Introduce yourself
My name is Michał Cebulski. I come from Poland – Cracow’s province (PLS). I have been a Salesian of Don Bosco since 2014. This year, three months ago, I received my priestly ordination.
What inspired you to make this choice to become a missionary?
There were many inspirations that motivated me to become a missionary. In fact, since childhood, when I was hearing stories about missionaries, I felt some specific kind of desire to do what they do. Once I heard the sentence: “We cannot be content when we consider all those people who do not know Christ”, and this was a great concern for me. I remember; I couldn’t stop thinking about these words. Later, when I discovered the invitation from Christ to deepen the relationship with Him, I realised that there is no bigger joy in life than being close with Him. I just want to share this fact with others, especially with young people.
Are you happy about the place where you are going? Have you any fears and inhibitions about the new place, culture and people?
I am sent to Lithuania, the country that shares a border with Poland. I am very happy about it; our nations are similar in many aspects, the climate and the food will not change very much for me. Working with the Polish community living in Vilnius will be one of my duties. The Lithuanian language will not be easy for me, but approaching Lithuanian people and understanding their culture will be my priority too, and it will not be impossible. I hope I will be able to share the Gospel among both communities.
How did your family members, friends and confreres react when you told them about your missionary vocation?
I experienced a lot of support from my family, friends, and confreres when I told them about my missionary vocation. What I see is that those people are aware of needs, which are in different parts of the world. My family was happy to know that I am sent to a country that is close to Poland.
What are your dreams about missionary life?
My dream about my missionary life is that people should discover God’s love through my service. I want to see what the needs of people are and be an answer for them. I dream about helping young people to live with true joy in their lives. Don Bosco told us that this joy is caused by a pure heart.
Have you in mind any model of some great missionaries whose style and life you want to follow?
St. Paul is for me one of the best examples of a missionary; he didn’t mind the troubles, tiredness, and lack of livelihood and property. His words, ‘For his sake, I have accepted the loss of all things, and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ', I find St. Paul very inspirational.
What is your message for young people about missionary choice and vocation?
I would like to say to all the young people that God cares for His people. It means that when we allow Himself to use us ‘like a tool’, He will not put us into trouble; we are not able to persist. Doing His will, sharing ourselves, and living for others bring us true satisfaction and true sense of life.
