“He emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness, and in his appearance was found in human likeness” – Phil. 2:7.
I feel very happy and privileged to be able to express my experiences of mission in the peripheries. I come from a poor family that is totally dependent on agriculture and other crops to manage the family’s economic situation. Financially it was difficult to support the family, but thanks to the hard work and constant efforts of my parents I was able to complete my studies successfully. I grew up in a simple, good and hardworking family environment, deeply rooted in Jesus Christ. Moreover, the beauty of my family is unity. We work together, pray together and support each other especially during difficulties. This is what I appreciate and it contributed to my spiritual, physical and social well-being. I encountered different realities and different problems during the time I was attending school until I finished my intermediate studies, but still God’s plan is unique and special for each one of us. I thanked God almighty for being with me, with my family and for giving me the beautiful Claretian vocation. The deep faith in Jesus Christ and the spiritual strength of my family motivated me with missionary zeal to work for the poor and marginalized.
At first I wanted to become a priest and I loved his way of doing mission, but due to my average level of studies, I could not enter the seminary, although the visits of different missionary fathers and sisters to my parish and family had a great impact on my life. I was also very inspired by the parish priest’s visits to the poor, sick and suffering families. I could see the result of his visit in the families, in the people and in his life. I was inspired by his dedication and commitment. Moved by the same spirit, I began to reflect and plan my entry into the seminary. But lack of guidance and personal inadequacies put me off and confused me in making a concrete decision. The arrival of many congregations in my parish also confused me about my life and vocation. The time came when I had to decide and define my life. I was helpless without proper guidance, but God’s plan came true once again through my dear parents. They guided me to join the beautiful Claretian congregation and I started my vocational journey as a Claretian missionary. When I entered the seminary, I felt happy and God’s special blessings arose within me. I could study well, pray well and commit myself totally to God. I made good use of my formation time to mould myself as much as possible and to be well equipped for the mission. It was really a blessing for me to regain my hidden strength. I believe that God is always with me and will be with me forever. I pray a simple prayer during my personal prayer time and also in my free time: “God, I am just a little child, what changes can I do without you. Give me the power of the Holy Spirit and guide me, so that I can become a good priest and give witness to Christ”. This prayer helped and guided me a lot in my missionary trials.
After my studies and formation, I was sent for the ministry of the Diaconate in a very interior place. It was a bit disappointing for me, but I still accepted it with a positive attitude. It made me a more open and joyful missionary. I learned the local language and culture and adapted to the situation. That is how I started my missionary work in the peripheries. From the diaconate until now, as a priest, I work in very interior places, for the poor and the marginalised. I listen to them, I pray with them, being with them in their difficulties has given me the inner satisfaction and joy of being a missionary in God’s vineyard. Knowing their culture, knowing their languages, visiting them especially in their suffering made me more available, open and committed as a missionary. I could feel and experience the pain and suffering of the poor people. I never longed for extraordinary changes in their lives, but my humble and simple prayer with Jesus was to be with them in their difficulties and in some of the places where people have experienced the presence of God. I gave my best for mission, never shying away from helping the poor and needy. When I met with the poor and listened to their difficulties and their lives I experienced the presence of God in me. I have never been interested in living in the city and working for select people. Personally, I feel and experience the presence of God and that God is known in the peripheries by the needy and the poor. This inner awareness and inner spirit moved me to do mission in the peripheries. During this time, I reflected, prayed well and was able to understand the value of my life and the purpose of the call I have received from God. Many opportunities and blessings God has given me through the Claretian congregation. Wherever I am assigned to mission, I continue to develop and improve my skills and qualities. By God’s grace and guidance, I have been able to experience the spiritual power, pastoral skills and physical strength to do mission in the peripheries. My simple life and simple approach made a big change in the peripheries. Mission to the peripheries has made me understand God and his people. Thanks be to almighty God for being with me throughout my life and proclaiming the good news to the whole world.
In conclusion, I would like to say that you should do things without expecting anything in return and then you will receive without expecting anything in return. Give me, my God, a watchful heart that no disturbing thought can turn away from you. Give me a noble heart that no unworthy desire can degrade. Give me a free heart that can bear witness to Christ the Lord.
Nuaon (India)
April 2025
