From Kerala to Brazil: Finding Christ in the Faces of the Poor
The call to the priesthood often unfolds quietly, from the slow rhythm of pastoral actions, grows through simple acts of faith, silent prayer before the Eucharist, and the humble witness of devoted priests. Such was the beginning of my vocation, which gradually led me to embrace the priesthood and missionary life within the Congregation of the Missionary Servants of the Poor.
As a Catholic priest from Kerala, India, now in the second year of my priesthood, I recognize that my vocation did not arise from extraordinary events. Rather, it was nurtured by a deep love for the Eucharist and inspired by the faithful example of my parish priest. Serving at the altar and participating actively in parish life shaped within me the desire to follow Christ more closely and to offer my life in service to His Church.
During my formation, I came to know the Congregation of the Missionary Servants of the Poor. I was deeply attracted by the simplicity of life and its closeness to those who suffer. Founded in nineteenth-century Palermo by Blessed James Cusmano, the Congregation was born from a profound trust in Divine Providence. Confronted with the poverty and pain around him, Blessed Cusmano chose not indifference, but compassionate action. For him, faith was inseparable from charity. The Cusmanian charism finds its concrete expression in the works of mercy, where love becomes visible and tangible through service to the poor.
A privileged expression of this charism is the "Morsel of the Poor." It is far more than a charitable initiative; it is a living sign of God's providential love. Those who come seeking material assistance often carry deeper wounds—loneliness, rejection, spiritual emptiness. Through the "Morsel of the Poor", the Congregation continues to respond not only to hunger of the body but also to hunger of the heart, offering presence, dignity, and hope.
Ten months after my ordination, I was sent to Brazil to begin my missionary experience. Leaving my homeland and family so soon involved sacrifice, yet I experienced a profound interior peace. It was an act of trust—entrusting my young priesthood to God and allowing Him to shape it through missionary service.
Today, the Missionary Servants of the Poor are present in Curitiba (Paraná), Igarapé (Minas Gerais), and Joaçaba (Santa Catarina). Our apostolate here is primarily expressed through parish ministry. By sharing daily life with the people, we accompany them in their faith journey, their struggles, and their aspirations.
My personal ministry is centered on pastoral service within the parish—celebrating the sacraments, visiting families, and participating in the ordinary rhythm of community life. It is precisely within this ordinary pastoral setting that the works of mercy assume their most authentic form—not as structured programs, but as personal encounters.
I recall visiting an elderly man who lived alone and seldom received visitors. While I brought him Holy Communion, what seemed most meaningful to him was simply the time spent in conversation. As I prepared to leave, he said quietly, "Thank you for staying." In that moment, I understood more deeply that mercy often means offering attentive presence.
On another occasion, a parishioner remained after Mass simply to speak. There was no pressing concern—only a need to be heard. At the conclusion of our conversation, the person expressed gratitude for being listened to. Such simple moments reveal the essence of the Cusmanian spirit: recognizing Christ in the other and responding with humility and compassion.
Living in Brazil has been a grace-filled and formative experience. The people are warm in their faith and rich in their expressions of devotion. While adapting to a new language and culture has presented challenges, I have felt genuinely welcomed and supported. Gradually, I have come to understand that mission is not primarily about activity, but about presence—walking with people in their everyday realities.
In this context, I encounter various forms of poverty—some visible and material, others hidden within wounded hearts. Loneliness, broken relationships, and discouragement are frequent realities. Yet it is here that the Gospel reveals its power. The words of Jesus, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40), continually guide and challenge my ministry. They invite me to look beyond appearances and to discover the face of Christ in every person.
With gratitude, I can say that I am blessed to serve as a Cusmanian missionary. Mission teaches me daily that Christ is already present among the poor; we are called to recognize Him and to serve Him with fidelity.
Vocation doesn't always arrive with dramatic signs. It grows quietly—in moments of prayer before the Eucharist, through the daily rhythm of parish life, or by watching faithful priests and religious live their commitment. Mission isn't only for those who cross oceans or dedicate their entire lives to consecrated service. It's a call that touches everyone: to practice the works of mercy with generous hearts and deep trust in God's providence.
This missionary journey continues to form and transform me. Each encounter becomes a place of grace; each act of service becomes an opportunity to grow in charity. To serve the poor, to live the works of mercy, and to contemplate the face of Christ in those entrusted to me is not merely a responsibility—it is a profound gift. With gratitude to God and to the Congregation that has formed me, I entrust my priesthood to Divine Providence, praying for the grace to remain faithful, humble, and available wherever the Lord may send me.
By the way, have you ever felt called to serve others in a deeper way? What small act of mercy could you offer to someone in your community this week?
What does "mission" mean to you? Is it always about traveling far, or can we live a missionary spirit right where we are?
