A day in the life of Fr. Jojo - Claretian Missionary in Macau

Fr. Jojo Ancheril shares his experiences, views and vision of a missionary in Macau.
What is a typical day of a Claretian Missionary in Macau like? Can you describe some of your activities?

Three years ago I arrived at Macau after working five years in very poor missions in the North East of India. After studying the language Cantonese the Bishop of Macau assigned to me to work in the Parish of San Lorenzo. My day in the morning begins uniting me to the prayers of people; and the celebration of the Eucharist. Frequently I also celebrate the Mass in old age homes and others centers of Caritas.

How is the parish where you are serving? Give us some details…

The parish of San Lorenzo is the most beautiful church of Macau and is visited by many tourists every day. And it is a very active parish. The P. Domingo, the parish priest, is the youngest priest of the diocese and works by far enthusiasm and creativity. There are many pious associations in the parish and I am associated with some of them. Some days I go to different schools to hear the confessions and to be with the young people and to speak to them, to accompany and to help them in whatever way I can. I keep myself occupied meeting people, especially old that looks for our aid, visiting patients, visiting the jails and visiting the handicapped people where groups of nuns work with admirable dedication.

You speak the language of the people already. Is it still difficult to communicate with them? What are the challenges?

Well I do understand the language of the people but sometimes it is difficult to communicate with them. The Cantonese language has got many double meanings and being a foreigner it is difficult to understand the nuances of the language often. The culture and custom of the people are very different from mine and it is really a challenge to get into a new culture and custom.

You are organizing the youth… what are the activities you have with them?

The important thing is to be with them. We have different activities, meetings, games, prayer services etc. Many of these youngsters are very generous and are ready to confront challenges than to escape into the comforts of an easy life that the Urbanised Macau offers to them

What can a foreign missionary do in Macau?

As missionary we have total freedom of movement and action in Macau. Although this is China we have religious freedom, not like in the Mainland. Macau is ruled by "one country, two systems" theory. It is necessary to gain the affection and the support of people. This is an uphill task but one can indeed scale.

What are the source of your joy and fulfillment as a missionary?

Well there are very many opportunities to live and practice our missionary life here in Macau and it gives an inner joy and peace. The most joyful and satisfactory moments of my priestly life are the moments in which I administer the sacraments, especially the sacrament of Reconciliation.

What are the greatest challenges in your ministry?

The materialism, the language, the new culture and customs… Macau is the city of "game". It attracts Thirty million tourists into this city of half a million inhabitants. For the Christians of Macau, to cultivate and to mature in faith and Christian commitment are a great challenge, especially for the young people.