Hi Joseph! Could you please introduce yourself…

My name is Joseph Vũ Tuấn Anh. I come from the Province of Vietnam. I am thirty years old and I love sport. There are six in my family and I am the youngest. My father is a carpenter and my mother is a housewife. They were very happy when I became a Salesian missionary.

What inspired you to choose to become a missionary?

I knew the missionary vocation for the first time during the prenovitiate. Some missionaries who had worked abroad returned to Vietnam for the holidays and shared their experiences with us. They encountered many difficulties and challenges in their lands of destination, but they were always optimistic, joyful and dedicated to their vocation. Inspired by this, I continued to discern my missionary vocation through prayer and visiting mission places in Vietnam.

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

I am very happy to have been sent to Chile. According to the most up-to-date data, in 2023, the population of Chile is over 19 million people, and 4.8 million people live in the centre of the Chilean capital, Santiago . Chileans are known for their friendly and hospitable manner, which makes it relatively easy to start conversations and form friendships. Therefore, nothing worries me about this country.

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

They are happy and, at the same time, a little surprised. They want me to always maintain an optimistic spirit and to overcome all difficulties to succeed. Thanks to their encouragement, I feel more confident and I believe I will receive much satisfaction in my vocation.

What are your plans and dreams for your missionary life?

My biggest dream is to share the Gospel with everyone, especially with poor and abandoned teenagers. My immediate goal is to immerse myself in the Chilean language and culture, studying Spanish and understanding local customs.

Do you have some great missionary role models in mind whose lifestyle you want to follow?

St Francis Xavier, known as the "father of modern missionary work", who travelled throughout Asia to preach the Gospel. His enthusiasm and love for people have inspired generations of missionaries. And then also Saint Therese of the Child Jesus: although she lived a discreet life in the monastery, her deep love for Jesus and her missionary zeal made her the patroness of the mission lands.

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

Vocation is not only an occupation, but also an invitation to live a meaningful life, to contribute to society and to find true happiness. We must always pray to find God's will and have the courage to do it.

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