A conversation across the ocean - between London and Mauritius

Skype Interview

Susan Auguste is one of six British people living on the small volcanic island of Rodrigues, 450 miles north-east of Mauritius, where she runs the only special needs school on the island.

Last school term, Susan was interviewed by students from Sacred Heart school in Hammersmith as part of 'Meet a Missionary', a pilot project funded by the Catholic Missionary Union which offers young people in the UK a chance to interview a missionary in person or over Skype.

The students, who are all part of the school's justice and peace group, found out why Susan, a lay person, first decided to travel to Rodrigues, how she adapted to a new culture and what inspires her to continue her ministry there.

Susan is one of a number of missionaries, ordained and lay, who are involved in this project. The missionaries have the opportunity to share the highs and lows of their experiences around the world - experiences which often cross cultural boundaries, span monumental historical and political shifts and plant them firmly outside of their comfort zone.

The project aims to give young people time and space to think about what mission means to them in their own lives, to foster a "missionary attitude" and enrich their understanding of what 'faith in action' looks like around the world.

After a few technical glitches with the sound, the young ladies of Sacred Heart were soon firing their questions, across the Indian ocean, to Susan. The questions ranged from "what is the typical food on the island?", to "what is the most challenging part of your work?"

James Trewby, Columban Justice and Peace Education Worker who facilitated the session, said: "It was a great opportunity to see a missionary's story get brought to life in a fun and interactive way."

At the end, some of the students shared some of things they'll do differently because of what they learned from the encounter with Susan:

"Make a plan for myself"

"Be more grateful for what I have"

"Say yes more"

"Learn more about different cultures"

"Be less afraid of being out of my comfort zone"

The Catholic Missionary Union is looking for more schools and parish youth groups who are interested in taking part in this opportunity. If you would like to arrange a 'Meet a Missionary' session at your school or parish, please contact education@cmu.org.uk

So far, some of the Religious Congregations that are involved include the Mill Hill Missionaries, the Salesians, Our Lady of Missions, the Spiritans, the Columbans, and the Jesuits. If you're a missionary and interested in being considered for the project, please get in touch with education@cmu.org.uk