Can you introduce yourself?

I am Fr Kujur George, from the St Francis de Sales Province, Dimapur, India. There are seven children in the family (3 boys and 4 girls) and I am the third. Both of my parents are alive and well. I come from a poor, isolated family of farmers and tea tribes. I grew up scavenging and labouring with my parents in the rice paddies and picking tea leaves. I had the opportunity to study at the Don Bosco Dibrugarh Apostolic School at a time when my family was going through a serious economic crisis due to the problems caused by the insurrection in my region, Assam (ULFA). My parents would have gladly waited for me to pursue a proper academic career, find a good job, and support them. But Christ's words, “seek first the Kingdom,” gave me the conviction and drive to pursue my Salesian vocation. I am the first Salesian priest from my parish of Tongna, which was opened by the Salesians and handed over to the Diocese of Dibrugarh in 2009.

What inspired you to choose to become a missionary?

As a child I had met the late Father Patrick Soreng, who was assistant parish priest in my home parish and then went on mission to Sudan. In addition, I also attended Fr. Jojo Kachapallil, now a missionary in Angola. I had several opportunities to interact with the missionaries who came to visit the Province during their holidays, such as Fr Patrick Warjri, Fr KD Tom and Fr Joy Sebastian. These people lit the fire of my missionary vocation.

Are you happy with where you are going? Do you have any fears about the new place, culture and people?

Although I have never been to Nepal, I am very happy to go as a missionary. I believe that my ministry and pastoral experiences, among the tribals in Northeast India, will be of great help. In addition, Nepal is our neighbouring country and many characteristics of the culture, environment and people will be similar. Like Archbishop Louis Mathias' motto, I look forward to “daring and hoping,” relying on God's guidance and protection in this new mission.

How did your family, friends and companions react when you told them about your missionary vocation?

I remember my mother's words when I told her about my missionary vocation. She said to me, “Just like a daughter who belongs to the other family when she marries, so do you. We gave you to God, and now let God take you and make you do whatever he wants, wherever it is.” These words from my mother were very encouraging and comforting.

What are your plans and dreams for your missionary life?

I have spoken and received instructions from Fr Alfred Maravilla, General Councillor for Missions, and I feel that I would offer myself fully for the two missionary tasks in Nepal: evangelisation and catechesis, and I would be available for any responsibility that the community assigns me.

Do you have models of great missionaries whose style and life you would like to follow?

As mentioned above, I am very motivated by the motto of Archbishop Louis Mathias, pioneer of Missions in North East India, in 1922, “Dare and hope!”, and this is my model of missionary life.

What is your message to young people about missionary choice and vocation?

God, in his providence, has plans and many good things in store for us. We must be open, wise and courageous to listen to him and speak to him in the silence of our hearts, to discover them and assimilate them and dare to respond by placing our full trust in him, ‘for God all things are possible’ (Mt 19:26). May God bless us all.

• Title Title
• Title Title
• Title Title
•  

Tweet