Introduce Yourself?
I am DAVID BROON, from India. I hail from southern part of India, in a coastal village Valavilai. We are four sons for our parents and I am the last one. Salesians inspired me a lot in all our parish activities. I began my journey with the Salesian from 2011 as 9th standard student. The most wonderful part my life happened in the year 2017 when I became a member in Salesian congregation. I am from INT province, which supported me in this beautiful journey. The missionary aspect inspired me a lot from the beginning of my formation. In the stage of my formation as a practical trainee, I am glad to go for the mission ad gentes.
What inspired you to make this choice to become a missionary?
I come from a devout Catholic background where religious values are deeply respected. Throughout my life, I have held priests in high esteem and looked up to them as role models. In my childhood, I aspired to become a priest myself, and
I was profoundly moved by the stories of martyrs who had given their lives for Christ out of love. Inspired by their commitment, I decided to join the
Salesians, and their dedication to young people particularly drew me towards them. It was during this time that I had the privilege of hearing about Salesian missionaries who had left their loved ones behind to serve young people in distant mission countries. Their stories planted the seeds of a missionary vocation within me. This desire got strengthened when I was placed in Arabegama, Kotadenyawa, and Ahungalla in Srilanka during my formation which provided me with a solid foundation in missionary work and a profound sense of purpose to become a missionary.
Are you happy about the place where you are going? Have you any fears and inhibitions about the new place, culture and people?
I believe that a missionary is someone who doesn't choose a specific location but instead spreads the love of God wherever they are sent. I have been asked to go to Albania, and I am excited for two significant reasons. First and foremost, it is a mission country where people have endured persecution under Ottoman rule and a communist regime. Secondly, it is a place that was evangelized by St. Paul. I thank God for selecting me and sending me to this beautiful destination. I humbly offer myself to the Lord, acknowledging that I am an unworthy servant chosen as His messenger. I have no fear or reservations about the new place, culture, and environment because I am confident that God, who turns impossibilities into
possibilities, is with me.
How did your family members, friends and confreres react when you told them about your missionary vocation?
While I was in the missionary aspirantate, my family members, friends, and confreres were aware of my choice. When I expressed my desire to become a missionary, my mum encouraged me to proceed and fulfill God's plan for my life.
What are your plans and dreams about your missionary life?
I aspire to remain a humble instrument in the hands of my Lord and completely rely on Him, as He knows best. My hope and prayer are to stay faithful to my calling with a joyful spirit and to inspire hope in the people I encounter in my everyday life. I am determined to overcome any barrier that may come my way with the grace of God, particularly by learning the languages, namely Italian and Albanian, to be in better connect with the people I will serve.
Have you in mind any model of some great missionaries whose style and life you want to follow?
Fr Joseph Giaime SDB, a seasoned Italian missionary, served as my confessor
during my time in the novitiate in Sri Lanka. He left his homeland as a priest and dedicated himself to missionary work in various countries, including Bhutan, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Tanzania, and Nigeria. He was a man of prayer, simplicity, and hard work, always making himself available in every possible way to contribute to the betterment of the community. His example was a great inspiration for me to deepen my own missionary vocation.
What is your message for young people about missionary choice and vocation?
A missionary vocation is a wonderful gift from God, a calling to be an instrument and messenger of His love. Hence, anyone who feels this calling should not be afraid or discouraged but should nurture it by placing complete trust in God.
