During the 155th Salesian Missionary Expedition last September 29, 2024, our EAO region sent 6 missionaries. After presenting the two from VIE Province, one from the FIN Province we present the first of the 3 from the TLS Vice-Province.
My name is Cl. Elísio Ilidio Guterres Dos Santos. I am 27 years old. I am the fourth of the six children of my parents. I lived with missionaries in my country from the aspirantate until the Post-Noviciate. Their witness of life so inspired me, especially their humility, hard work and generosity in helping others. Surely, to be a missionary is a vocation, but God uses these ordinary people to carry out His will. In Post-Noviciate I talked to my Rector and joined the Cagliero 11 group to attend their formation regularly. I continued my discernment during practical training. With the encouragement of the PDMA of my Vice-Province, I wrote my missionary application to Rector Major.
My family, especially my dad, disagrees with my decision to be a missionary but I always told him “This is what God is calling me to do it.” I pray daily for him that God may open his heart to receive and understand my missionary vocation. I am happy to receive my destination in Romania, Eastern Europe. I’m looking forward to being part of its people.
For those who want to become a missionary, especially Salesians in the TLS Vice-Province, I have this to say: “Don’t be afraid to say “yes” to God’s calling for you to be a missionary, remember that “when we give more, we will receive more”!
