Annarita Turi of the National Office for Missionary Cooperation among Churches, ”but in fact, every year, at least 20-25 foreign priests choose to incardinate in dioceses”.
“The real issue is that more care should be taken in the accompaniment of these priests, to ensure that they have a positive experience not only for themselves, but for the sending and receiving diocese”, Anna Rita continues. “Not that there is a lack of will. Often, the reasons are related to the hectic life of so many parish and diocesan realities, and the risk is to turn resources into stopgaps”. Especially in the face of the vocation crisis in Italy and the dwindling number of departing fidei donums.

However, there are successful examples of reception, such as in the diocese of Monreale

“For us, foreign priests, as well as students, have always been constant presences: since the time of Monsignor Vigo, there has been this exchange that we are happy about”, says Fr. Dario Russo,
director of the Diocesan Missionary Center. “They also help us to look at things through their eyes. Of all of them, the most recurring question is ‘why are the Masses so poorly attended?’”.

Also asking this question is Fr. Justin Chibueze Utazi, class of 1984, who has been serving the Monreale church for two years in the parish of “Mary Most Holy of Providence” in Terrasini.
“I come from Nigeria, from Nimbo, in Enugu State, where I attended primary, secondary and high school in the seminary between 1989 and 2014, the year of my priestly ordination. Before coming on mission to Italy, I worked in the parishes and major seminary in my country”.

His is a special story. Growing up in a family of seven, his vocation to the priesthood was born early on, at home, through his father’s work. “He was a tailor, making liturgical robes for the priests and bishops of my diocese and beyond. Seeing them come and go in the workshop where he sewed, I was drawn to their presence. The devotion of my parents life of the Church then did the rest”.

A life sewn to serve God and neighbor, then, “willing to accept any pastoral responsibility” entrusted to him. “So when my bishop of the Diocese of Nsukka sent me to work in Monreale, I said yes, because the mission is a journey of faith.” Despite initial difficulties, mainly related to language, Fr. Justin is doing well in Terrasini, a town of 12,000 inhabitants 40 kilometers from Palermo.
“I feel fully welcomed; people are always well disposed toward me and I relate well with the other priests of the diocese. The parish priest, Fr. Davide Rasa, is a true pastor: he is caring and happy to see me at ease during my service”.

When called upon, Fr. Davide, who is also deputy director of the Cmd of Monreale, confirms Fr. Justin’s impressions

“I believe a lot in this type of experience because, to the extent that we perceive ourselves on the same level, it is a source of growth for everyone, and it does not only go in one direction. A foreign priest fully involved will bring with him a baggage that will be useful, just as the host community will be enriched with new ideas and traditions and will circle around him so he will never feel alone”.

He does indeed miss Nigeria, along with his family and animated liturgies, but in Terrasini he plans to “learn more” as he carries out his ministry “spiritually directing the lives of the faithful, visiting the sick and administering the sacraments”.
Coming from a different reality, moreover, he cannot help but notice differences, both positive and negative. “I like the way Catechism is conducted here; in Nigeria, the teaching is very intensive, but the children do not delve into the lesson through drawings and movies”. Conversely, “in Italy, the involvement of young people in the life of faith should be improved”.

It is the contribution of a foreign priest in this time and space when he is made to participate: the sacrifice offered in the commitment
toward God by touching people’s lives”.

(Popoli e Missione, July-August 2024, pp. 63-64)

Sources

• Popoli e Missione

Images

• Fr. Justin Chibueze Utazi