Mozambique is a small country between South Africa and Tanzania. Father Justin Kuzhippala, a Claretian priest who has been serving there for the last ten years went through many memorable experiences. His missionary life is very inspiring to the people who are in mission areas in various parts of the world.
Within a few days of his ordination on 28 December 2009, Father Justin set foot on the soil of Mozambique. He learned its culture, language, and way of life very soon. As a result, Father Justin is grateful that he was able to share his life with many like Christ did during his preaching. Although, as a missionary priest, plenty of experiences are there to be shared, the most important one is a face-to-face encounter with death. The unforgettable experience of God’s providence is shared with the readers of the Catholicnews.in.
Mozambique is a country of poverty and hunger. Therefore, thieves are very common. Sometimes, they are the only category that resides there more than normal people. Thieves used to attack people for extorting money for their living expenses. Once Father Justin also had an attack by thieves.
They entered the house of priests breaking the doors. But Father Justin had a bolt of lightning in his heart when he realized his security guard is killed by these people. Keeping them at gunpoint thieves threatened him if he won’t give money and whatever they ask. It was the moment his foot was in the grave!
But the father was not afraid. Even though he saw death standing in front of him in the form of bullets. But God raised his hands for this priest because his life should be a blessing to many more people. While one of the robbers threatened the father with a gun pointing at his head, the others searched the residence and found some cash. After receiving the money, they set him free and left the place. Father has only to say about this that God saved miraculously.
Even today, in the words of my father, who faced minor attacks but was miraculously saved by God’s care. We can see the joy of God’s care at the same time on the face and acts of Father Justin. After ten years of missionary service in Mozambique, Father Justin, who always sees the wishes of the authorities as the voice of God, has now arrived in Farfangana Diocese as part of the missionary activities in Madagascar.
Even though it was an unexpected meeting, the experience of father Justin is a guideline and an inspiration for the younger generation. May Father be able to share the joy of the gospel in the hearts of many more people by taking the zeal of Prophet Jonah and the passion of Saint Paul who became a blessing to the people.
Fr. Sony CMI, Madagascar