(ASN - Tunis) - ‘Tunisia is the place where, thanks to Divine Providence and my superiors’ benevolence, I can live’. Thus Fr Marek Rybinski wrote about his new mission in Tunisia, a Muslim Country. Salesians’ missionary presence allowed Don Bosco’s charism to arrive in Manouba, a town near the capital, Tunis. In 2016 the fifth anniversary of Fr Rybinski’s death was celebrated. Why does his memory live on among his ‘Muslim friends’, as he went to the Father's house when he was just 33 years old?

by Małgorzata Bożek

Fr Rybinski was sent to work in Manouba as a young missionary and thanks to his attitude he became known as always cheerful priest, open towards his neighbours. He worked in the Salesian school among children and young people. He could not easily speak French, but he always carried a smile with himself. During the recreation time, he was always among the children in the yard, to play or to invent games. Young people appreciated him very much, thanks to the affection he communicated to them and his way of being a joyful priest. He very often repeated: ‘Muslims are my new friends’. He also wrote this expression in one of his letters.

He also worked with the Polish community in Tunisia. He was always humble and modest in speaking about his priesthood and in Tunisia he felt at home. ‘In his daily work he wanted to be a witness of the Gospel to those who do not know Christ. He liked being with young people, talking to them and confessing’, Fr Przemyslaw Solarski, SDB remembers. He faithfully followed Don Bosco’s spirit’.

Fr Rybinski’s tragic death was a painful blow for many people. His memory is still alive in the hearts of those who knew him. Shortly after this great Salesian’s death, the Salesian Mission Office in Warsaw published a book called ‘Tunisian Memoirs’ and the short film ‘The Tunisian soul’ was prepared.

On February 14^th 2016, at the offices of the Salesian Mission Office in Warsaw, a meeting with Fr Rybinski’s family and friends was held. His loved ones gave thanks to God for the gift of the missionary vocation welcomed by the young Salesian, who offered his whole life for the salvation of young people’.

Posted on 19/02/2016