Being A Missionary for Christ

Every November 13, the Church honors St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, an Italian missionary who spent much of her life working with Italian immigrants in the United States. Mother Cabrini, who had a deathly fear of water and drowning, crossed the Atlantic Ocean more than 30 times in service of the Church and the people she was serving. Wow, what a courageous model for us all!

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

St. Frances Xavier made me reflect on my own desires to become a missionary for Christ. Like many young people, growing up, I always wanted to do something great in my life. When my conversion began and had a personal encounter with Jesus, my complex heart and desires then started to make better sense. But like what St. John Paull II said, "It's not enough to discover Christ - you must bring Him to others!" You just can't contain the joy and love you receive, you have to give it away!

So the desire to become a missionary for Christ grew. At the beginning, I wanted to experience being a missionary in a foreign country, being so inspired with the saints and friends I know. I had these crazy ideas, but God had better plans.

"Today Love must not be hidden. It must be living, active and true." -St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. This is our mission, to live Love, actively and truly where God places us now. I realized that the question wasn't about where, but how I was going to live and share God's love right now. I was happy to strive for this mission as a Catholic young adult in Cebu. But it's funny how God knows you so well, and again, He always has better plans.

My send-off team

When I finally got accepted to be part of the World Youth Day Lisbon 2023 local organizing committee as a long-term volunteer, my prayer was a thousand repetitions of "Wait, what? Lord?" It was a grandiose dream but I never thought it was going to actually happen. My prayer then turned into thanksgiving for this great gift, being reminded that His love knows no bounds. I may have a complex heart with crazy desires but we have a grandiose God!

In my journey coming here in Lisbon, I remember feeling a roller coaster of emotions and consumed with fear of the unknown at times, especially with the visa application process. It was only God who has sustained me and gave me the courage to take each step of the way. My constant prayer was "Ikaw bahala Lord. (It's up to you Lord.)" This journey definitely won't all be rainbows and butterflies, and I even have already encountered challenges. But if I wasn't a Christian, I don't think I would have the courage to be here.

May we courageously strive to live as missionaries of Christ wherever God places us. Do not be afraid, God is always with us! I rely on your prayers as I also carry you and your prayer intentions with me.

My host family, the Cravo's