Juan Gabriel Arias is a Buenos Aires missionary priest who in 2014 decided to settle in Mozambique to work with the local community;
“When I came for the first time, in 2000, the experience burned my mind. There are still places where they don’t know about Jesus. For me, working as a priest in Mozambique is like playing in the World Cup for a soccer player: it is the best.”
Juan Gabriel understands his priesthood in a 100% missionary sense. Everything you do or say arises from that sense, it is the backdrop for all your actions, what organizes your life. The place of interpretation of your works and options. He feels called to evangelize, especially those who are furthest away.
Jesus’ sending his disciples on a mission, for him, is key. A central message of the gospel. And not only for priests, even for all the baptized. It is an attitude of life.
Trabajar pastoralmente entre los más pobres, es estar en presencia continua de Jesús, que se nos manifiesta
“For some of us, God gives us the privilege of being able to go to places where the church is not established. What is called Mission of ad gentes.
To work pastorally among the poorest is to be in the continuous presence of Jesus, who constantly manifests himself to us. The precarious homes, ranches, shacks, are like living shrines. Sacred places. Which must be entered with great respect, in a spirit of prayer. With joy and love. Willing to listen to what God has to tell us in those people.
The older, poorer, or abandoned the person is, the more they reflect Jesus. My adoration and desire to be with her awakens more. He has more to teach me.”
