Gospel according to Matthew 28:20: “…and teach them to observe all that I have commanded you. I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
January 25 was a very important day for the CLM of Costa Rica, as the Missionary Sending Mass was held in their home parish, Our Lady of Mercy, Palmares, Alajuela, presided over by Monsignor Bartolomé Buigues Oller, Bishop of Alajuela, who gave his blessing and sent our brother José David Rojas Quesada on his mission. He also shared with him the Word of God as a sign of the task entrusted to him, the Cross as a sign of the Missionary Sending and witness of God, and the Light as a sign that leads to the Living and Risen Christ. On February 12, José David will be traveling to his Ad Gentes mission in the Central African Republic, specifically to the Mongoumba mission, where he will be building community and working on that mission alongside Teresa, Élia, and Neema. We would like to share with you some words that our companion wrote for this occasion:
“Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel.”
These words resonate in my mind and heart. The path has not been easy: it has been uphill, dusty, and, on many occasions, full of chasms.
I remember as if it were yesterday when I was 7 years old—yes, I imagine many of you are doing the math—because exactly 37 years ago I began my service as an altar boy. As the days, months, and years went by, I fell more and more in love with this spirit of service, a gift that has been given to me freely and that I will continue to share freely.
The prophet Samuel is very significant to me, and I make his words my own: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Although there were times in the desert, times when I forgot God, my sin and my smallness enveloped me and, like any of us, I allowed myself to be seduced. However, He seduced me first, and I set myself the task of returning to my first love. If the trials were hard before, at that moment they began to be even harder, but always with God ahead of me and with Mother Mary.
That first love blossomed more strongly. And although I am still the greatest of sinners, I still have a long way to go before I can say that I have been configured to Christ. Every day I struggle to become so; I will continue to try and give my best effort.
I give infinite thanks to God for the opportunity to have a family that, although not perfect, has always supported me. Today my mother, who was my confidante, friend, and protector, is no longer physically with me, but I am sure that from heaven she is watching over me and still pulling my ears. I love you, my little cabbage hands, my old lady.
I am still blessed to have my father, and I pray to God to take care of him, to grant him good health in body and soul, and that he may continue to enjoy many more championships of the LDA soccer team he loves. To my three brothers, I love you; take care of Dad as he has taken care of us. To my nine nephews and nieces: take care of your grandfather, love him as he loves you, and remember that this uncle loves you very much and that whenever I can, I will be there for you.
May God always be at the center of your hearts; draw close to Him. The Eucharist is the most beautiful, sincere, and simple way to have Him. And when you go to pray, ask God for this member of the family who, even though he is far away, always carries you in his heart.
My family by choice, my Comboni Family: in you I have truly found a direction. Everything I have learned and experienced has strengthened me and made me a missionary who is not afraid to give my life for the mission. St. Daniel Comboni has been the inspiration for wanting to leave everything for the Whole, and to fearlessly give my life for the most needy and forgotten.
To my companions in the Comboni Lay Missionaries group, let yourselves be struck by the Sacred Heart of Jesus. May St. Daniel Comboni encourage you. Remember what he used to say: every missionary must have a pig’s stomach to eat everything, a camel’s knees for prayer, and a donkey’s back to carry his backpack. God’s works are born and grow at the foot of the cross; Comboni said it well, because he knew that the mission is not easy and that it must be lived with great responsibility, but above all with commitment.
There are so many people who undoubtedly occupy a very significant place in my heart: uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, so many people whom I truly value. I always pray to God to bless them abundantly. I wanted to invite more people, but the civic hall for these times was too small for us.
Infinite thanks to God for the gift of friendship, which I am sure will continue to be strengthened through prayer. Infinite thanks for every word of encouragement and every contribution. God has truly surrounded me with angels: people who trust in my vocation and, even more, in the mission. I am sure that during my time on mission you will continue to support me in the same way, because—to be honest—I need it.
I feel great peace in my heart. We have fought and overcome many situations that only the strength and peace that come from above have made possible.
Thank you, thank you, and a thousand times thank you.
We will only be 11,000 kilometers away, about 40 hours of travel, but very united in prayer. Thank you for sharing as a family, because we are all family: some by blood, but without a doubt, family because of the greatest treasure we have, our Heavenly Father.
“Go into all the world and preach the Good News, making them my disciples.”
May God bless you greatly. May Our Blessed Mother cover you with her blessed mantle, and may St. Daniel Comboni intercedes so that your love and missionary zeal may always be a source of inspiration.
And again, THANK YOU.
CLM Costa Rica
