Hajja Salesjana

A New Salesian Priest and his vocational story My name is Jean Paul Mutombo Matala Yann, a Salesian of Don Bosco, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. I would like to share with you the story of my humble vocational journey towards ordination to the priesthood. I was born into a family of seven children, including myself, together with my parents, Anaclet and Petronille. I can describe my family as a modest Christian family where everyone goes to Mass on Sundays and during the week whenever one can. Some are also involved in parish activities while others in the Salesian Oratory. This is the reality of many Christian families in my hometown. To talk about my Salesian vocation, I have to say that I had the grace to be born and grow up in a town called Lubumbashi, where, more than 112 years ago, the first Salesians of Don Bosco took root. So, I grew up in a school, a parish and an oratory run by the Salesians. I was touched by the exemplary lives of the Salesians around us, by their dedication to accompanying young people, especially those most in need and marginalized in society and by their prayer life. Gradually I began to feel called to this form of life. What was special was that most of the Salesians in the area where I lived were foreigners, and very few were Congolese. From an early age, I always wondered why they had left their country to live with us, supporting our culture, which is totally different from theirs, and sharing our joys and sorrows. One day, during an informal family discussion, my grandmother answered my question. She said: "It's because of God's love. You know, Jesus said that there is no greater love than to lay down his own life for others. So, these people give their lives for us!” From that day on, I felt that I was called to live the same thing, and I asked to join the Salesians. That was in 2010. I wanted to be a Salesian missionary priest. So, I made my first profession in 2012, then three years of Philosophical studies followed by three years of practical training. One year in Italy, one year in Bulgaria and the last in Malta at the Oratory in Sliema. After the practical training, I went to Turin for three years of Theological studies, which I had to finish with ordination to the diaconate. From there I returned to Malta for a pastoral year in preparation for my ordination to the priesthood, which took place on 16 June 2023 20 Lulju-Settembru 2023 hajja