Introduce yourself
My name is Blaise MULUMBA NTAMBWE. I have been a Salesian of Don Bosco since 2020. I come from the Salesian Province of Central Africa (Assumption), in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I did the first part of my initial formation in AFC. I spent almost two years in the Province of Mary Help of Christians (Africa Congo-Congo) in Kinshasa, waiting for my travel documents and doing my practical training. Since the end of May 2025, I have been in the GER Province (Germany-Turkey) for my Salesian missionary experience. Since my arrival, I have been learning and mastering the language.
What inspired you to choose to become a missionary?
Even as a child, I had a positive experience, first with the missionaries from Africa who ran the parish and then with the Salesians of Don Bosco who came every weekend for pastoral activities at the oratory. Later, as a first-year student at one of the Salesian institutes of Don Bosco (ECOPO, now UDBL), I was touched by the Rector Major's message inviting young people to become Salesians to serve the most disadvantaged and Salesians to make themselves available for the mission so that young people around the world who lack Salesian accompaniment can benefit from Salesian warmth and education. I took some time to think about it. With the help of the Salesian mentors, I was able to decide to become a Salesian of Don Bosco.
Are you happy with where you are going? Do you have any fears or concerns about the new place, culture and people?
I am open-minded. Encountering new cultures has never been a problem for me. I learn through others. I did not expect the destination (Germany). It was God who wanted me to be where I am. I accepted the destination with faith. I have been there for a few months and I feel good there.
How did your family, friends and colleagues react when you told them about your missionary vocation?
It was a surprise for my family because I had never talked to them about the mission before. They understood that it was God's will. As for my friends and colleagues, everyone had their own opinion. In the end, they understood my choice of vocation.
What are your plans and dreams for your life as a missionary?
My plan is to join the project of my GER Province and the local Church. That is how I will respond to God's will.
Do you have any great missionaries in mind whose lifestyle you would like to follow?
Jesus is the great model for all missionaries. His life is proof of this. He lived his whole life doing the Father's will. Alongside him, I have the figure of Saint Francis de Sales, who inspired Don Bosco with his fraternal charity and patience in his mission.
Little Thérèse is also a charismatic model of mission for me through her witness of prayer and sacrifice. With her, we understand that the strength of the apostolate lies in prayer.
What do you think of your current experience of following the missionary course (Corso Germoglio) and receiving the missionary cross on the occasion of the 150th anniversary?
It is an enriching experience because it allows me to receive more useful information, first as a Salesian and especially as a Salesian missionary Ad gentes. These courses allow me to grow in a different way and to have a different view of the world, the Church and the Salesian mission. I am from the 154th expedition, and I tell myself that it was God who wanted me to participate in the courses of the 156th missionary expedition in order to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first expedition.
What is your message to young people regarding missionary choice and vocation?
Never stop doing good. Never stop doing it. It is through good deeds for others that we find meaning in our lives. Do everything with great love. Always love. If you feel this missionary call, do not hesitate to say, ‘Here I am!’ Trust in providence.
