Introduce Yourself?
I’m Soosai Arputharaj from Tamilnadu, South India. I hail from a catholic village called Michaelpalayam, Erode district in Tamilnadu, India. My family consists of five members, my parents, grandmother, my younger brother and myself. From my village, many have become priests, and this desire had been in me right from the small age onwards. My parents and my relatives also encouraged me to grow stronger in my vocation to priesthood. I am grateful to God for this missionary vocation.
What inspired you to make this choice to become a Missionary?
During my formation years, I had a strong desire to work as a missionary, but out of dread, I never told anyone, though this urge was growing stronger in me day by day. My urge grew stronger by the day. I had a lot of troubles and never considered becoming a missionary. During one of the meetings organized for us in the province, they spoke of the missionary experience, and at that time I asked myself, "Why can’t I become a missionary ad gentes in the Salesian congregation?" Actually, I interpret that moment as a "Call within a Call" in the manner of Saint Mother Teresa. Without even consulting my family members, I expressed my desire to the Vice-Provincial and he guided me and thus began my missionary vocation, and it was the Spirit who guided me to make this decision, prompting me to say "yes" to the Lord, to be his testimony and even to die for him. That’s how my missionary calling began.
Are you happy about the place where you are going? Have you any fears and inhibitions about the new place, culture and people?
My ambition was to serve in African countries particularly in Sudan, where people suffer as a result of violence and prejudice. I expressed my desire to the Mission Councillor in-charge, when I applied for the missions, and they guided me. I mentioned about my desire to go to the place where God wants me to go, and they suggested that I go to the country of Romania, in Eastern Europe. I’m quite excited to go to this new mission place, which will have a different type of culture, food and language. I firmly believe that God has a plan for everyone, including myself, and is calling me to go to Romania to work for those youngsters who are homeless and in helpless situations. I accepted this mandate enthusiastically, trusting in the guidance of Mother Mary and protection and blessings of Saint John Bosco.
How did your family members, friends and confreres react when you told them about your missionary vocation?
My family members promptly answered "Yes" when I conveyed my desire, and they fully supported and encouraged me. I informed my father of my desire, and he told me that they had entirely surrendered me to the Lord, and would not interfere with God’s plan. Infact he mentioned how we had received our faith from the missionaries and how it was our turn to go and proclaim the Word of God to the people in other countries. My parents filled me with hope and strength. My fellow confreres also have been really encouraging and have given me a lot of advice, while some were apprehensive and suggested not to go to the mission place. But, I never gave a second thought, I have placed all my trust in God, and I hope and continue to believe that God is always near me as I face challenges.
What are your plans and dreams about your missionary life?
My plans and dreams for my missionary life is to set a good example and inspire many more young people to become good Christians and citizens of the country. My is to form strong bonds with young people, specially to assist those who live in poverty, and help to have a good education, and provide them with a good environment and take care of the necessities for their well-being. Above all I want to be fully available to them and get acquainted with the local culture, and establish positive relationships and contacts with everyone.
Have you in mind any model of some great missionaries whose style and life you want to follow?
I’ve never met any missionaries, but I’ve heard about a few who have brightened people’s lives and given them hope. I’ve heard of Fr. Francis Guezou, Fr. Joseph Murphy, Fr. Joseph Carreno and Fr. Egidius Sola during my formation periods and college studies. These individuals left a legacy by erecting numerous structures for the benefit of students and for their education, and have imprinted themselves in the hearts of the people. They worked hard and made themselves available for the missions with a great sense of prayer life, sense of hard work and planning, and with a great sense of dedication. These three virtues, I have learned from the lives of these missionaries, and I hope to imitate them.
What is your message for young people about missionary choice and vocation?
Nowadays, young people don’t know how to make excellent decisions for their lives because they live in a digital world. They are often lost and confused, and there is none to guide them. But God has a plan for each and every one of us. My message for the youngsters who are in depression and are confused about making good decisions is that, they should always catch hold of Mother Mary’s hands, and she will take care of everything, and they will experience her guidance and see miracles in their lives.
