When Fr. Cletus Tita of the Catholic Archdiocese of Bamenda, Cameroon first heard about the St. John Paul II Sabbatical Program, he was skeptical. “The impression we had was that it was like panel beating,” he recalls, referring to the common misconception that sabbatical programs are meant for those with disciplinary issues.
His doubts were only heightened by his journey to the Program’s location in the heart of a rural setting in Central Kenya. Having previously visited Kenya, he expected a bustling setting. Instead, as he and two colleagues turned off the main dual carriageway onto a single-lane road and finally onto a winding all-weather path through a quiet village, his apprehension deepened.
But these initial misgivings soon gave way to a profound sense of renewal during the program’s 23rd Session. Over four months of residential and experiential participation, Fr. Cletus experienced a transformative integration of physical, emotional, and spiritual life with his apostolate. Upon graduating from the program on 6 December 2024, he now speaks of the 11-year-old initiative with immense gratitude. “I am very happy. I am full of joy,” he shares.
He credits his transformation to, among other factors, the facilitators of the program’s lectures and workshops, whom he describes as “knowledgeable and skilled.” Reflecting on the experience, he says of the facilitators, who included bishops, an archbishop emeritus, priests, nuns, and laypeople, “They opened our minds to so many things—dealing with depression, forgiveness, anger, and indecision.”
For Fr. Cletus, who is also a registered nurse in Maryland, USA, the Program’s impact extended beyond personal healing. The tools and insights he gained are now invaluable to his work as a hospital chaplain for the Archdiocese of Bamenda, a role he has held for seven years.
“I’ve been helping people who are traumatized or facing difficulties, but now I have an added advantage. I’ll be able to connect with them on a deeper level, one-on-one,” he explains of his dual calling—priesthood and service—the former born from “a strong urge to serve God in a special way.”
Having experienced the Program’s transformative power, the Cameroonian-born cleric is determined to dispel the ‘panel beating’ misconception. “My colleagues and I will present a different perspective altogether,” he says. “We can explain to our Archbishop and others that it’s essential to send priests on this sabbatical because they return renewed in so many aspects of life; that renewal is very important.”
He emphasizes the unrecognized challenges many clergy face, particularly burnout. “There are so many priests who have problems but don’t realize it,” he observes. “Burnout leads to anger, frustration, and other vices. This program helps participants identify and address these challenges, making them better equipped to serve.”
Despite holding dual citizenship in Cameroon and the United States, Fr. Cletus’s heart has always been with his people in the Central African nation. As the first priest from his village, he felt a profound sense of responsibility to serve his community. This sense of duty inspired a deep longing to return to Cameroon after six years in the U.S., where he studied nursing. “As a priest, I was homesick,” he says, adding, “I love serving my people, even in their difficult moments.”
Reflecting on his decision to return to Cameroon, the priest of 40 years explains, “America was about life, enjoyment, and making money, but that was not my priority. My priority was to come back and serve my people. I love being with them, experiencing their struggles, and assisting as much as I can. No matter the problems or difficulties, I am part of them.”
His experience at the St. John Paul II Sabbatical Program has reignited his commitment to his vocation and strengthened his resolve to serve. He now actively encourages others to embrace the Program, emphasizing its holistic approach to personal and spiritual growth.
“This program is about renewal—becoming better versions of ourselves so we can serve more effectively” he emphasizes.
