MISSIONARY IN FOCUS
Being a Salesian Lay Brother
…this gives
me that
assurance
that this is
my calling
and fidelity
to this life
will be my
way to meet
Christ and
later
hopefully,
enter
heaven
I present here my simple
reflection on my vocation as a
religious
brother.
Whenever I introduce myself and
say that I am a Salesian Brother-
- I also always ready myself for
the many questions that usually
follow clarifying what it means to
be a Salesian Brother. People do
wonder why on earth would one
not get married nor get rich and
look for high paying jobs, then
also leave family and home, stay
in a religious community and yet
not be able to celebrate Mass
nor administer the other
sacraments. Did they fail their
Philosophy and Theology
subjects? Are they not qualified?
or Have they committed any
serious offense? These are
simply some of the often raised
questions of my intrigued
audience.
I always say that I am a brother
not that I didn't like to become a
priest.
My
vocational
discernment in fact started out in
that line. I entered the seminary
because I dreamt of becoming a
priest. But along the way, I
discovered that I am being called
to another kind of life. God surely
works in mysterious but
marvelous ways. And He guides
and leads us to where we
rightfully belong if only we open
ourselves to Him and listen to
His
voice.
Nobody actually invited me to
become a brother. But it was in
my daily interactions with our
Brothers Salesian that I felt the
attraction to become just like
them. In particular, it was their
silent witness, humble service
and joyful presence especially
among young people that drew
my attention and heightened my
desire to become like them.
I guess, the lay or religious
brother vocation also fits my
likes and interests. I always
believe that God meets us where
we are and that our vocation
grows around our capabilities,
skills and potentials as human
beings. Grace builds on nature
as they say. Being a lay brother,
allows me as well to try on those
other possibilities and areas
waiting to be explored for which
ministry may prevent priests
from doing. The life of a brother
is in continuous dialogue with the
world--with its needs and
longings, with the advancement
and issues in education,
technology and industry, with
people immersed in the reality of
the 'worldly' yet long to have a
glimpse of God and eternity.
I find meaning and contentment
in my being a brother. There are
of course plenty of struggles and
difficulties but the choice I made
after serious discernment and
prayer and which I renew
everyday give me that assurance
that this is my calling and fidelity
to this life will be my way to meet
Christ and later hopefully, enter
heaven. I am a Salesian Brother.
(Br. Carmelo Martinez is a missionary in Pakistan. We accompany him in our prayers for strength and perseverance).
Two communities of Lahore and Quetta together after their arrival: From left down: Br. Carmelo (FIN), Fr. Peter Zago (FIS),
Br. Eric (first Pakistani practical trainee), From left up – Fr. Jude Albarando (FIS), Fr.Miguel Ruiz (SMA), Fr. Ladislav Miko
(SLK), Fr. Julio Palmieri (ALP)
