English
From day one of my destination to Papua New Guinea until I arrive there I would keep repeating to myself, “Get ready to be born again, because a missionary, irrespective of the place she goes, can produce hundred fold only if she knows to die to self.”
My mission preparations had been a long journey. Being in Italy as a student cum member of the International and Inter cultural communities I could savour the taste of being in a different culture. A time was permitted to savour the initial challenges of insertion into a new culture. ‘Patience with self can guarantee a healthy insertion’ is what I learnt by being in Italy.
Getting back home and preparing to receive my missionary mandate was next level preparation that drew me closer to be ready to take flight to distant land. 16 December 2021, at Jishu Karmi Kendra (Jesus the worker centre) Zirani, Dhaka-Bangladesh, I received Missionary Mandate during the Solemn Eucharistic celebration officiated by Rev. Fr. Livio Prete, PIME. The sentiments of the hour are beyond words to be written down. All I can say is, “God’s love is infinite, to choose unworthy vessels like me, to bring His message to the world around.”
Friends, family, well-wishers those who were present and those who weren’t present, everyone’s prayers and good wishes doubled the joy of the celebration. I conclude quoting the words of Mother Giuseppina Dones, “To be a missionary until death: this is your vocation and this is your road to paradise.”
Sr. Suchitra Purification,
Province of Bangladesh
