At home in another culture
28.11.2008
I was ordained a Columban missionary priest in 2000. For several years I have been working in Chile, a country that has provided me with many experiences to make me reflect on my vocation. I have chosen four biblical themes that have great meaning for me as a missionary priest. Thus, I hope to explain what it means to be a Columban.
Jesus stated that he “…was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel...” The Canaanite woman’s response was sharp: “... and yet the dogs eat the scraps that fall from their master’s table” (Matt 15:21-28). This intercultural dialogue challenged Jesus to drop his earthly cultural bias and change his missionary vision.
It’s a singularly unique Gospel story in that Jesus is out-argued by a pagan woman. As a missionary priest, with all my theological training, travels and experiences I am continually amazed at how I am challenged by people who don’t have my advantage of studies and travels. Often they provide great insights for me. It’s a humbling experience yet Jesus calls his priests to be humble as he was.
“But there are other sheep of mine, not belonging to this fold; I must lead them as well, and they too will listen to my voice. There will then be one flock, one shepherd” (Jn 10:16).
When I moved from the parish of Puerto Saavedra to Wapi, an indigenous Mapuche area, I began a new Columban initiative. I was to be the first priest in 100 years to live full-time in the area. On my arrival the people prepared a welcoming ceremony. One of the church leaders stood up and declared to the people, “Today is a joyous day because our priest has decided to live with his people.” I was awe-struck. The Mapuches accepted me as part of their people and as their pastor.
“...Where you go, I shall go, and where you stay, I shall stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). A couple of years later, when I was ending my assignment in Wapi, I went to visit a family. During that visit the grandmother was crying. I heard some one ask a family member why she was crying.
“She is very sad because Father Chris is leaving Wapi,” was the response. During my farewell party, one of the church leaders spoke up, “Father Chris is leaving, but I do not want to talk about this because it will bring tears to my eyes.” Listening to these words, I realised, I too, felt great sadness and love for them.
“Truly I tell you, no prophet is recognised in his own country” (Lk 4:24). In a humorous way, I realise my missionary experience has changed me. After speaking Spanish for so many years and interacting with other cultures my mannerisms and actions are very different. Even my English now has an accent. When I arrive home to the United States those who do not know me believe I am foreigner because I speak with a “strange” English accent.
Why am I a Columban missionary priest? I answer this by saying that I am constantly being challenged and renewed as a person and as a priest. I have come to love and be at home in another culture. In return, this love and acceptance has returned to me a hundred fold and being a Columban has made this possible. n
Fr Chris Saenz is presently doing further studies.
