Fr. Rocco Puopolo, s.x.

It's God's Ministry after all !

From the Xaverian Mission Newsletter

On the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of his ordination, Fr Rocco Puopolo was asked a few questions about his years as a missionary priest by his 13 year old nephew, Bobby Farrell, a seventh grader at St. Catherine's School, Norwood, MA. Fr. Rocco is presently rector of the Xaverian Theology House in Chicago, Illinois. Here is part of that conversation.

 

Bobby Farrell: You were in Africa for a long time. Did you have to learn any new languages?

Fr. Rocco: Of course. When we get assigned to a new mission we are given six months to get a start on the language of the place where we will be working. In Sierra Leone there are more than a dozen local languages, and depending on where a person is assigned, that is the language one learns. So I learned a bit of Limba which is spoken in Kabala, my first assignment. Then I learned Krio that has English and African words but with African grammar Krio is spoken in all major towns of Sierra Leone. On my last assignment I was in Kenema, where Mende is spoken, a different and rather difficult language. But mostly I managed to get by with Krio.

 

BF: What is the scariest part of being a priest?

FR: I wouldn't say there is anything scary about being a priest. However, there are two things I watch for. I try to remember that God is God, not me. I just serve God and God's people. I try to lead prayer at Mass well, to preach well, to do well what I am asked to do. Having a prominent role in the community, the priest has to be wary of thinking that the spotlight is on him. It's like me to get in God's way! The other thing that concerns me is that people sometimes expect a lot of priests. There are a lot of things that other people, gifted in their way, can and must do… I am a missionary priest, and my job is to help the Church be missionary, be concerned about those who do not know Jesus or his Church, and help people think from a global perspective.

 

BF: What are your favorite moments of 25 years of ministry?

FR: Leading at prayer is really my favorite thing, especially when people celebrate their lives, like the wedding of your parents back in 1983, or the Baptisms of you and your brothers. It takes thought and preparation to make these celebrations special, and it is worth it. People remember those moments, and so do I. It helps us understand how real and loving God is and how close God is to us through this ministry.

 

BF: What was the happiest moment of being a priest?

FR: The happiest times for me are when I am part of a retreat team for youth. I have done this for years both here in USA and in Africa. It is always a joy to see how God works in helping young people come to a better understanding of themselves as well as of God, to discover that there is something very real about God and life-giving about being a Catholic. When we had retreats in Africa, in the face of the terrible things that they were up against, it was always uplifting to watch those young people get strength, creative ideas and hope that made them leaders of peace and reconciliation. I have great hope for the youth of Africa. Here in the USA for many young people the Church doesn't "excite' them. They seem to think that it is for "older folks or for kids.' Retreats give them a chance to share their struggles safely, sing songs that are more in tune with them and learn that there is more to young people getting "excited' about Church and God, it makes me very happy.

I try to remember that God is God, not me. I just serve God and God's people. I try to lead prayer at Mass well, to preach well, to do well what I am asked to do.. 

 

BF: What is the hardest thing about being a priest?

FR: Well, let me think! I guess the thing I find the hardest is the frequent moves. Very few priests get to stay in one place for a long time. Ministry need always be fresh, both for the people as well as for the priest. 

For us missionaries movement is important. The world changes so fast that we need to keep up with those changes. I have had the wonderful opportunity to spend half of my time in Africa and half here in the USA. This has helped me to keep alert on both fronts... Of course, we leave behind friends and things that you have become used to, and with the move, a new start. It can be hard!...

 

BF: What are your plans for the next 25 years?

FR: I have no idea. Probably I am going to stay here in Chicago for few more years. Then?... What I do know is that each and every place I have been over these 25 years has somehow pre- pared me for the next place. I have a hunch that God is behind all that… It is God’s ministry after all. So I just try to live the present to the best of my ability and not worry too much about the future. It has been good so far.

 

BF: Thanks, and all the best for your future. 

 

Interview by Bobby Farrell (from Xaverian Mission Newsletter) » More