I would like to share my forty-eight years’ experience of missionary life in Africa with you. The Communications Team of the Unit wanted me to do it in the form of an interview.
Fidèle: What led you to Africa, in particular to Cameroon Chad?
Caroline: The words in the Encyclical letter “Fidei donum” of Pius XII - “The success of evangelisation grows in proportion to the number of apostles” created a great desire to work for evangelisation in Africa. On the eve of my final profession, I expressed my missionary desire, preferably Africa. It was years later that I was sent to Tagal in August 1971.
Fidèle: You were very young. What motivated you to go to unknown countries?
Caroline: I had a great desire to give my life to following Jesus in spite of my fears. The welcome I received in Tagal reassured me and the close accompaniment of Sr. Sole and Fr. Gaby Blouin helped me greatly in taking my first steps as a missionary. I cared for the sick with zeal and devotedness in spite of the language difficulty and in a context where facilities were minimum, I learned to totally rely on God.
Fidèle: As a professional nurse, what did you do for the people who came to you?
Caroline: Thirty years nursing in health centres – fifteen in Chad and fifteen in Sir; seven years, I worked in Mokolo prison. I also nursed in the villages and educated people to take preventative measures. My Community, where I found consolation and support was very important to me.
Fidèle: What values did you find in our society to help you to live your consecrated life?
Caroline: Africa is very welcoming; I felt at ease immediately. All decisions are taken preferably by the extended family. Respect for life is a great value; even an animal is not killed unless it has done something wrong. Inter-faith marriages show their respect for the different faiths; celebrations are an important part of life. These values helped me to live in a multicultural community.
Unfortunately, these are gradually being lost. The people are not in solidarity with one another as they used to be and are more attracted by money than by values. In the north, near Nigerian border, unemployment forces young people to be drawn by Boko haram.My heart is filled with joy and peace because I did the Lord’s mission.My Sisters have been an oasis for me where I could share my joys and pains and, above all, daily prayer. It was that prayer that got me going for the day.
I am very happy to see the number of autochthonous Sisters growing and I am going to continue to pray for you all.
Fidèle: What message have you for us?
Caroline: Live joyfully, your call in the Holy Family, following Jesus, Mary and Joseph; Serve the poor; be centred on God and live for the mission. Young religious, do not turn away from the love of Jesus. Community is our source of enrichment -find joy and support there. Be open, sharing all experiences. Avoid engaging in entertaining oneself later in to the night which is unhealthy but be discerning in using the media.
Sr. Caroline Martinez
Missionary in Cameroon Chad