In this exclusive interaction with Indian Catholic Matters Editor Verghese V Joseph, Fr. Anthony Swamy, a young missionary priest from Bangalore serving in Northeast India, shares his journey of faith and service. Ordained in 2021, Fr. Anthony reflects on how his belief that “God chose him for a purpose” led him to overcome initial fears about serving in an unfamiliar region. He emphasises the role of spiritual mentors and the power of faith in navigating challenges. Through his experiences, he conveys a message of love and devotion to both priests and laity alike: loving God and others fully brings unparalleled happiness that transcends worldly concerns. Excerpts:
You are from the heart of a thrilling life in Bangalore, what made you choose to be a Missionary Priest in North-East of India?
Good question sir. But a simple answer. The scriptures say “You did not choose me but I chose you…” I strongly believed over the years in my priestly formation that God will not lead us where his grace cannot keep us. God chose me for a purpose.
But were you not disturbed to choose a ministry far away from home?
Yes, I was rather initially fearful but not disturbed. The fear was: How can I serve in a place where I don’t know the language, the people or their culture? But faith always overcomes our fears. I am learning the language of love for God’s people.
But faith alone doesn’t suffice. Did people strengthen your faith?
Beautiful question. Yes. God always works through people to confirm His Will in anybody’s life whether priest or laity. I have had many spiritual mentors in my life from the very start of my priestly formation till this day. I gratefully remember Fr. Joseph Sengole (IVD) Bishop Stephen Routlunga CSC, and Auxiliary Bishop Joachim Walder (Aizwal Diocese). They all spoke the same message that… when God chooses you for a purpose, nobody can stop you. I believe this is true in everybody’s life whether you are a lay person or priest.
You are just in the 5th year of your priesthood far away from home. Do you miss anything?
I am deeply convinced that if you miss God, you miss everything in life. Humanly speaking, I do miss friends and family, but God gave me new families to serve in places like Silchar (Barak valley) of Aizawl Diocese in Northeast India.
Any fears or regrets?
Fears and regrets are a part of everyone’s life journey but when you begin to realize in Faith, that God walks the journey with you, then the terrain, fears and regrets disappear. I travel for Holy Mass through rigid and risky terrain and bitter climates even for just a few people waiting for The Holy Eucharist. It is such a joy to know people yearn for The Holy Eucharist.
But could you specify what those fears and regrets were?
My basic fear was ‘How to learn a new language and minister to people different from my own?’. But one of my priest mentors told me just one sentence repeatedly “Learn to love all people and you will fulfill your calling whenever you go.”
May we know who said that?
I apologise I can’t mention names. But that spiritual guide is still my driving force. Many others did say similar things in different ways, and I am always grateful.
You mentioned you serve in difficult terrain and conflicting situations. Does it demotivate your missionary zeal?
Spiritually speaking, there is no place on Earth where there is no conflict. All the prophets faced conflict, rejection, misunderstanding and false accusations. Jesus our Savior Himself did. But there’s an old adage, ‘Smooth seas don’t make skillful sailors’, and if you want to discover the seas you must be willing to leave the shores. I left south to North-East India.
So, you are still discovering your mission purpose?
You said it. In fact, We are all on a discovery journey. Spiritually speaking, if anyone wants to cling to seats of power, position popularity (I call it the three Ps) they will gather only fungus as the old saying goes ‘Rolling stones gather no moss’. I love the quote from Lebanese-Christian writer Khalil Gibran, ‘Don’t cling to that which clings to you.’
What would your message to priests and laity be?
Sir, I am too young to give a message. There are more experienced missionaries than me, even among the laity. In fact, you interviewing me as a Catholic Media Editor is itself a manifestation of the power of the laity. A simple suggestion would be: Love God to the fullest, Love the people around you to the fullest. The result will be that you receive happiness that the world cannot give, and the world cannot take away from you. Nothing else matters.
