The Vice Chancellor, Professor Fr. Patrick Mwania CSSp was grateful to the government of Kenya for awarding the university charter without which such graduation would not happen. He, together with the others challenged the grandaunts to go forth and be beacons of light, illumining the vision and motto of Tangaza which is “Teaching Minds, Touching Hearts and Transforming Lives”.
One challenge the VC Prof Mwania put forward is an interrogative one. “What would the world miss if you were not born” He asked. This is a question which calls for an examination of one’s ambition and career. Instead of working on routines, graduates are dared to be innovative and bring out the most out of the knowledge they have acquired. Mwania cited many revolutionary inventors of many things in the field of academics, and scientific research. Like them, the graduates can also work out something unique which the world would have missed without them.
Meanwhile H.E Dr. William Samoe Ruto invited the Tangaza University to be expert in a particular field. He cited many universities offering many courses, having many schools but remaining “Masters of None”. He therefore challenged the Management to specialized for what the other Institutions can envy. Tangaza University was started in 1986 as a theological center hosting religious from different congregations. On the 30th of October 1987, His Eminence Maurice Cardinal Otunga formally blessed and inaugurated the college. When the Catholic University of Eastern Africa received its charter in November 1992, Tangaza College was recognized as its constituent College while remaining administratively autonomous, it was an integral part of CUEA.
The college continued to grow as years swiftly pass by with the Institute of Social Ministry in Mission (ISMM) approved in November 1995; Christ the Teacher Institute for Education (CTIE) accepted in 1996, Institute of Spirituality and Religious Formation (ISRF) approved in 1996, Maryknoll Institute of African Studies now referred to as Tangaza Maryknoll Center for African Studies (TAMCAS) academically affiliated to Tangaza University College in May 1999. The Social Communication department of the School of Theology was upgraded to an Institute of Social Communication (ISC) in November 2002 and inaugurated in March 2003. The Institute of youth Ministry (IYM) was approved in November 2002. On the 2nd May, 2024 – Tangaza University College received its charter from the President of Kenya Dr. William Ruto and the juridical status by the Archbishop of Nairobi, His Grace Philip Anyolo earning a status of a fully-fledged University, civilly and ecclesiastically. Many other affiliations happened as Tangaza continued to shine in the scene of higher studies.
This memorable event marked the first graduation ever in Tangaza University Premises as a fully-fledged university with rights proper. It is worth “celebrating a new dawn for greater service to Church and Society”. Tangaza University remains committed to its mission statement, “to prepare ethical servant leaders for the Church and society in an environment of freedom and responsibility by providing quality education, research and community service.” This mission statement is unfolding before our eyes.

The name Lopeyok, given to me by my late grandmother upon my birth on 19^th January, 1989 in Lokichar, holds significant meaning. At that time, my grandmother had visitors, prompting her to command that I be named Lopeyok, which means “the owner of the visitors or people.” This name played a pivotal role in shaping my vocational journey.

Coming from a converted Catholic family, I am the third born to the late Philip Etabo and Mary Etabo. Initially Protestants and members of the Reformed Church of Eastern Africa (RCEA), my parents later embraced the Catholic faith and blessed their marriage in the Catholic Church. My father even became a catechist. Despite my late father’s subsequent shift to the Orthodox Church, my mother, siblings, and I have remained steadfast in the Catholic Church. My late father went on to marry a second wife, he was blessed with ten children—six with my mother and four with the other wife. We thank God for the unity and love we share as children, and we appreciate our parents for introducing us to the Catholic faith.

The Dream Takes Root

My decision to pursue education was solely fuelled by my desire to become a priest. Hailing from the pastoralist community of Turkana, I was content with looking after goats and initially had no interest in going to school. However, one day, during a Mass service, I was captivated by the preaching of Fr. Aaron Cendejas Ponce, a Mexican-born Comboni missionary. He spoke well in Kiswahili and my language. From that moment, I asked my father to take me to school, expressing my aspiration to be like Fr. Aaron.

This marked the beginning of my academic journey, starting at Lokichar Mixed Primary School. Simultaneously, I actively participated in catechesis classes and served as an altar boy. I completed my primary education in 2005 and proceeded to finish high school in 2009.

During my primary years, the church compound became my favourite place, fostering interactions with other children. My catechist and godfather, Mr. Ebulon Edward Santos, emphasized in his teachings 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, reinforcing my sense of belonging to the church. My high school period provided another opportunity for personal development, particularly in my identity as a young Catholic student. Actively participating in the Catholic association and assuming a leadership role, my faith continued to flourish during this phase.

The Comboni Influence

I spent my childhood in the care of the Comboni missionaries, growing up with the belief that all priests, brothers, or sisters were part of the Comboni missionary family. Hailing 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 all, especially the needy, inspired me to consider following in their footsteps.

Several Comboni missionaries left a lasting impact on me, including the late Fr. Bruno Tinasi, Br. Konfu, the late Fr. Rico, Fr. Aaron, Br. Dario, Fr. Kennedy, and Fr. Teddy. Their selfless service in our parish planted the seed that led me to discern my calling as a Comboni missionary priest. Their actions echoed the words of our founder, St. Daniel Comboni, who believed in equal access to his heart for everyone, regardless of their status in society.

Comboni put it this way; “the rich and the poor, the healthy and the sick, the young and the old, the master and the servant, they always have the same access to my heart. And the happiest day of my life will be the one I can give my life for you”. I am grateful to God for placing these Comboni missionaries on my path.

The Formation Journey

In May 2011, I was invited to a ‘come and see’ seminar in Nairobi. Following that, in August of the same 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 the Holy Trinity Kariobangi parish. It helped me to identify more with Comboni’s charism of working with the poor and the underprivileged.

I continued my journey in 2012, entering the postulancy in Ong’ata Rongai, Nairobi, where I pursued philosophy studies at the Consolata Institute of Philosophy. This period marked significant growth, not just spiritually but also humanly, fostering self-knowledge 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.

The Dream Realized

On 6^th 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, environments, and community, became a second home where I left a part of my heart. Returning to Kenya after my theology studies, I started my missionary service experience in Utawala, Nairobi. I was asked to help in the office of mission and vocation promotion, assisting Fr. Korir, the coordinator of the office. I also contributed to parish activities, working with youths and visiting small Christian communities, fostering hope and embracing the gift of friendship.

On 10^th February 2023, I took my final vows, followed by my ordination as a deacon on 11^th February 2023. Joy filled my heart as I fulfilled my desire to offer my life to God for His mission. On 25^th August, 2023, I received the grace and gift of priesthood, being ordained in our parish, Christ the King, Lokichar. It was a day that the Lord had planned for me, to tell me, “you did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruits …” (John 15: 16). I am now ready to share my life as St. Daniel comboni did, to offer my life to serve God’s people.

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. My encouragement to young people is to be open and generous to God’s call and join us, Comboni missionaries, in proclaiming the Gospel of love, especially to the poor and most abandoned in society.

The Holy Father, Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Fr. Tesfaye Tadesse Gebresilasie, Mccj currently serving as Superior General of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus, to the role of Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, assigning him the titular see of Cleopatris. This appointment honours Fr. Tesfaye’s extensive pastoral and leadership contributions within the Comboni Missionaries and beyond, recognizing his lifelong dedication to the Church, education, and interfaith understanding.

Early Life and Formation

Born in Harar, Ethiopia, on September 22, 1969, Fr. Tesfaye entered the postulancy of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus in 1986, responding to a call for missionary work and service in the spirit of St. Daniel Comboni. He took his perpetual vows within the Institute of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus on November 1, 1994, a commitment marking his lifelong devotion to the congregation’s mission. His priestly ordination took place on August 26, 1995, in Addis Ababa, solidifying his role in the Church and his dedication to the service of his community.

Academic Background

Fr. Tesfaye pursued theological and interreligious studies in some of the Church’s most esteemed institutions. He completed his theology studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome (91-94), where he developed a deep theological foundation for his ministry. His passion for interfaith dialogue led him to further studies, including preparatory year of Islamic Studies (94-95) from the Pontifical Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Rome (PISAI). He later studied the Arabic language at the academic centre of Dar Comboni in Cairo and then followed another year of studies in Islamic Studies at the PISAI in Rome (96-97). Thereafter, he obtained a licentiate in Arabic and Islamic studies in Rome at the same institute between 2000-2001, where he cultivated an understanding of Islam’s theological and cultural aspects.

Ministerial and Leadership Roles

Throughout his career, Fr. Tesfaye has held numerous leadership and pastoral positions within the Church and the Comboni Missionaries:

2001: Assistant Parish Priest and Director of the Comboni School in Haro Wato, Ethiopia. In this dual role, he not only assisted in parish pastoral care but also led a Catholic school, promoting education and spiritual growth within the community.

2002–2004: Provincial Councillor of the Comboni Missionaries in Ethiopia. During this period, he provided guidance to the Ethiopian province of the congregation, supporting local missionaries and advancing the congregation’s mission in Ethiopia.

2009-2015: General Councillor of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus.

He was elected Superior General of the Comboni Missionaries in 2015, then re-elected in 2022.

The elevation of Rev. Fr. Tesfaye Tadesse Gebresilasie, Mccj means that the Institute of the Comboni Missionaries will now have to look for someone to replacement him as General Superior.