The Diocese of Xai-Xai in Mozambique is a place of striking contrasts. Known for its beautiful beaches along the Indian Ocean, the region is also marked by significant socio-economic challenges. In 2023, an estimated 62% of Mozambique’s population, roughly 21 million people, lived in extreme poverty, defined as living on less than $1.90 per day. 

Amidst these challenges, however, Father Juan Gabriel Arias finds his “comfort zone.” A priest from the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, Argentina, has found in this place the fulfillment of his life as a priest. 

“Being a missionary in Mozambique is living the dreams I had when I entered the seminary,” he explains. “It meets all my expectations and allows me to live the priesthood in its fullness. It is what completes me the most as a priest and as a person.”

His decision to serve in Mozambique rather than in regions like El Impenetrable in northern Argentina was driven by a profound sense of purpose. “During my seminary years, I did many missions within Argentina, traveling to places lieke Santiago del Estero, and Patagonia, in the south of the country,” he recalls. “But working in the interior of the country is completely different from working in Africa. In Argentina, I felt I was ministering to people who had more faith than I did. Here, I feel much more useful. Argentina has many more priests and pastoral agents compared to here, where the Church is still growing and not fully established. The level of evangelization and social context is vastly different.”

When asked what he would say to someone considering becoming a missionary, including laypeople, Father Juan advises, “Pray about it, talk to your spiritual director, and start gathering information. If you feel called to this life, you need to be well-formed. Study catechesis, theology, and learn the language and culture if you know where you are going. Formation is crucial, not just theologically but also practically. If you are an architect, doctor, or in any profession, think about how you can contribute beyond evangelization.”

Father Juan’s greatest joy as a missionary is witnessing the growth of the communities he serves. “Seeing the communities grow, feeling like a tool of the Holy Spirit, seeing how God works in people, and changing their lives on a pastoral level brings me immense joy. The priestly fatherhood is very important to me, and being here makes me feel like a father to everyone.”

However, the challenges are significant. “Every place has its problems and difficulties, and you must weigh the good against the bad. In Argentina, I also faced difficulties. You need to discern where you can be most useful, and generally, where God needs you the most is where you will be happiest.”

Father Juan Gabriel Arias, an Argentine priest from the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, has found fulfillment in his missionary work in Mozambique.

Father Juan receives spiritual support primarily from the people he evangelizes. “The prayer of the poor is powerful and always heard by God,” he says. He also receives support from fellow priests, bishops, and friends, including Pope Francis, who helps both spiritually and materially. “As a diocesan priest on loan to a diocese, I rely on the resources and friends I have. Thankfully, God has given me many friends who support my mission.”

Reflecting on the theme for World Mission Sunday, “Go and invite everyone to the banquet,” Father Juan finds deep personal resonance. “This phrase chosen by the Pope was my ordination phrase. I continue to identify with Jesus’ message to invite those who were not initially invited because the first guests rejected the invitation. Going to the peripheries, ‘to where the roads exit the city’ and inviting them to the celebration is what faith is all about – a tremendous joy. As a priest, I live by inviting everyone to the feast of faith, to convert and believe in God, because no one embraces the message of Christ to be worse off.”

Father Juan Gabriel’s work in Mozambique exemplifies the true spirit of missionary service. Despite the significant challenges, his dedication brings hope and transformation to the communities he serves. “I consider myself privileged to work here,” he says. “Perhaps I don’t fit the traditional idea of a missionary who sacrifices everything for the poor, because the truth is, I am happy serving God here. My comfort zone is this. The sacrifice would be to leave!”

As he continues to invite others to the banquet of faith, his journey inspires us to support and pray for missionaries worldwide, ensuring that the message of the Gospel reaches even the most remote corners of the earth. “God never leaves us alone,” Father Juan says. “There are always people willing to help, who want to help. Are you among them?”