There are moments in our missionary journey when the Gospel calls us not only to preach with words, but to speak with our lives. For me, living the missionary vocation today means striving to embody the legacy of Cardinal Charles Lavigerie in a world far removed from his but still deeply shaped by his spirit. When I consider the theme “Material life and mission,” I find myself returning again and again to one word that has become a cornerstone in our Society: simplicity.
A Simple Lifestyle: The Freedom of the Gospel
Lavigerie did not envision missionaries as mere agents of charity or doctrine. He envisioned men entirely given to Christ, free from worldly attachments, and rooted in the people they served. To him, simplicity was not an economic status; it was a spiritual orientation a freedom of heart.
For me, living simply means constantly discerning: What do I really need to serve the mission? It is not about embracing poverty for its own sake, but about aligning our lives with the values of the Kingdom. It is about uncluttering our hearts, so we may be more available to the Spirit and to the people we serve.
Simplicity as Prophetic Witness
The consumerism of our time is not only economic; it is also spiritual. It feeds the illusion that we are self-sufficient, that happiness comes from accumulation, and that comfort is the measure of success. In such a world, our choice to live simply becomes a prophetic sign.
I’ve often witnessed how local communities intuitively understand when a missionary truly shares their life. They may not articulate it in theological terms, but they recognize humility, presence, and authenticity. This silent testimony, more than words, is what draws people to the Gospel.
Poverty and Mission: Holding the Tension
Yet I must confess, this is not always easy. Mission requires resources. Formation houses, schools, dispensaries, vehicles all these need funding. How do we reconcile evangelical poverty with such material needs?
I have learned that the answer lies not in having less, but in owning less, in being stewards, not possessors. As Lavigerie once wrote, “We must have only what is necessary for the mission and no more.” There is freedom in that phrase. It allows for what the mission truly requires while keeping our hearts detached and open.
Between Autonomy and Aid: the Path of Communion
One of the challenges we face today is the balance between financial autonomy and dependence on external aid. Our Founder accepted the generous support of European benefactors, but he was clear: the mission must not be shaped by the hand that funds it.
In our time, I believe we must cultivate a spirit of communion both in giving and in receiving. We work toward greater financial autonomy, not because we want to isolate ourselves, but because we want to take responsibility for our mission. But this autonomy must never make us forget the grace of interdependence in the Body of Christ.
Managing Well, Trusting Fully
Finally, I believe the key lies in managing our resources well but always with a spirit of trust. Divine providence is not an excuse for poor planning; nor is planning a substitute for faith. In my own ministry, I have seen how initiatives born in prayer, discernment, and fraternal collaboration bear fruit.
I think of communities that installed solar panels, not only to reduce costs but to respect creation. Others have created local solidarity funds to support mission partners in need. Still others have opted for simple housing and limited transport, choosing presence over prestige. These are not just budgetary decisions they are spiritual choices.
Conclusion: Returning to the Spirit of the Founder
The legacy of Lavigerie is not a museum piece; it is a living fire. His vision for our Society was bold, yet grounded in the Cross. He wanted men who would be free, free from fear, free from greed, free to love radically.
I pray that in our time, we may recover this inner freedom. That our lifestyle may not only reflect the poverty of Christ, but radiate the joy of serving Him with undivided hearts. That in the way we handle money, possessions, and planning, we may witness to a God who provides, who sends, and who sustains.
By: Shiby Dominic, M.Afr.