Did you choose the destination or was it assigned to you? Are you happy with it?
When I was asked where I would wish to go, my answer was South America, but I am happy to be sent to Slovenia: Slovenia is a good country with very lovely and welcoming people. I have already had some experience of that for the last three weeks which I have spent there.
How did the people close to you take your missionary choice?
When I shared my missionary vocation with my family members, friends and most confreres, they were very supportive. They always gave me a go–ahead and promised to pray for me. Though a few confreres would tell me: “Stay and work here at home. We do need confreres.”
Do you have any doubts or fears about the new culture, the new reality…?
Of course! But, I believe all human beings. I am not used to such a difference of climate and the language. Slovak is different from the Latin languages such as French and Italian, is hard to learn. But with the help of God, Don Bosco, all the Salesian saints and my Slovenian Salesian confreres, I will manage it little by little.
What projects or dreams do you have for your mission?
My plan or dream is to just let the Holy Spirit continue the good work He has started in me. To help me to learn the language of the people very well and to integrate myself into Slovenian society.
Do you have any missionary role models that you want to imitate?
My model is Cagliero, the leader of the very first Salesian missionary expedition. Don Bosco trusted him at a very young age to guide his confreres in Patagonia for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. The work which he did with trust in God and total obedience to Don Bosco’s charism.
Missionary life is above all an evangelization and a pastoral zeal for souls. Do you feel ready in this field?
I’m prepared enough for this. I have had adequate time for discernment and formation during the last eight years of my initial formation. In addition, I’ve had the chance to attend the missionary course this year before the send-off at Valdocco. All these have offered me ample time to reflect and prepare for the mission that God is giving me.
Do you want to send a message to your confreres or to the young people?
To the confreres: missionary life is beautiful and so sweet. Just go beyond your fears and embrace it, especially when you hear the voice of God calling. And to the young people: fear not! There are many other young people waiting for you in different and many corners of the Salesian world. Why not become Salesians and again missionaries? Go beyond what you think are your limits and work for the Lord in the missions!
