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A
monthly letter from the Glenmary Vocation Office |
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October 2007
Keep Paddling!
“Do not begin to paddle unless you intend always to paddle.” This is some of the practical advice Father John de Brebeuf, one of the North American Martyrs, offered to new missioners working with the Huron Indians. Glenmary celebrates Oct. 19, the Feast of the North American Martyrs, as its founder’s day. These patron saints of Glenmary include St. Isaac Jocques, John de Brebeuf and their companions.
In 1637 this was the list of instructions Father de Brebeuf gave to young Jesuit missioners wishing to work among the Hurons.
- You must love these Hurons, ransomed by the blood of the Son of God, as brothers.
- You must never keep the Indians waiting at the time of embarking.
- Carry a tinder-box or a piece of burning-glass, or both, to make fire for them during the day for smoking, and in the evening when it is necessary to camp; these little services win their hearts.
- Try to eat the little food they offer you, and eat all you can, for you may not eat again for hours.
- Eat as soon as day breaks, for Indians when on the road, eat only at the rising and the setting of the sun.
- Be prompt in embarking and disembarking and do not carry any water or sand into the canoe.
- Be the least troublesome to the Indians.
- Do not ask many questions; silence is golden.
- Bear with their imperfections, and you must try always to appear cheerful.
- Carry with you a half-gross of awls, two or three dozen little folding knives, and some plain and fancy beads with which to buy fish or other commodities from the nations you meet in the order to feast your Indian companions, and be sure to tell them from the outset that here is something with which to buy fish.
- Always carry something during the portages.
- Do not be ceremonious with the Indians.
- Do not begin to paddle unless you intend always to paddle.
- The Indians will keep later that opinion of you which they have formed during the trip.
- Always show any other Indians you meet on the way a cheerful face and show that you readily accept the fatigues of the journey.
For missioners today, much can be learned from this advice. It is essential to the mission of Jesus to see all people as your brothers and sisters. To not just go and help them, but to LOVE them as family.
To win their hearts you must learn your earn your keep and work with them. Glenmarians (priests and brothers) work alongside the people they serve. Manual labor is part of a Glenmarian’s daily life. Likewise, a deep respect and patience for the way of the locals is encouraged. So too, Glenmarians are encouraged to show deep respect with people from various cultures living in our mission counties: Appalachian, Latino and African American to name a few.
The accumulative sense of this advice is that if you journey on the river with the people you serve, and walk across the land from river to river with them, you will learn about them and they about you. In the journey the mission of Christ happens. Glenmarians have always tried to share the Gospel through more than just preaching. Glenmary missioners’ witness and humble service give creditability to our preaching.
The last bit of advice reminds me of what one of our great Glenmary missioners, Father Frank Ruff, who now has over 48 years of missionary experience, said to me when I was but a volunteer in 1983. “When in public always smile. A smile says I am happy with my life, I am happy to see you and I am willing to be with you.” Sage advice to be followed by all, not just missioners.
Let me conclude by combining the advice of Jesus with that of St. John de Brebeuf, especially for those who undertake the missionary journey. Jesus says, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62) and St. John de Brebeuf says, “Do not begin to paddle unless you intend always to paddle.”
The journey of mission is long and progress is slow, but once you start, keep going!!
