The mission orientation programme was conducted on 02.09.2018 & 03.09.2018 in the Provincial House, Tanzania.

Missionary Mandate: Biblical, Ecclesial and Fransalian Perspectives (Fr. Mathew T)

Fr. Mathew began the session by congratulating us all with the caption “Live Jesus”. He spoke about the mission in general from the root word ‘missio’ meaning ‘to send’. It is God, who sends and our mission is to fulfill what God wants. God sent His Son Jesus that the world might be saved. He stressed upon the point that we must not condemn anything, but find the good in everything. Hence, our mission is to become one among the people and to empty ourselves like our master Jesus, who is our model, Christ crucified.

Challenges of pioneering missions in Africa and sharing of mission experiences (Fr. Sebastian A)

Mission in Malawi is a mission of new Chablais said Fr. Sebastian. There’s no need for uncertainties, for the Lord will write our success story when we give our 100% commitment. He encouraged everyone to be “Heartitects” of Christ and to be the builders of hearts. He insisted on knowing the history well and to be ready to undergo cultural changes. Our mission is to be with the people, to make our home their home. He motivated us to be ‘Missionaries’ not ‘Mercenaries’ because our first priority is building the hearts of the people.

Sharing of experiences of pioneering missions and relationship with the Diocesan clergy (Fr. Sebastian Kuzhupil)

Fr. Sebastian started with the history of the missions in Tanzania and the need to have love for the Church and the Congregation. He enlightened all to learn from the mistakes, to take responsibility for one’s action and to work for the common welfare. He spoke about the relationship with the diocesan clergy as to how we can learn their value system. He insisted on obedience to the Bishop and co-operation with diocesan clergy. He concluded with the final note on the ministry of healing.

Mission and Parish life (Fr. Jose Eriyanickal)

The very first statement of Fr. Jose was to never go back from the mission even during hard times and not to be moved by prejudices. Our mission is to be with the people. He insisted on learning the culture of the people, to greet them and welcome them. The people need our presence and prayers. He asked us to take things positively, never to complain about the things and to trust in the Lord and pray.

Sharing of pioneering missions and cultural sensitivity and learning of language (Fr. Thomas Kochuparampil)

Fr. Thomas started by asking the expectations and viewpoints of all. He spoke about the African culture and cautioned everyone never to impose anything, never to compare and encouraged us to be available for the people, to accommodative and adaptive. Initially, one should get to know the system and structure of the place, focus on the needs of the people, make periodical evaluations and never be in a hurry to do things. He emphasized that as a missionary, we should be open to learn, to admit the mistakes, to respect and honour the people. Our ultimate strength is in God, for He equips the one He has chosen and so we need faith, humility and hard work. He concluded with the emphasis on detachment from our comfort zones.

Missionary mandate in Malawi: Basically a spiritual journey (Fr. Johnson Kallidukil)

The opening statement of Fr. Johnson was ‘mission: the spiritual implication’. It is the mission of the Lord that we share and this divine work needs divine energy and so give to God the first priority. He said that as missionaries we are primarily spiritual people. In a mission land, there are challenges and blessings and therefore he advised all to have prudence, a spiritual touch in communication and to avoid all divisive spirit.

Fr. S. Arockia Doss