(ANS – Rome) – “The frequent passage of missionaries in my town, Ponte de Vagos, Aveiro – Portugal was, indeed, an important milestone. They themselves told, by mouth, their fantastic stories with the help of some movies and pictures that made us dream and question the possibility to follow their example, proclaiming the Good News to so many people who, today, are unaware or have not yet accepted the invitation of Jesus Christ”. This is the testimony of Fr Jorge Bento, SDB, a Portuguese missionary in Mozambique.

Although I had the opportunity to continue my studies “regularly”, the idea and the desire to follow them remained with me during my youth. But first I experienced the world of work through construction, metalfabrication and office work. However, it was only after I finished the compulsory military service that I decided to start the great adventure! I started secondary school, while doing the aspirantate and pre-novitiate; followed, after a year of novitiate, 3 years of philosophy in Spain, 2 years of practical training in Portugal, and 5 years in Rome, where I obtained a degree in theology and a licentiate degree in missiology.

So after four years of missionary life in Cape Verde at the service of my Portuguese Province, I am now part of the Vice Province of Mozambique since October 2013. The decision to make myself available to the Rector Major for the Salesian mission ad gentes, had given rise to some questions in people who knew me as well as among my own confreres in the Province. After all, Portugal is part of a group of countries where, currently, there are so many people who do not know Jesus Christ or who need to deepen their own faith ... So, why leave for the missions when there are is so much need at your doorstep?! Really, it is a fact and a mystery I can not answer ... I just try to do what I perceive to be the will of God for my life and where I am happy!

The knowledge of Don Bosco and the Salesian life, associated with the course of study that I underwent, along with the Course for New Missionaries held in Rome and Turin, gave me the courage needed to move on, in view of the worldwide Salesian mission, in order to serve the young and especially the poorest.

Challenges and joys that we find and live with in this mission land are many ... the challenge is to have the courage to let God fulfill in each of us His holy will.

Published 16/04/2015