If ever a missioner embraced cultural diversity, it is Father Jose Arámburu of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. Since leaving his native Puerto Rico more than 30 years ago, Father Arámburu has crossed borders on three continents and shared the Gospel in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Currently vicar general of the Maryknoll Society, the 63-year-old Father Arámburu received his inspiration for the priesthood from Capuchin priests from the U.S. They served in his parish of San Miguel Arcángel in his hometown of Utuado while the young Arámburu attended Colegio San Miguel grade school and San Miguel High School.
Despite knowing at age 13 that he wanted to become a priest, the student placed his dream on hold, at his parents’ urging, until he obtained more life experience. He then graduated with a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez and joined a team that addressed the problems of air pollution.
But, when he was 30, Father Arámburu said he realized that if he didn’t pursue the priesthood at that time, he would never have the opportunity to realize his vocation of mission.
“I cannot separate the call to mission from being a follower of Christ,” said Father Arámburu. “Being a Christian is being a messenger of God’s love for all humanity. While in the Catholic Church we often leave mission to the missioners, all Catholics are bound by the command Christ gave us to go and make disciples of all peoples and nations.”
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