Désiré Afana (1973-2025)
Born in Ngaoundal (Cameroon),
on August 25, 1973.
Religious vows
on October 7, 1995.
Missionary in Mexico.
Died in Yaounde, Cameroon,
on October 31, 2025,
at the age of 52.
Désiré Afana was born on August 25, 1973, in Ngaoundal, northern Cameroon. His father, originally from Sa'a in central Cameroon, worked as a Human Resources Manager at COGEFAR, a railway construction company. When Désiré was about eight years old, his father was transferred to Kopongo, where he passed away prematurely. Following this loss, the family returned to their village, where Désiré was raised, deeply influenced by his grandmother's wisdom and gaining rich knowledge of local traditions and proverbs. In addition, his maternal uncle, whom he affectionately called "Papa Ndzana," became a significant father figure in his life.
Désiré was a brilliant student who attended primary and secondary school in Sa'a, where the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was present. During this time, he met Brother Louis Lokumu, CICM, who became his mentor and helped him discern his vocation. Later, he wrote a book highlighting Brother Louis as a witness to universal brotherhood. He participated in several CICM vocational sessions, and it was during one of these camps in 1992 that we met. He was accepted into the CICM novitiate in Mbudi (Kinshasa) in 1994, right after obtaining his German A4 Baccalaureate at the Lycée de Sa'a. That year, he was one of two Cameroonians admitted, alongside Prosper Ngassa.
After completing his novitiate and taking his first vows in 1995, he was sent to the Père Nkongolo scholasticate in Kinshasa, where he enrolled at the Saint-Pierre Canisius Faculty of Philosophy, run by the Jesuits. During his three years there, he demonstrated his lively, innovative spirit through various tasks, including cultural and sports activities. It was during this time that he authored his first book, La balade démocratique du Zaïre (1990-1997) : Sept ans de transition tumultueuse (The Democratic Journey of Zaire (1990-1997): Seven Years of Tumultuous Transition), published by HIPOC in Kinshasa in 1998. He was known for his sharp sense of humor, his laughter often announced his presence to his colleagues.
On an excursion to Kinshasa and later to Maluku, along the banks of the Congo River, Désiré humorously declared that he had become "Mbuta Nganga" (high priest or bishop in Kikongo) after enjoying a meal and drinks in a moment of euphoria. From then on, many generations of colleagues affectionately referred to him by that name.
He was later sent to Ngoya, Cameroon, to study theology at the École Saint-Cyprien, where he continued to showcase his innovation, humor, and writing skills. He developed a Beti calendar that assigned local names to celebration dates. Working with Father Manu Mbondo, the rector of the formation house at the time, he engaged in local development activities, including agriculture, livestock farming, and water supply. He took the initiative to paint the buildings of the formation house largely on his own. Many superiors relied on him to draft texts and organize events at both the local and provincial levels. Notably, during the France-Africa summit in Yaoundé in 2001, he published France-Afrique(s): Histoire d'ami-tiers. Séduction mutuelle, usage différentiel (France-Africa(s): History of Friends-Third Parties. Mutual Seduction, Differential Use) with Éditions Sherpa.
In 2002, after completing his theology studies, Désiré was sent as a missionary to Mexico, joining Prosper and me. We began by studying the Spanish language and Mexican culture. Désiré adapted quickly; gifted in languages, he was often placed in advanced classes ahead of schedule. He also learned popular Mexican songs and surprised locals with his performances at gatherings.
Once he completed his language studies and interned with diocesan priest Father Daniel Ocampo, Désiré was assigned to the San Pedro Chapel, where he formed a community alongside Father Étienne Mayasi. After Étienne's departure, Désiré became responsible for the chapel. He established his publishing house, the Centre Théophile Verbist, and published the first works of Bishop Faustin Ambassa, Prosper Ngassa, and Bishop Roger Pirenne, among others. Additionally, he founded a multimedia center to teach young people about computers and study skills. He repurposed the presbytery's main room as a carpentry workshop and created a small factory in the chapel to produce tortillas, a staple food in Mexico. He also worked to elevate the chapel from dependency on the parish of Divine Providence to status as an independent parish. Shortly after this milestone, he was called to Rome in 2007 to study history at the Gregorian University.
His stay in Rome was cut short, leading him to fly to the United States. There, he gained valuable experience in the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas, serving as a hospital chaplain and in other roles. After returning to Mexico, he enrolled at Lumen Gentium University, where he earned a Master's degree in Urban Pastoral Theology. Subsequently, he became a professor at the university, teaching the course "Iglesia y misión en la urbe" (Church and Mission in the City). In addition, he served as chaplain at La Salle University and worked with various communities and schools run by religious sisters, particularly the Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
In 2012, he was appointed parish priest of Cualac in the Diocese of Tlapa. He shifted his focus from urban pastoral work to serving in a rural area. During this time, he discovered his vocation as a chicken farmer. He also found opportunities to teach pastoral courses at the Major Seminary of Tlapa. Upon returning to Mexico City, he resumed his roles as a teacher and chaplain while also assisting at the parish of Our Lady of Consolation, where he was appointed pastor in 2018. His dedication to urban pastoral ministry continued until 2022, when he was sent to the rural parish of Temalacatzingo, also in the Diocese of Tlapa. He played an active role in organizing the silver jubilee of the parish and the CICM presence, which was celebrated in 2024. Known for his ability to connect with people from all social classes, he actively shared in their joys and sorrows. His parishioners saw him leave for vacation in July, in good health, with the promise to return in October. However, on October 31, the news of his death arrived unexpectedly.
Father Désiré is remembered as a sociable, genuine, and consistent individual. He was extremely friendly and had a contagious joie de vivre, showcasing a remarkable ability to form and maintain friendships. He turned various families and groups of friends into a large, welcoming family. Many considered him a full member of their families.
He was wholly committed to all his endeavors, dedicating himself unreservedly, perhaps aware of the limited time he had on earth. He went to great lengths to assist those in distress, driving six hours from Temalacatzingo to Mexico City to visit a sick person, supporting a grieving family, baptizing a child, or fulfilling any other service. He appeared indefatigable in his mission to serve others. Truly, he was one of the "blessed of the Father" who visited, welcomed, and helped those in need (cf. Mt 25:34). Upon his passing, many mourned him as a brother, a son, or a father. Dear brother, enter into the joy of your Master.
- Cyprien Etoa
