I am Françoise Atumisi, a Missionary of Maria Saveriana. I am Congolese, from the Democratic Republic of Congo. I was born in Goma, in the province of North Kivu, and raised in Bukavu, in the province of South Kivu. I am the seventh of 11 children. My parents are devout believers who taught me to love Jesus and the Church, not just through words but through the testimony of their lives. They wanted me to participate in parish activities, but I didn't enjoy going to Mass or taking part in parish events. Instead, I was more interested in worldly matters. However, I was drawn to the life of the Missionary Saverian Fathers. They were all foreigners, close to the people, active, and joyful. Their way of being awakened in me the desire to become like them.
After my Confirmation, I started attending the Neocatechumenal Way group. During a youth conference for the Neocatechumenal Way, I was struck by a sentence from Pope Benedict XVI's letter to young people: "If the Lord calls you to the religious life, do not be afraid, for He knows how to give profound joy to those who respond with courage." I felt as though Jesus was calling me, and when, at the end of the conference, they asked who wanted to consecrate their life to Jesus in the religious life, I immediately stood up. That's when I said my first "Here I am" to the Lord.
After graduating, I joined the Missionary Xaverians and underwent five years of training. Following my first profession of religious vows, I was immediately asked to assist with catechesis and teaching. Later, I worked in a center for the care of street children and teenagers, helping them escape a life of delinquency and providing them with education in various professions. My responsibility was to teach these young individuals the fundamental aspects of daily life.
It wasn't easy to establish a connection with them because they were violent and poorly educated. To approach them and build friendships, I used to visit them where they lived, and through this, I understood their suffering and the reasons behind their situations. They were children abandoned to themselves, exploited, with irresponsible or extremely poor parents, and many were war orphans. My friendship gave them the courage to continue attending school, which already meant a lot, as most of them typically didn't make it through the school year and returned to the streets. Through this experience, I came to realize that love has the power to transform a broken person and give them a dignified life because they feel loved, heard, understood, and welcomed. A true and deep friendship can become brotherhood.
My first mission abroad in Italy happened in 2019 with great enthusiasm and the joy of experiencing mission work outside my home country and culture. Unfortunately, a few months after my arrival, the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, and we went into lockdown, unable to leave. I entered a state of panic, fearing for my life and feeling despair over the lack of contact with people. I wondered about the future of the mission if I couldn't have physical contact with people. During my prayers, I had an insight that mission work goes beyond physical contact because through prayer, you can still connect with people.
Thankfully, after two years of being in a state of emergency, I immediately started attending the parish oratory, assisting with catechesis, and participating in the parish youth group. Currently, I'm studying religious sciences. My joy lies in being able to share my small contribution of faith with the people I encounter.
To all those who are considering the path of mission and are hearing the voice of the Lord, I would say, do not hesitate to answer His call. Today, more than ever, the Church needs people whose hearts burn with love for Christ in order to bring hope to the world.
