How did you meet Brother Randisi?

I was a teenager in 1970 and was fortunate to have him as a teacher. He passed on the love of music and theatre, and for friends. I grew up, I became a man, and then over the years I came back to the Salesian house.

How did you get to Angola?

Divine Providence ensured that I got here. I was excited, but with the firm conviction of wanting to do the will of God to help others. On 21 November 2016, I took the plane to Luanda, the capital. From there I reached Calulo and I returned to my old teacher, Bro. Andrés.

What impressed you at Calulo?

The church of the mission begins to come alive at the first light of dawn. Groups come to pray, then you hear the voices of children and the young members of the Youth Symphony Orchestra. These young people were the first people I met in the school where they study. It is lovely to see these small six or seven-year-olds able to read music and play with such skill.

While you were getting to know the work, how did you spend the first few days?

Gradually I got to know the carpenter's workshop, the Church, the dormitories, the kitchen, the refectory, the facilities of the adjacent school, and beyond the residence of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA). The best thing was meeting with people of the mission, transparent people, simple, humble and joyful.

Did you see any of the works of the Salesians and the FMA?

I visited the village of Kitila and a school in Camena, run by the sisters. In those places, I saw poverty, lack of water and how hard it is to get it.

How did you experience these few days alongside your former teacher?

I spent 30 days and there are no words to express the magic of those days. I can say I'm happy and I also saw my teacher happy giving his life. Surely, I can say that the missionaries are martyrs and examples of solidarity.

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