Hi Krešo! Could you please introduce yourself…
I am Krešo Maria Gabričević, a Salesian belonging to the Province of Croatia (CRO). I am 27 years old and I have just finished my studies in philosophy at the postnovitiate in Rome. I am happy to undertake my missionary vocation and to continue my Salesian life in the Vice-Province of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (PGS).
What inspired you to choose to become a missionary?
I felt a deep call in my heart, as a response to Don Bosco's invitation to walk alongside the poorest and most forgotten young people. His dream of bringing hope, education and God's love even to the most remote corners of the world has ignited a burning desire in me to give my life in the service of others. Being a Salesian missionary means living your consecration with passion and building a better future for young people, offering them not only an academic education, but also a home, a family, a place where they can feel loved. After all, I hear Jesus say to me every day, “Who will I send?” and the love of Christ pushes me to go further, to leave everything to meet the other and make my life a gift for the most needy.
Are you happy with where you are going? Do you have any fears or concerns about the new place, culture and people?
Yes, I am very happy with where I am going. Papua New Guinea is a land rich in culture and traditions, a place that offers wonderful diversity, both natural and human. Every step towards this new world is an opportunity to learn and grow. I know that I will meet people with values and lifestyles very different from mine, and this excites me because I believe that mission is first and foremost an exchange: I do not go only to bring something, but to receive, to be transformed by the beauty and wisdom that I will find.
At the same time, each new adventure brings with it uncertainties: there will be the great challenge of adapting to a very different culture and gaining people's trust. Despite everything, there is a certainty in my heart: I am sent by Jesus Christ, the good Shepherd. As Saint Therese of the Child Jesus said: "My vocation is love". And it is precisely this love that urges me forward, because I believe that with patience, listening and humility, we can discover that differences become mutual enrichment.
How did your family members, friends and confreres react when you told them about your missionary vocation?
My family was quite surprised, but both my father and my mother simply told me: “We have already entrusted you to God, go where He leads you. We support your decision.” I think they understood that this vocation is a call I felt coming from Jesus himself. As for my friends, the reactions were varied, some were affected, others worried... But they all support me and encourage my decision. And then there were the confreres, who were a great support.
What are your plans and dreams for your missionary life?
My plans are simple but profound: to live the Gospel fully, to bring the hope of Christ to the young and the most marginalised people. I dream of being a sign of God's love wherever I am sent, creating relationships based on trust, listening, and service. I would like to help build communities where young people can discover their value, receive an education and grow in an environment of love and solidarity. I also dream of being transformed by the people I will meet, learning from them and growing together in the faith. It is in this spirit that I want to live my mission, confident that the love of Christ will overcome every barrier. After all, my goal is to walk beside them, not above them, sharing the faith and Love that unites us and that, through my life, others can meet Christ and feel loved by Him.
Do you have some great missionary role models in mind whose lifestyle you want to follow?
Among the great missionaries there are St Callistus Caravario, St Aloysius Versiglia and the Venerable Vincent Cimatti, but a model I wish to follow is the Servant of God, Carlo Braga, known as the "Don Bosco of the Philippines" for his unique ability to embody the Salesian spirit in a different cultural context. His extraordinary humility and adaptability allowed him to build deep relationships with the people he served, respecting local traditions and bringing the message of Christ with joy and simplicity. Father Braga not only taught, but also learned from the people with whom he worked, transforming his mission into an authentic exchange of love and trust.
What is your message to young people about missionary choice and vocation?
My message is this: do not be afraid to answer God's call, even when it seems to take you away from what you know. The missionary vocation is a life-changing adventure, because it not only drives you to serve others, but allows you to discover the beauty of your faith in a profound way. Every step taken with love for God and for others brings you closer to the true meaning of life: giving yourself! If you feel in your heart the desire to be a light for others, know that you are not alone. The Lord walks with you, supports you and guides you. Answering the call is an act of courage, but it will also be the source of your true happiness. “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1: 9).
