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United States– Salesian Missionary Voluntary Service: unity is strength

Unites States – Salesians and FMA in support of voluntary missionary service

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(ANS – Bellflower) – Salesian Missions Day 2011 celebrates youth missionary voluntary service. Justin Paul Gonzalez, an alumnus at St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, United States describes how a missionary trip to Haiti helped him to grow as a person, a Christian and a member of the Salesian Family.

He was able to get to know and help youngsters in Cap-Haitien, school students and street boys. He met Gavinchy, who was always asking for candy; Jordany, an 18 year old student in the mechanical department,  and through him many others who attended the Salesian centre. “The conversation was limited to some of the same things like professions and women, but it was nice to spend time with him and his friends. I believe that throughout most of the trip our presence was the greatest gift to these children.”

Another important meeting had been with Nehemie, a young student who wanted to go to College in the United Stes and become a doctor. He spoke English very well and was able to communicate more than some of the other students. “In our discussions,” Justin writes,  “we spoke of his interests, religion, values, and life goals.” Justin felt like a counsellor for the first time, and in fact he intends to become a school counsellor after his graduate studies.

“The mission trip also gave me time to grow in my own spirituality,” Justin added. “Being in an environment where I was able to share openly my beliefs, doubts, and faith was great. The group’s wisdom and guidance brought me to a new level in my faith.” Particularly important had been the night they had Mass in Creole and French. “Most of us were in deep reflection or struggling to stay awake, but Communion not only brought us together as a Salesian Family, but also in our Catholic faith.”

Justin’s  final reflection on his missionary trip concerned the beauty and the extent of the Salesian Family: “At the house in Orange, I shared that it was nice to know that there are more people just like me across the United States. After being in a Salesian home in another country, I realised that there are people like me all over the world. The hospitality and joy of the Salesians in Cap-Haitien was a very familiar feeling. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this experience with all of you.”

Published 06/07/2011