T
… from a Missionary in Holland
he first time I learnt that I will be sent to the Netherlands, I was so sur-
prised. I could not say anything, but I wondered about the obedience I
have received. Many said that the Netherlands is not an advisable place
for a young cleric like me. I was frightened at hearing a variety of comments about the
religious situation in Europe and especially in the Netherlands. I was afraid that I would not
last long.
What they have said is true, from their point of view. Indeed, great challenges lay before
us. However, if we avoid and give up, who would walk with the young people in their spiritual journey in this world? Maybe the term
‘spiritual’ is not interesting to our youth here, but that is the fact. They lack it. It is missing, or better, it was stolen from them. They
will never realise this unless someone shows them, points out to them this precious treasure.
Our happiness in this life will never be truly complete without God. God is the only imperishable joy every human being could ever
have. For he himself is the Joy. If God is joy and he loves these young people, who am I to say “no” to his will? If it is his will that I be
here, I ought to remain and be myself. Maybe I would not be able to do here as much as I imagine I would do if I were in another
place, but to be a sign of God’s love here is, in itself, already a great challenge .
Here ... It’s hard and painful. It seems that our efforts produce no results. What we expect seems unattainable and the usual ques-
tions arise: Why do I have to do this? Why do I have to be here? There is no hope here... These are expressions of dissatisfaction and
disappointment. But why do we feel this way? Actually, lack of faith is the answer.
In this situation community life is tremendously important. The feeling of being accepted and being part of the community is really
important and, I could even say, is the lifeline of Salesian missionary life. After all, we are the community!
We missionaries often expect that the community would take care of us, because as newcomers we have become again “children”
who need to relearn everything in this new culture. It is true! However, the lack of communication and openness between the new
missionary and the local community could ruin everyone’s good intentions.
In this brief reflection, I would like to thank my community for helping me to feel at home, and for showing me trust in sharing with
me the Salesian mission in this beloved land.
Bro. Andreas Jebarus
Indonesian, missionary in the Netherlands
EUROPE: MISSION LAND
The SDB and FMA Missions Department organised the Study Days
on the Salesian Mission in Frontier Situations and Initial Proclamation
of Christ in Europe Today, in Prague from November 4 to 10 2010 in
order to deepen reflections regarding a more effective initial
proclamation in Europe. Great attention was given to the formation of
those who proclaim, who need to be able to adapt themselves to the
different situations with “creative imagination and an open heart” and
yet always maintain an attitude of respect and trust towards their
neighbours. Last November 26 to 28 the Rector Major also gathered
together the Provincials of Europe, for the third time, to assess the
steps taken regarding Project Europe as well as reflect common lines of
action to be taken in the future.
September 2010 - Missionaries for Europe
with the Rector Major
Salesian Missionary Intention
Salesians of Europe
That the Salesians of the three regions of Europe may renew their commitment to
evangelisation with patience and courage in the context of a consumer and secular-
ised society as their specific contribution to Project Europe
The future of our charism depends on the sharing of faith and the renewed enthusiasm of
the confreres, in being with young people, and in knowing how to accompany them with an
explicit proposal of evangelization, being able to personally invite, with patience, the young
to the Salesian consecrated life. Let us pray that the lines of action of the third meeting of
the Provincials of Europe with the Rector Major and his Council (Rome, November 26-28,
2010) may be welcomed by all the confreres and bear fruit in all our apostolic works.
