Gabe Hurrish is featured in the August 2019 issue of the U.S. Catholic Mission Association’s Encounter newsletter.
Titled “Taken by the Vow to Serve,” Julie Bourbon’s article highlights Gabe’s mission with Solidarity with South Sudan. Here is an excerpt.
When asked what he thinks makes a person a good missionary, Hurrish is thoughtful.
“I’d say the number one thing is just to put your life in the hands of God, and it’s not easy. You have to be very calm and open and at peace with yourself and with what God is asking you to do,” he said. “We North Americans especially really want to be in control, and it’s hard for us to let go. That’s what religious have done all through history, though. They’ve just listened to that little voice. And it’s not easy because you’re
asked to sacrifice quite a bit.”
And how does he explain his own calling to serve in Africa?
“A lot of people ask me, do you have to go to Africa to help the poor? No, but I feel that call, so here I am,” said the man who swore he wouldn’t return. “I never took vows, but it seems the vows have taken me.”
You can read the article in PDF format here or on the USCMA website here.
Compelled by faith to engage with people across cultures and ethnicities, Maryknoll lay missioners live, love and work with communities on the margins to promote active nonviolence and healing.
