Frt. Wisno Elie, SVD
Growing Through Cross-Cultural Encounter
By Frt. Wisno Elie, SVD
The Cross-Cultural Training Program (CTP) has been a life-changing part of my journey as a Divine Word Missionary seminarian. For one year at St. Eugene Catholic Mission & Student Center in Tallahassee, Florida, I served in a parish with African American and Latino communities, where mission became real through relationships and daily life.
Through daily meetings, shared worship, pastoral involvement, and simply being present, I found new ways to understand God, the Church, and myself. During my year at St. Eugene, I discovered Christ alive in the people around me. As Divine Word Missionaries, we are called to live and serve in different cultures and to share the Gospel through listening, being present, and showing humility. The CrossCultural Training Program (CTP) helps seminarians experience new cultures that challenge their comfort and beliefs. At St. Eugene, I quickly learned that my role was not to lead or teach in the usual way, but to listen, watch, and learn.
This experience reminded me of how Jesus approached his mission. He walked with people, shared meals with them, listened to their stories, and met them where they were. “I have come not to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:45) became a guiding principle for my CTP year. Living among people from different backgrounds showed me that being present is the beginning of true mission, and that real evangelization grows from relationships based on respect and love.
My encounter with the African American community at St. Eugene was deeply meaningful. From the very first liturgy I attended, I was amazed by the lively, warm, and genuine way they worshiped. The music, preaching, and participation were full of energy and spirit. Worship was not just something to watch; it involved everyone’s hearts, voices, and bodies.
Through this community, I learned that faith is deeply linked to history and strength. Many parishioners shared stories of struggle, perseverance, and hope in the face of injustice. Listening to their stories taught me the importance of honoring people’s lived experiences. The faith of this community showed a deep trust in a God who sees, hears, and walks alongside His people.
The Latino community showed me a strong sense of family, warmth, and everyday faith. Faith was not just for Sunday Mass; it was part of everyday life through traditions, celebrations, and community events. Despite challenges such as migration and financial difficulty, their hope remained strong.
Sometimes, language was a barrier, but it became a great teacher. I came to realize that ministry is not just about speaking well but about listening deeply. Simple gestures, smiles, and being present often said more than words. This experience taught me humility and patience – important traits for any missionary.
Serving in a parish with two different cultural communities helped me see that interculturality means appreciating differences. The African American and Latino communities brought unique gifts to the Church, enriching the parish in special ways.
This experience challenged my views and expanded my understanding. I learned that unity in the Church does not require uniformity but mutual respect and openness to the Spirit’s work in every culture. Spiritually, my CTP year deepened my awareness that God is already present and active in every community. I learned to hear God’s voice not only in prayer and Scripture but also in conversations, laughter, suffering, and shared meals.
Pastorally, I became more flexible and learned to work with others. I learned that effective ministry requires listening before acting and building trust before taking initiative. I also realized that pastoral approaches must be adapted to different cultural contexts. This understanding will be important in my future missionary ministry.
On a personal level, this experience pushed me beyond my comfort zone. I became more self-aware, patient, and open to learning from others. Living in a cross-cultural setting showed me both my strengths and my weaknesses, helping me grow in humility.
The people of St. Eugene taught me that learning goes both ways. While I was sent to learn, I was also shaped by my relationships with the people. Their faith, kindness, and strength left a lasting impression on my heart.
Fr. Paschal Chester, SVD, who is the pastor of St. Eugene Catholic Mission & Student Center, played a key role in my spiritual growth. From the beginning, Fr. Paschal treated me not just as a seminarian under his care, but as a true brother in formation. His kindness, trust, and respect made me feel welcomed and valued in the parish community.
Fr. Paschal always offered wise and practical advice, especially about being sensitive in ministry, understanding different cultures, and developing my identity as a Divine Word Missionary. Through his example, I learned how to live out the SVD spirit, showing humility and caring for others. Fr. Paschal’s example deepened my desire to be a faithful Divine Word Missionary who serves everyone with generosity and respect.
My experience at St. Eugene Catholic Mission & Student Center taught me humility and patience. Through my experiences with the African American and Latino communities, I learned what it truly means to be a Divine Word Missionary, someone who listens, walks alongside others, and learns from them.
This year has strengthened my calling as a missionary and deepened my commitment to working in different cultures. As I continue my formation, I carry with me the many voices, stories, and faith of the parishioners I met. My heart was indeed transformed through this encounter. For that, I am very grateful.