What inspired you to apply to become a missionary?
I strongly believe that I am called to be a Salesian Priest, not to serve a particular group of people. I have been inspired by the earlier missionaries who brought Don Bosco to India. One of the resolutions that I made during my ordination was that I would be a missionary as per the charisma of Don Bosco. I am also aware of the fact that despite immense challenges in the new mission land, it is going to offer me a wider vision and new perspective in my outlook as a Salesian priest.
How did your family members, friends and confreres react to your missionary vocation?
My family members were totally against my choice of being a missionary. My friends were really sad that I was going to a faraway place as a missionary. My confreres who were very close to me were against my idea of going as a missionary. But the senior confreres supported my idea.
As a Salesian coadjutor, Blessed and soon-to-be Saint Artemide Zatti had a great missionary spirit in his apostolate - which for him was the hospital. Do you also feel passionate about this aspect?
Bl. Zatti always gave importance to doing God’s will in his life. His simple and unassuming life teaches me the fact that what is important is not being successful but being faithful to the mission entrusted to our care.
Are you happy about your mission land in Patagonia? What are your fears about the culture and people there? Are you ready to face the challenges of the new place with different culture and learning a new language?
I am happy about my mission land in Patagonia. I am sure I will be able to adapt to the new culture and situation. I have no worries about learning a new language. But the only concern I have in my mind is whether I will be able to adapt to a new climate (freezing cold) as I am from a tropical climate in India.
Have you got in mind any model of some great missionaries whose life and style you want to follow?
I love St Francis Xavier as a missionary on whose account we have faith in India. His mission teaches me the lesson that if I have complete trust in the Lord, I can work wonders in my mission land.
Do you want to share a message for the young people about missionary vocation?
Missionary vocation is basically a call to be away from your comfort zones and reach out to the places wherever God wants us to be His carriers. Pray constantly and be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and have deep devotion to Mary who will guide and assist us in the right path.
