Father Bear; His Story?
I Want to Be a Missionary
Father Bear isn't his real name. But when you look at him, he reminds you of one. He towers over everyone he meets at two meters in height. Tall and large, he stoops down and wraps his arms around you with a big, warm bear hug. The warmth is sincere, and the love is overwhelming. How can you not love this man? Well-mannered and very polished, he draws you in with his remarkable story and mission.
He wanted to be a missionary, so he entered the seminary. His goal was to go to the impoverished areas of Africa and bring about aid and change to the most unfortunate. He had completed his clerical training and would visit with his spiritual father on his future assignment. He was all excited about the expectation of going to Africa. He ran through his head all the possible projects. Would he go to Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, or South Africa? His mind was spinning with all these choices. He wanted to go to all of them if he could. But he had to choose one. But which one? He told himself it didn't matter; he was ultimately going to Africa.
The Monsignor was the Dean of the seminary school and, as fortune would have it, Father Bear's spiritual father. Father Bear had told his spiritual father early on in his religious studies that his goal was to be a missionary priest. He had no desire to be a community priest in the big city or the small country village. Neither did he have the desire to be a monastic monk, severed from the chaotic world and focused on God's Works in seclusion and serenity. Instead, he wanted to be a missionary priest, guiding the less fortunate from the many temptations in our world. To clothe, feed and educate the poor and the less wanted, heal the sick, and comfort the dying. He knew he could make a difference, a big difference. He felt he had bottled so much energy he wanted to let it explode toward his mission assignment. Now he was just minutes away from fulfilling his destiny. He arrived early at his appointment to receive the news of his future work.
He knocked on Monsignor's office door. His heart was racing, and his hands and cloak were soaked from nervous anxiety. Nevertheless, he restrained himself from opening the door until he heard the Monsignor's command, "Enter."
The Monsignor had his reading glasses almost down to his nose and his desk cluttered with several manuscripts. He raised his eyes above the brim of his reading glasses and ordered Father Bear, "Sit down, Athenagoras."
"Athenagoras, we have talked about your desire to be a missionary priest once you have finished here at the seminary," Monsignor started to say.
"Oh yes, Father Superior, I feel my talents would be best suited for missionary work in Africa. I do not have any preference; I will go where I am most needed. I would be happy in Nigeria, Rwanda, or anywhere else that I am needed," Father Bear replied. Father Bear leaned forward in his seat. He was moments from being assigned to Africa.
"I'm glad you feel that way," Father Superior replied. "You have impressed me with your faith and positive spirit. However, I feel that there is one particular mission that you will be best suited for. It is challenging, and many people prefer not to be assigned there because it is in a remote and undesirable area of our spiritual community."
Father Bear couldn't believe his ears. Not only was Monsignor going to assign a mission in Africa, but a great mission, with many difficulties and hardships. Moreover, he would be running the mission, not assisting another priest. Father Athenagoras was now at the edge of his seat.
"So Athenogoras, I have decided to assign you to Dendropotomo in Thessaloniki. You will take over the ministry in that area. It's an impoverished area, filled with crime and narcotics in the Romani community."
Father Athenogora's jaw fell open, and his eyes almost jumped out of their sockets. He started to say something, but it came out incoherently as if he had a stroke.
"Athenagoras, are you alright," he asked of him.
After a short moment, he swallowed and uttered, "But I thought I was going to Africa on a mission."
Monsignor looked at him, saying, "We have our own Africa in our backyard. I need your help here."
Father Bear stood up and said, "Thank you," he kissed his spiritual father's hand and left the room. He was tempted to ask him to reconsider his assignment, but he knew it was final once the decision was made.
To explain what Father Bear has done in this forsaken community in a few paragraphs is not enough. He brought his energy and enthusiasm and was able to transform the community. Other children shunned the Romani children. They were thought of as trouble and people to avoid. Many Romani children were hurt when others avoided them on the street and the playground. The Romani children weren't encouraged to go to school by their parents. Often whipped or belted by their parents, the Romani children were forced to beg on the streets. Some were beaten if they didn't bring enough money. And many were coerced to steal or else face punishment.
Father Bear broke that cycle by giving the children morning, afternoon, and evening meals. He gave them a warm bed, free from beatings and bruises. The Romani children had books to read and desks to do their homework. He 'bribed' the children with soccer games with the other children on the weekend, only if they went and studied at school. But the soccer game was much more to the Romani children.
The gypsy children were eager to study because they wanted to play on a soccer team. Once they wore a soccer uniform, a transformation took place. One Romani boy said, "When I put the soccer uniform on, they don't see me as a gypsy anymore; they see me as a soccer player." They were accepted. And being accepted brought a smile and a sense of self-worth to the Romani children. And all a child wants is to be accepted and loved by everyone around them.
Follow him and his ministry at the link below: