(ANS – Rome) – “In this indigenous reality, I see myself as part of the dream of many other dreamers ... and as a challenge of GC27, which calls us to be Don Bosco in the real frontiers, and where a prophetic and an evangelising presence is most needed.” So says the Brazilian Deacon, Jose' Alves de Oliveira, a missionary among the indigenous Xavante people, in a testimony.

M y first contact with the indigenous people was during my novitiate in 2003. It was part of this formative stage to know the Bororo and Xavante indigenous communities in the Salesian Mission of Mato Grosso. It was a very meaningful contact. Eventually I asked, and I was sent to do the second year of my practical training amongst the Xavante community of San Marcos. This missionary experience continued during the holidays while I was doing my theological studies.

In 2011 I was ordained a deacon in San Marcos and I was assigned to be part the Salesian missionary community of the ‘personal’ parish of St. Dominic Savio, Nova Xavantina. The aim was to work for the indigenous Xavante people of the region. In 2013 I was part of the Salesian community Sangradouro, home to the indigenous Bororo and Xavante people. I was there as a teacher, coordinator of the youth group, animator of the liturgy, of cultural festivals and of the Oratory; Besides taking the initiative to write the history of the Salesian Mission in these missions during these last 50 years, I also took care of the maintenance of the hydropower plant, agricultural work and the daily business of the community ...

Today I’m back in the personal Parish St. Dominic Savio. The parish covers two dioceses and a Prelature, four indigenous lands; more than 150 villages; a huge land area; and a population of about 15,000 indigenous people.

I see myself as a person who, through baptism, is called to live as Don Bosco in the Spirit of Jesus Christ. The Pope, in his Evangelii Gaudium, calls attention to this important missionary dimension of Jesus which should characterize the community of those who follow him.

Don Bosco understood well that call, he sent missionaries to the Indians of America. Many missionaries, leaving their lands, have dedicated themselves to this work with faith and love. So, in this indigenous reality, I see myself as part of the dream of many other dreamers ... and as a challenge of GC27, which calls us to be Don Bosco in the real frontiers, and where a prophetic and an evangelising presence is most needed.

Aware of my limitations, but also with a heart open and available to God and to others, I know that something good can come out from here. This is evidenced by Don Bosco and many missionaries who have given their lives for the indigenous peoples.

There are certainly challenges like learning the language and culture of the Xavante; inculturated evangelisation; the change of pastoral mentality; openness to what is new which challenges us; internal and external conflict (between indigenous and non-indigenous people) through dialogue and mutual acceptance; the lack of material and human resources for the most significant work.

But it is also positive that the Salesian missionary work among the indigenous people is bearing fruit. I am especially happy of the effort made by the Salesian Mission: this shows that the struggle and dreams continue; the ‘little’ that we have, when shared, becomes ‘a lot’.

Published 07/01/2015