ver the last few years, the Xaverians in Colombia have increased their vocation and missionary activities. We could sum it up in two brief objectives: to remind the local church that is indeed “missionary”; and to instill in young people a desire to become missionaries in their hearts. Fr. Enzo Tonini and myself are called often to speak to priests and local leadership, and to youth and young adults.

Why should we think of the problems of others?

The Bishop of Bogotá has put in charge the Xaverians with the responsibility of missionary education in his diocese. We, therefore, take this charge that allows us to speak to the priests and the Christian communities of the universal mission of the church, and of the situation in which peoples in Asia and Africa live. 

One of the dangers of this Church in Colombia is to be “closed on itself.” Its reasoning is clear indeed: “We have so many problems over here, why should we think of the struggles of others?” Yet, one more small step after another, we try to sensitize the Christian communities to start breathing some “universal air.”

We let our activities be guided by the motto of Blessed Conforti, “make of the world one single family.” It is in fact through the efforts and great sacrifices (and errors included) of many missionaries that Latin America and this country have come to know the Gospel. Their life dedication was to make known Jesus and his Good News. We also believe that the time is ripe for the Americas to re-gift this service received, by sending missionaries to the entire world.

Up and down the Andes with a very unreliable car

The second aspect of our ministry here is to reach as many young people as possible. You should see us, Fr. Enzo and myself, with a very unreliable car up and down the great Andes of Colombia, reaching some faraway and unknown village! We go to speak to the youth and young adults of these communities, reminding them that God loves them, who calls us to give our responses, who shows us the beauty of a life dedicated to the service of others, and shows us freedom in the choices in life.

“I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you, taking from your bodies your stony hearts and giving you natural hearts.” (Ezek. 36:26)

Whenever we arrive in a village, we meet the Christian community, and head to the school. As soon as we open our mouths, everyone listens attentively. Why? You might say that it is “power from on high, from the Holy Spirit!” It’s not so. Having both studied in Chicago, Illinois, and coming from Italy, our Spanish language is certainly different from theirs; our accents betray our origins, so diverse from their own local language. But even this foreign accent helps us to be effective in our activities. Children are gathered in classrooms of 50-60 students, and it is a struggle at times to keep them orderly! Our “foreign status” entices them, interests them with curiosity. If they don’t listen to what we say, they certainly listen because of the “how” we communicate things them.

The difficult work of discernment

We constantly thank God for sending us young people interested in missionary life. In fact, this year there are 10 students in the philosophy stage at our community of Medellin. They represent the fruit of labor of many Xaverians, we included, who serve diligently in pastoral settings and mission education.

The difficult work is to start a true journey of discernment with these young people. So often, they live in situations of dire need: they dream of the city because there is no future in their villages. Many of them come from tough family situations, with stories of sufferings, rejection, alcoholism and violence... We face these problematic situations in community and personal dialogue with them.

When a young person wants help...

Some people might believe that past experiences leave no trace behind in these young adults. And yet we all know the contrary is true. Our brains are the best tape-recorders we have: all the messages received since our birth are filed faithfully in our brains. At times, we need to name those messages, remind ourselves of them, accept them for what they are, and if it is necessary, to even forgive the people who have negatively influenced our lives. This is the journey we try to undertake with these young people.

I believe that the most gratifying experience is when a young person lets himself be guided, wants help, and truly starts a journey of spiritual growth. One we overcome our fears, which stops us from going deeper into our souls, then everything is much easier for everyone involved. Whenever the defense mechanisms are unblocked, then it is beautiful to see how young people accept their own stories, and they are ready to dedicate their lives for the missionary cause.

In synthesis, this is our ministry in mission education here in Colombia. Once in a while, please, say a prayer or two also for us. Thanks.

Fr. Mauro Loda, s.x.
(from Missionari Saveriani)