BEING A MISSIONARY FOR A MEANINGFUL LIFE
Ayubowan! (Long Life!)
I did my practical training as a missionary in Papua Guinea.
I went back to the Philippines in 1996 for my theological studies.
Ever since then, my desire to go back to the missions remained
like a spark that keeps smouldering. Even as an aspirant I had
always dreamt of going to the missions. It took me quite a while
to give this burning desire a second a chance to flare out into a
bright flame. I feel that it has been worth the wait.
Finally, on 11 October 2015, as I celebrated the 25th year of my
profession, my 15th year as a priest, and in the 45th year of my
existence on earth, I once again took the courage to plunge into
the deep waters of missionary life.
I flew to a small island called the “Teardrop of India”—Sri Lanka.
I faced the challenges of a new culture predominantly influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism; adjusting to
the food that is mostly “Devilled-Chilli-Red and Spicy” that burns the taste buds; tongue-twisting languages
of Sinhala and Tamil that are essential for communicating with the locals; and making myself available to
meet the increasing needs of the Vice-Province with regard to personnel, creative and sustainable
apostolates, and one-hundred-and-one other demands—all requiring much patience, love and humility from
one like me who is still trying to be a missionary.
More than “doing”, a lot of “being” is expected because, in the missions, I had to become once again like a
small child learning everything for the first time. I learned too that, in the missions, “LOVE” is spelt “GIVE”
—giving up my past life, my present desires, and my future plans for what the situation asks of me.
This life is laden not only with demands; I also had some unexpected sources of real consolation.
One day during a retreat that I was preaching, I asked a local Salesian-seminarian to envision himself 10
years later. He answered: “Father, I see myself as a Salesian priest…” and before I could interrupt, he
continued “…but not as an ordinary priest, I want to be a Missionary Priest offering myself to go to a fara-
way place … because I want to live a meaningful life”. Hearing this, I smiled and said to myself,
“… after all, there is really something more than all these …”.
To those dreaming to go to the missions I say: being in a mission territory does not automatically make
one a missionary. Being a missionary is a process and it takes time … take that from a person trying so
hard to be one.
Jesu Phitai! (May Jesus Bless You!)
Noel Sumagui phlilppine missionary in Sri Lanka
Witness of Salesian Missionary Sanctity
Fr. Pierluigi Cameroni SDB, Postulator General for the Causes of Saints
September - the Venerable Don Giuseppe Quadrio (1921-1963), professor of
theology in Turin-Crocetta. He often went to visit the youngsters in the juvenile
prison of Generala. He wrote them once: "Spring will come after winter; do not be
sad and desperate, you who are behind bars! There is hope for all. We all make
mistakes, but those who made mistakes can make up for them. And those who have
reformed can look people in the eye without shame. For a young man who wants to
restart, it is never too late. Remember: you are not a wreck, but salvaged materi-
al. Friends, have faith in yourself and in God: He wants you to recover, and to make
you honest and happy men. You are young; there is still a tomorrow for you, a se-
rene and wonderful tomorrow. The last thing you lose must be hope and good will.”
For our Common Home
Salesian Missionary Intention
So that the planet's resources are not plundered;
instead, shared fairly and respectfully .
In line with Laudato Sì, Salesians held the Conference "Energy Forever".
It proposed urgent progress towards the use of renewable energy.
We pray that the Salesian Family will actively put itself at the service of
the Common House with concrete and urgent actions.
