In the same vein, the canonisation of Sister Maria Troncatti, a Daughter of Mary Help of Christians born in Italy but who spent her entire missionary life in Ecuador, reminds us that the most fruitful mission springs from simplicity and quiet dedication. She, a nurse and missionary in her daily life, knew how to live the Gospel by listening to the suffering of others and serving with tenderness until the very end.

Specifically, the International Missionary Voluntary Service aims to “Promote a missionary experience that enables young people to proclaim the Gospel beyond their own geographical, cultural and social boundaries, fostering exchange and collaboration between provinces” (Cf. VJMFS Project 2022-2023, p. 57).

For this reason, and in line with the sending out carried out over the last four years, the Provincial of the Salesian Province of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Ecuador (ECU), Fr Marcelo Farfán, has invited all young people who already hold a degree and intend to go and serve as volunteer missionaries abroad to send him a letter requesting to undertake the discernment process that precedes missionary sending.

“This letter,” continues the text published by the Provincial, “must be accompanied by a certificate from a Salesian community guaranteeing that the candidate has taken part in the educational and pastoral processes of that house.”

The intention expressed in the letter to leave as an international missionary volunteer marks the beginning of a process of formation and discernment that will culminate in the acceptance or rejection of this request. If accepted, the candidate will be part of the next national missionary expedition, which will take place in November (2026), during the provincial celebration of Salesian Mission Day.

“It is important that Salesian communities and the various groups of the Salesian Family accompany these young missionaries on their journey,” concludes Fr Farfán. Aware that this missionary call will awaken in young people the desire to continue proclaiming Christ in the Salesian style and will help them to live an authentic experience of faith and service to those most in need, I invite you to be part of this experience of life and faith.”

The application form for the Salesian international missionary volunteering experience promoted by the ECU Province is available here.

Source: Salesianos.org.ec