Twelve years ago, I found myself among the Celtics and Scotts – a 10-month immersion in the diverse culture of the Blessed Sacrament Communities. This experience led me to a multitude of realisations and a lingering question: Where was God leading me?
Now, nearly three years into my journey in Australia, I remain a neophyte and stranger in this multicultural land. Yet, a beautiful reminder continues to echo within me: Bloom where you are planted. This new chapter has opened a horizon of missionary work. It is not about “me,” but about the One who sent me. As the prophet Jeremiah wrote: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (Jer 1:5)
The life of a migrant-missionary is indeed bittersweet – not to impose, but to propose, always in the light of evangelisation. Being sent to various parishes in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn brings forth the question and inspiration: What can I share with your people? Self-doubt often arises from the limitations of my being, like Peter who said, “Stay away from me, Lord, for I am a sinner!” (Lk 5:8). Yet, the Divine seems to whisper again and again: “Don’t be afraid! I am with you.” (Mt 28:20) “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Mt 4:19)
As Saint Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans: “Hope does not disappoint.” (Rom 5:5) Every parochial experience has been a testimony to God’s love, mercy, and compassion. It is not me, but Him. I carry with me the beautiful mantra: “The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus.” (Evangelii Gaudium 1) This is both an inspiration and a challenge – to be a vessel through which others can feel the presence of the Divine.
A missionary’s great challenge is to appreciate and engage with the many facets of life – cultures, upbringings, and backgrounds – and to lead everything back to the source of life. What is their commonality? A spiritual mother once said: “Torna alla fonte” – always return to the source. The locus of ministry is not the self, but the One who sends. As our holy founder, Saint Peter Julian Eymard, said: “Return, return to the source: Jesus in the Eucharist.” This is a concrete inspiration and challenge – to lead others to the very oasis of life, the source and summit of Christian life.
Difficulties and challenges are part of reality, yet when one is rooted in the source of life, one begins to see the beauty and goodness of God’s magnanimity. Missionary life echoes Mary’s fiat: “Let it be done…” – a surrender to God’s will. It is a wholehearted acceptance of vocation and mission, an openness to the pastureland of God. And it is an assurance that those whom God calls, He qualifies.
Mission is a daily endeavour – to translate the Gospel into our language and transmit the message of hope to others, regardless of who we are or what we have. Indeed, there is always hope in our journey toward the pinnacle of life. Hope does not disappoint. Hope builds determination, trust, and enlightens the heart of the pilgrim. Once planted by God, you will bloom – with His grace.
Fr Renoir Oliver, SSS
Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn
Back to the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2025 Online Resources.