Mission Diary of the Comboni Fr. Raúl Baluma Tabaranza: “Always available”

When, in 2022, I was asked to leave Waterval, in Mpumalanga province, to move to Pretoria, I readily accepted because I realised that missionary life requires being available at all times. I arrived in South Africa in 2018 and was assigned to the community of Waterval, where we Comboni missionaries accompany a parish with 22 Christian communities. I am a Filipino and have spoken English since I was a child; however, people in South Africa speak many other languages. When I had been in the parish for only a week, I dared to celebrate mass in Xitsonga because it was easy to read, even if I did not know what I was saying.

Little by little, I began to study the language, which was essential for our mission. If people laughed when I tried to talk to them, I would readily join in their laughter. Taking our mistakes with humour is the best way to learn a new language.

In Waterval, funeral traditions are very important. When I attended, I expressed my condolences by sitting quietly with the family and occasionally offering my smile. It was customary to sacrifice a bull for all present to eat, which helped to develop a spirit of communion and solidarity among all.

I once spent three months in a village, hosted by one of our catechists. When I visited people in their homes, I was the centre of attention. Although South Africa is relatively wealthy compared to other African countries, it faces the challenge of a high crime rate. I have suffered harassment and threats during my travels and, perhaps because I am a foreigner, I have often been stopped by police officers to check my passport and residence permit. We have also suffered several attempted robberies in Waterval.

Despite all this, I have developed a deep love for the mission and have persevered in it, encouraged by the love and support of the people I serve. In Pretoria, I have worked as an administrator of the missionary magazine Worldwide, as a vocations promoter and assisted our parish of St Augustine. I was enthusiastic about the work and the tranquillity of the suburb of Silverton where we lived. I also had more free time than in Waterval and could devote myself to my hobbies: gardening and painting. Some of my paintings were exhibited at the embassy of my country in South Africa and published in our magazine.

As a vocation’s promoter, I was in charge of organising seminars twice a year and often went to visit the families of aspiring missionaries. It is a difficult and often frustrating service, because in South Africa, it is not easy to get young people interested in the religious life. Currently, we have five postulants who have started their formation with us, which is already a significant achievement. I tried to adapt to this generation so attached to technology and also to the style of formation, which is different from the rigid and demanding model I received.

However, I was happy because young South Africans are expressive and communicate openly. Trusting in the Lord, I hoped to flourish wherever I was planted. Now I have a new challenge. My next mission will be in Malawi, where I have already spent some years.

Comboni Missionaries