Hi Ernest! Could you please introduce yourself…
My name is Ernest Kirunda Menya and I come from the Africa Great Lakes (AGL) Province which is made up of Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. I am Ugandan by nationality, I am 27 years old. I was born in the municipality of Kamuli, in the eastern part of Uganda. My house is about 350 metres from the Salesian Don Bosco Kamuli community. I began to participate in the activities of the oratory in 2006.
What inspired you to choose to become a missionary?
Inspired by the selfless dedication of missionaries such as Fr Wynand Huys (Mill Hill missionary) and Salesians such as Fr Giambattista Uboldi, Fr Lazar Arasu, Fr Ryszard Jozwiak, Fr John Baptist Van Tan, I felt a deep vocation to missionary life. These missionaries loved young people who were not even their relatives, touching their hearts and their lives with compassion, guidance, and unwavering faith. Their example showed me the transformative power of love and service, instilling in me the desire to follow in their footsteps. Through their tireless work, they have become beacons of hope and inspiration, not only for the young people they have served, but also for all of us who seek to make a difference in the world.
Are you happy with where you are going? Do you have any fears or concerns about the new place, culture and people?
Although I am happy to go to Romania as a Salesian missionary, I feel some natural fear. Embracing a new culture, learning a new language, and relating to people who may have different usages and customs can be daunting, but despite all these concerns, I am confident that with faith and perseverance I will be able to build meaningful relationships and serve the Lord with an open heart.
How did your family members, friends and confreres react when you told them about your missionary vocation?
When I communicated the news that I would become a missionary, the reactions from family and friends were mixed. Some were sincerely happy and supportive, understanding my vocation and the purpose behind it. Others were more hesitant, expressing concern about the challenges I might face or the distance that would separate us. Despite differing opinions, I remain focused on my mission.
What are your plans and dreams for your missionary life?
As a missionary in Romania, my project is to focus on the faith of young people, to promote a sense of community and to try to give them all the life skills I have, without forgetting the values rooted in the spirit of love of Don Bosco. My dream is to see these young people become responsible and compassionate leaders who contribute to society, living their faith and elevating others, while strengthening the Salesian presence and mission in Romania.
Do you have some great missionary role models in mind whose lifestyle you want to follow?
Yes, it is the missionaries I have already mentioned, who embody the values of simplicity, living close to the people they serve, embracing altruism and compassion. Their constant commitment to the mission, often silently and invisibly, reflects a deep trust in Providence. Through their examples, I strive to live a life rooted in humility, service and deep love for young people, always trying to lift others with the Salesian spirit of joy and kindness.
What is your message to young people about missionary choice and vocation?
The missionary call consists of going out, responding to God's call, through a life rooted in faith, courage and love, where we become instruments of his grace, helping to transform lives. If God calls you to this, trust in his plan and know that the joy of giving yourself to others is a true reflection of the love of Christ.
