As a member of a community of shepherds, he could easily have continued tending the goats like any other boy. But his dream of becoming a Comboni missionary priest led him in a different direction. Father Etabo Joseph Lopeyok talks about the journey of his vocation.

The name Lopeyok, given to me by my late grandmother at my birth on 19 January 1989 in Lokichar, has a significant meaning. At that time, my grandmother had visitors, so she ordered that I be named Lopeyok, which means “the owner of the visitors or people”. This name played a key role in shaping my professional path.

I am the third born in a converted Catholic family.  Initially Protestant and members of the Reformed Church of Eastern Africa (RCEA), my parents later embraced the Catholic faith and had their marriage blessed in the Catholic Church.

My decision to pursue education was driven solely by my desire to become a priest. Coming from the pastoralist community of Turkana, I was content with herding goats and had no interest in going to school. But one day, during Mass, I was captivated by the homily of a Comboni missionary. He spoke well in Kiswahili, my language. From that moment on, I asked my father to take me to school, expressing my desire to be a priest. 

This marked the beginning of my academic journey, which began at Lokichar Mixed Primary School. At the same time, I actively participated in catechism classes and served as an altar boy. I completed primary school in 2005 and went on to complete secondary school in 2009.

During my primary school years, the church grounds became my favourite place to socialise with other children. Our catechist emphasised in his teaching that Baptism, First Holy Communion and Confirmation make one a full member of the Catholic Church and a child of God. These sacramental milestones left a lasting impression on me and strengthened my sense of belonging to the Church. My high school years were another opportunity for personal development, especially in my identity as a young Catholic student. Through my active participation in the Catholic Association and my role as a leader, my faith continued to flourish during this time.

Coming from the parish run by the Comboni Missionaries, Christ the King Parish in Lokichar, my admiration for them deepened as I witnessed their compassionate way of living among the people. Their kindness and attention to everyone, especially the needy, inspired me to consider following in their footsteps.

In May 2011 I was invited to a ‘come and see’ seminar in Nairobi. In August of that year, I began my pre-postulancy experience in Huruma, Nairobi. This enriching experience involved teaching at St Martin de Pores Primary School while actively participating in the pastoral activities of Holy Trinity Kariobangi Parish. It helped me to identify more with the Comboni charism of working with the poor and underprivileged.

I continued my journey in 2012. I entered postulancy in Ong’ata Rongai, Nairobi, where I studied philosophy at the Consolata Institute of Philosophy. This was a time of significant growth, not only spiritually but also humanly, fostering self-awareness and a sense of personal responsibility. In 2015, after completing my philosophy studies, I moved to Lusaka, Zambia, for novitiate formation, followed by community and pastoral experience in Malawi. This time was dedicated to deepening my relationship with Christ and understanding our Congregation and its founder, St Daniel Comboni, through prayer and work.

On 6 May 2017, I took my first vows, setting the stage for my theological studies in Lima, Peru. The experience in Peru, immersed in a new culture, surrounded by different people, environment and community, became a second home where I left a part of my heart.

Returning to Kenya after my theology studies, I began my missionary experience in Utawala, Nairobi. I was asked to help in the Missions and Vocations Office.  I also contributed to parish activities, working with young people and visiting small Christian communities, promoting hope and the gift of friendship.

On 10 February 2023 I made my final vows. On 11 February 2023 I was ordained a deacon. Joy filled my heart as I fulfilled my desire to offer my life to God for His mission. On 25 August 2023 I received the grace and gift of the priesthood. I was ordained priest in our parish, Christ the King, Lokichar.

Now, my first mission takes me to Mexico, and I am filled with happiness. Like our father in faith, Abraham, I trust in the Lord’s guidance and I am ready to go wherever He sends me for His mission of love.