Can you introduce yourself?
I was born on 23 October 1998 in Loja, Ecuador, the second of three children from the marriage of Lilia Teresa and Klimer Gonzalo. My older sister, Andrea, is 25, and my younger sister, Camila, 20. I met the Salesians at the Santo Tomás school in Riobamba, where I graduated. I completed my novitiate and made my first profession in Mexico on 16 August 2018. I studied Philosophy and Education at the Salesian Polytechnic University in Quito and was happily sent as an assistant to the Amazonian missions of Yaupi and Wasakentsa.
I am currently attending the San Francisco de Asis International Post-Novitiate in Quito, while I prepare to go to my new Province in Mozambique.
What inspired you to choose to become a missionary?
Jesus and his words in the Gospel: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends” (Jn 15:13). And, from a personal viewpoint: the first time I entered the Salesian school I was eight years old and I remember clearly that a Salesian priest gave me a small blue suede bag with the white letters printed in Italian: “Missioni Salesiane” and a silver Don Bosco medal that I still keep.
Are you happy with where you are going? Do you have any fears about the new place, culture and people?
I am more than happy. Although my human limitations may be my greatest fear, to give the best of me, complete trust in the One who called me gives me the courage to overcome this.
How did your family, friends and companions react when you told them about your missionary vocation?
They cried in shock. My father, mother and sisters have always accompanied me on this journey of discernment. I think the most surprising thing for them was the day they received the news of my missionary destination. Because that day, which seemed so far away, has arrived. My friends and companions “celebrated” with me, with many messages of congratulations and joy.
What are your plans and dreams for your missionary life?
In my experience as a Salesian I learned that making personal plans and projects is a way to make God laugh, because the plans He has for each of us are better. But as Don Bosco’s son, yes, I dream of promoting my work with young people through sport.
Do you have models of great missionaries whose style and life you would like to follow?
Yes, Fr "Yánkuam Jintia", Fr Luis (Luigi) Bolla, Salesian missionary in Ecuador and Peru. He gave his life in the service of the Achuar people in the Amazon. Today he is considered a Servant of God for his passionate love and dedication to mission. He ate like the natives he served, he worked like them, he lived like them, and they love him like one of them. He never stopped dreaming, no matter how difficult life in the jungle was, and proclaiming the Love of God, indeed he created his own original method from reality.
I had the opportunity to meet him on a significant occasion, the beatification of Sister Maria Troncatti, Daughter of Mary Help of Christians, which took place in Macas on 24 November 2012, a year before his return to the Father's house.
What is your message to young people about missionary choice and vocation?
Dear young people, first of all: never stop dreaming, there is no age to stop dreaming. We must always have a dream, no matter how big, medium or small, as a life project, but always dream.
And secondly “all is well that ends well.” Sometimes there are “nightmares”, but know that whatever path you take in life there will be difficulties. Let your passion never give up hope.
Smile. Don Bosco said “the smile is the curve that straightens everything.” And the joy of the heart will help you discover what God’s dreams are for you.
