Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Jean-Bernard Junior Gérald Guielle Fouetro, originally from the Republic of the Congo and a member of the Africa Congo Congo (ACC) Vice-Province. I was born in Pointe-Noire, the economic capital of the Republic of Congo, I have a degree in philosophy and am a clerical candidate. I will go as a missionary to Germany (GER), where I will start with a period of language learning, followed by Practical Training.
What made you choose to become a missionary?
My source of inspiration for the missionary life is first of all Jesus himself, on the basis of the Holy Scriptures: (Mt 16:21 -27; Mt 19:29; and Mt 20:19 -20). Then there are the zeal, enthusiasm and tenacity of Saint Paul in proclaiming the Gospel, the experience of a holiday camp in Cabinda in 2016, where I saw several young people left alone for lack of Salesians, and finally some testimonies of some elderly missionaries.
Are you happy with your destination? Do you have any fears or concerns about the new place, culture and people?
I am very happy with my mission land because it is the place where the Lord wants me to go to witness to him, to proclaim him zealously and enthusiastically following the example of Saint Paul and according to the style and charism of Saint John Bosco. That is why I confess that I am not afraid, on the contrary! I feel immense joy, because I have a firm trust in God and I know that when he sends, he endows, he equips his envoy with all the gifts, all the graces necessary to be able to best face his mission and carry it out successfully. I am sure and certain that he had already prepared me in every way. That is why my soul, my heart and my thoughts are in total peace.
How did family, friends, and confreres react when you told them about your missionary vocation?
The reaction of my father, my mother, my brothers and sisters, my friends and some of my confreres was very positive, with words of encouragement and blessing, despite the painful news of the separation. But for others I admit that this was not the case.
What are your plans and dreams for missionary life?
My greatest project and dream is to be able to fulfil the desire of our holy founder Don Bosco, which is nothing more than the "salvation of souls", making sure that those to whom I am sent, with the help of the Good Shepherd and through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians, can be "Good Christians and upright citizens."
Do you have models of great missionaries whose style and life you want to follow?
I have a great, unique and ultimate model of a great missionary whose lifestyle I would like to imitate in a radical way, on which the basis of my missionary vocation is based, and it is Jesus Christ himself.
What is your message to young people about missionary choice and vocation?
The message I can give to young people is, "Following our Lord Jesus Christ requires a radical detachment from the things and desires of this world, a de-centring of oneself to focus on others." I admit that it is not easy, but it is possible because "when God calls someone to entrust him with a mission, he endows him with the graces, gifts and skills necessary to carry out that mission". So the attitude to keep is not to be afraid or prejudiced about everything, but rather to have an unshakeable trust and faith in God, to totally and freely abandon oneself to listening, starting with meditation on the Holy Scriptures, and being docile to the Holy Spirit.
