Father Stefano Fazion – 25 Years of Faith and Missionary Courage

But this is not only the story of an anniversary – it is the story of a journey, made of courageous choices, unconditional availability, and a ministry that has always placed others at the centre.

Mission as a Way of Life

Father Stefano has spent most of his missionary life in the Central African Republic, where he faced many challenges, always keeping his eyes fixed on Jesus, as St. Daniel Comboni used to recommend.

During the homily, Father Stefano said: “Providence has never failed me, and the closeness of the Lord has strengthened me every day.” Words that do not sound like slogans, but like lived truth.

His story includes unexpected turns. After studying theology in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), he expected to begin his missionary work there. Instead, he was asked to return to Italy, assigned to the community of Venegono Superiore (Varese), where he was entrusted with accompanying youth groups. For six years, his heart longed for the missions, yet he remained available, knowing that service is not where we want to be, but where we are called to be.

When he was finally asked to leave, the destination was not the DR Congo, but the Central African Republic – and, once again, he said yes.

The Mountain as a Metaphor for Life

During the Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Father Stefano and concelebrated by two other Comboni missionaries (Fathers Eliseo Tacchella and Raoul Sohouénou) and two diocesan priests (don Valerio and don Bogdan), Father Stefano shared a reflection inspired by a recent spiritual retreat in Limone sul Garda, at the birthplace of St. Daniel Comboni.

The metaphor he used was striking: “Life is like a mountain trail. You can glimpse the summit, but the path is uncertain. There are climbs, obstacles, pauses, breathtaking views to contemplate, and moments when we need the courage to turn back and find a new direction.”

This image speaks to everyone, but especially to young people. In a world that often demands immediate certainties, Father Stefano reminded us that “we do not need to know every detail of the journey. What we need is the courage to start, the patience to keep walking, and the trust that we are never alone.”

Father Stefano’s testimony is an invitation to live life as a true adventure: to say yes even when the path changes, to serve with dedication even when it is difficult, and to believe that the summit is not just a goal to reach, but a new way of seeing the journey.

True courage, he said, is choosing to go forward, keeping our gaze fixed on the goal, even when the road ahead is unknown. True service is not about doing great things, but doing everything with love.

Part of this journey of service and courage was shared with Brother Alberto Visintin, who was also present in Oliosi for the occasion.

Toward Rome, with Great Hope

Father Stefano is now preparing to leave for Rome, where he will take part in a renewal course. But this is not an end – it is a new beginning. His backpack is filled with experiences, faces, steps taken with both struggle and joy.

And his message remains clear: every journey, even the most demanding one, is a gift.

Father Raoul Sohouénou, mccj