By Fr Chris Saenz SSC

Father Chris Saenz is based in Chile and has appeared in these pages before.

He spent part of his formation as a seminarian in the Philippines.

Several times I have recounted my vocational story on ‘how’ I became a Columban.  Now I would like to share ‘why’ I am a Columban. I was ordained a Columban missionary priest in 2000.  Since than there have been many experiences that invite a reflection on the ‘why’ but I will share one concrete experience:  September 11, 2001, as a Columban priest from the United States living in Chile, my mission.

There is ‘the United States’ September 11’ and there is ‘Chile’s September 11’.  On September 11, 1973, the democratically elected government of Chile was overthrown by a military dictatorship led by General Augusto Pinochet.  Pinochet had the backing of the US government.  Thus, September 11 provokes great tensions between pro-Pinochet and anti-Pinochet people.  Often there are protests and clashes in the streets.  However, in 2001 it was a quiet day as the Chilean people mourned for the victims in the United States.

Yet, it reminded me that September 11 had a tragic significance for Chile years before 2001, and with US involvement.  Jesus, an Israelite living under Roman occupation was, nevertheless, questioned by a Canaanite woman whose people had been dispossessed by Israel centuries earlier.  Jesus stated that he ‘was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel’.  The Canaanite woman’s response was sharp: ‘Yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table’ (Matthew 15, 21-28).  The Chilean people challenged me to think and live more ‘globally’, beyond my own cultural and national boundaries.

The first Sunday after September 11, 2001, I went to Pancul, a remote rural chapel in southern Chile, to celebrate Mass.  When I walked into the chapel I was astonished to see that the people had placed a Chilean flag with a USA flag on the altar.  The people, most of whom were poor indigenous farmers, expressed their deep sorrow for the people of the United States.  Furthermore, they were greatly concerned about my own family and if any relatives were affected by the tragedy.  For the first time, I clearly felt the words of Ruth:  ‘Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people and your God my God’ (Ruth 1, 16).

A year after September 11, 2001, I went to the United States for a short visit. When I observed the atmosphere and listened to conversations I was greatly affected by the xenophobia present in my own people. A country built on diversity and immigration of peoples was greatly losing its tradition. Furthermore, as I spoke of Chile’s September 11 and questioned some of the US governmental policies since 2001, I was looked upon as unpatriotic and disloyal by some. I was even questioned on how I could choose to live outside the United States. I truly felt Jesus’ dilemma on returning to his home place, ‘Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown’ (Luke 4, 24).

Why am I a Columban?  I am a Columban because I can participate more fully in God’s Word by living globally, building ties with peoples of other cultures and traditions, and realizing a prophetic call.  Being a Columban missionary priest has made this possible.

You may email the author at gcsz99@gmail.com or write him at: Padres de San Columbano, Casilla 311, Correo 22, SANTIAGO, CHILE.