Help Emmanuel Begin His Monastic Vocation at Clear Creek Abbey

Praised be Jesus Christ!

My name is Emmanuel Okafor. I am a 27-year-old Catholic from Nigeria who has been blessed to attend the Traditional Latin Mass since 2017. Over the years, the Lord has patiently led me through a long and prayerful journey of discerning my vocation.

I first discerned a priestly vocation with the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter's parish in Nigeria and later with the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest's mission in Gabon. With the guidance of my superiors — especially the late Canon Henrique Fragelli, may God rest his soul — it became clear that God was calling me not to the priesthood, but to the religious life.

Following this recommendation, I joined the Discalced Hermits of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Fairfield, Pennsylvania. After a year of discernment there, my superiors helped me recognize that my vocation would be better lived in the Benedictine charism. I then made two discernment visits to Clear Creek Abbey in Hulbert, Oklahoma. By God’s grace, the monastery has officially accepted me to enter and begin formation as a Benedictine monk.

I am now preparing for the next step of this journey. The monastery is currently working on my religious visa, and once it is approved, I will need to travel to the United States to begin monastic formation (postulancy and novitiate).

This is where I humbly ask for your help.

Due to the economic situation in Nigeria, it is extremely difficult to earn enough to cover international travel. Most jobs available to someone with only a high school education pay about $50–$70 per month. The monastery has asked me to raise the funds for my flight ticket, which will cost approximately $1,500–$2,000. I have about 4–6 months to raise this amount while my visa process is completed.

I cannot do this alone. I am humbly asking Catholics and people of goodwill to help me take this next step toward giving my life completely to God in the monastic life.

Any donation — no matter how small — will make a real difference. If you are unable to donate, I would be deeply grateful for your prayers and for sharing this campaign.

May the Good God reward your generosity abundantly.

In Jesus and Mary,

Emmanuel Okafor