The great witness of life of missionary confreres was the key which opened my desire to be with the Bororos. During the novitiate, I had the oppor-tunity to visit all indigenous missions of the Province. It was love at first sight when I arrived in Meruri. A friendly and happy people, even in the midst of difficulties. This atmosphere strongly attracted my attention. Through all these events God was confirming in my heart the dream of being a missionary among the Bororos, and with them build up His Kingdom. The indigenous peoples in Brazil suffer a lot of discrimination. The great challenge is to foster a change of mentality in all. To help all the people to see the indigenous person as a brother and sister. Another challenge is to motivate the Bororos to be protagonists of their own history, to fightfor their rights.
How destressing it is to realise the negative influence of highways that cut across the indigenous territory, leading to the nearby cities where young people come into contact with alcohol and drugs, destroying their health and the peace of the community.
The defense of the land, the culture, the life of faith are some of the major daily challenges, which I try to respond to, with the help of Divine Providence.
But my greatest joy comes from the certainty of being continually loved by Him who called me to be a Salesian missionary ad intra among the Bororos. This certainty of faith motivates me, every day, to do good to my indige-nous brothers and sisters. It is a source of joy to be with Bororos and participate in their cultural and religious values, celebrate the Eucharist and share the Word of God with my Indigenous brothers and sisters. Every day I try to live and to put into practice what Don Bosco wrote to Cagliero: “Do what you can: God will do what we cannot do!”
Dear young people, do not be afraid! The Lord awaits us in our brothers and sisters, especially those most in need. God only needs one thing from us: that we have a generous heart. Perhaps you might wonder: “What shall I do among the indigenous people?” I tell you: do not worry about ‘what to do’! Only put yourself at the disposal of God. He who calls, will also give the means to achieve the mission. Our father Don Bosco taught that “the Lord brought us in this world for the other.” Be brave and obedient to the voice of the Good Shepherd who calls you to follow him more closely, as missionaries of the Kingdom!
