Can you introduce yourself?
I am Jorge da Luísa João, Salesian from the Mamá Muxima Province (ANG) and soon to be a missionary in the St Anthony Province (POR). I am the youngest of seven children of João Quicuala and Luísa Mucano. I was born in Bengo on 27 April 1992 in the region of Coxe-Dembos, in the village of Cassumba Caxiaquiama, and there I received the sacraments in the parish of St Teresa of the Infant Jesus, patron saint of missionaries, on the feast day dedicated to her.
What inspired you to make the decision to become a missionary?
My missionary vocation began with Jesus' invitation to "go into all the world and preach the Gospel" (Mark 16:15), but above all in 2016, when I came into contact with the missionary videos that we watched on Fridays in the Salesian community at Benguela, where I became an external aspirant. Then during the other stages this call grew in me, thanks to the accompaniment of my spiritual directors and all the staff with whom I came into contact. I tried to listen to everyone and see in them the meaning and necessity of being a missionary.
Are you happy with where you are going? Do you have any fears or concerns about the new place, culture and people?
Yes, I am very happy with the place that has been assigned to me and I would be even if it were elsewhere, because my greatest joy is to announce Christ wherever I go. As for my destination, I have great ambition for the joy and strength of its young people. I think it is a good place to sow the seed of Christ and make it grow and bear good fruit. Because, as Don Bosco said, "the devil is afraid of cheerful people".
How did family, friends, and confreres react when you told them about your missionary vocation?
My family members, especially my parents, were very happy with my missionary vocation. My family is deeply grateful to the missionaries. Because it is thanks to them that the Gospel has reached the people of my village, and not only the Gospel, but also the great social contribution they have made to my region, and perhaps to the country in general.
What are your plans and dreams for missionary life?
My greatest missionary dream is to give my whole life or, better, to work hard in the mission land and be buried there, just like the missionaries who gave everything for Angola and whose bodies rest on Angolan soil, for the love of Christ the great missionary.
Do you have in mind any great missionary role models whose style and life you want to follow?
It is very difficult for me to point to a missionary model. Because in every missionary I find and draw the best I can to strengthen my apostolic zeal, and if I were to quote them, they would not enter this space.
What is your message to young people about missionary choice and vocation?
Dear young people, let us take advantage of the qualities of youth for the proclamation of the Gospel, especially in the regions where youth forces are most needed. Do not be afraid of your limitations, because God will never leave us to ourselves in this mission.
