In this interview with Fr. Francis Juan Senabre, S.J., a dedicated missionary from Spain, we delve into his extraordinary journey of over seven decades in India. Born in Lorcha just before the Spanish Civil War, Fr. Juan faced early hardships but was deeply rooted in faith. His call to the Jesuit vocation led him to India, where he eagerly embraced new languages and cultures. Fr. Juan’s extensive work in various parishes and schools, his contributions during challenging times, and his unwavering commitment to the needy showcase a life devoted to faith and service. Reflecting on his time in India, he expresses gratitude and a heartfelt wish for peace and harmony in the country he considers home.
Tell us something about your earlier years and your family
My full name is Fr. Francis Juan Senabre,S.J. At home they call me Paco, in school and among friends I was known as Senabre, my mother’s surname, as a Jesuit I go as Fr. Juan, with many spelling it as Avan, Won, etc.
I was born on 21 April 1931, just before the Spanish Civil War, in Lorcha, a small village close to Gandia, the city of St. Francis Borgia. My parents were simple, devout and very hard working. My father was a good farmer and mason. He built our house and the houses of the other three brothers. During the civil war we were under the Communists. My father and elder brother were taken to prison. They came to our house with rifles. I was five years old then. We lived in fear and were deprived of many things. The village church was demolished, so we said our prayers secretly. I still keep a vivid memory of how we prayed the rosary. I learned the litany in Latin and my father praised me. Till today I say it in Latin.
How did you first experience your call to be a Jesuit?
After the civil war my parents, my sister and brother went to Gandia. I got admission in the Jesuit school run in the same place as of St. Francis Borgia. I served mass daily and joined the Sodality of Our Lady. One day I was playing football and I suddenly remembered I had to attend a meeting. I left the game and went running and reached on time. When I reached there I looked for a while at the statue of Our Lady, and that was the beginning of my vocation. I was very friendly with the Fathers and in contact with the Tertians who were there from different parts of Spain and abroad. They sent me to the Apostolic School in Roquetas. On the occasion of the canonization of St. John de Britto, I took part in a play. I read the lives of saints and letters from missionaries, made a retreat in Veruela, the Jesuit Novitiate and on 15th August 1948 I joined the same novitiate.
Did you opt to come to India as a missionary or were you assigned?
I expressed my desire to be sent to India to the novice master, Fr. Victor Blajot. It was a great surprise when I was appointed. It was Pentecost Sunday, 5th.June 1949. Fr. Sayo, the Provincial came at recreation time and said: “the Holy Spirit inspired me to send brothers to Japan and India”. He confirmed that I would be sent to India. You can imagine my feelings then!
What did you do after finishing the Novitiate years?
I finished the Novitiate, learned a bit of English and sailed to India with Fr. Heras as leader and 8 others. After 18 days we landed in Bombay on11th February 1952, it was Monday, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. It was at 7 a.m in the morning, when I saw the hazy silhouette of Bombay from the ship. Fr. Heras pointed out to us the towers of St. Xavier’s College. At V.T. station we took the local train which was not crowded and reached Andheri, Vinayalaya. We were warmly welcomed, and served lunch consisting of rice and curry which I tasted for the first time. So, everything was new. There, I improved my English and the next year, 1953 was sent to Anand to study Gujarati.
In 1956 Gujarat was separated from Maharashtra and made into a new Province. I then remained in Mumbai and Fr. Coyne, the Provincial, told me, “you are young, study Marathi”. Once again, I had to begin with the ABC of a new language.
When were you ordained and what mission work did you do after that?
I studied Philosophy and Theology in Pune, De Nobili College, and then did two years of Regency in Parel, Mumbai. I taught Latin to the seminarians, and was ordained a priest on 24th March 1962, with 20 others, in St. Mary’s, Mazagon. After that I spent 3 months in Talasari, practised my Marathi, and even said mass in Marathi. I then went to Sitaghara, Hazaribag for my tertianship, finished my training for Jesuits and came to Mumbai.
My first appointment was in 1964 to St. Anne’s Church and St. Mary’s, Mazagon. For 22 years I served there and identified myself with the people, children, youth and adults. I was Director of the Young Men and Young Ladies Sodalities; in charge, Manager of the Parochial School in Tadwadi, involved in the young workers league and youth center. I ran the Summer Holiday Camps for about 1000 children, which were very much appreciated then and are still talked about even today. Later, I was a Chaplain for students at St. Mary’s SSC School and this too has remained very much a part of my life.
You were transferred again to Holy Family church in Andheri, Mumbai. What work did you do there?
In 1986 I was transferred to Holy Family church and school, where I did Parish and school work. With Ms Marita Ishwaran, social worker we ran an organization called Ashankur, helping the needy with a meal a day programme. During the riots in Mumbai, I took the local Corporator around and visited homes until peace was restored.
You have been working in Bandra for some years now, and what work are you presently engaged in?
After 8 years, in1994 I came to St. Peter’s, Bandra, and have been involved in many activities both in the parish and St. Stanislaus school, celebrating the Eucharist, visiting the families in the zones and hearing regular confessions on Saturdays. Through my work, I hope to help people experience the love of God in their own lives.
I can say I am happy and very much at peace, accepted by the parish team, appreciated by all. I am grateful to God and to Our Lady, to the Society of Jesus and to everyone. I have been blessed in many ways during these 72 years in India.
In conclusion, what are your wishes for India?
I wish and pray that we all stay joyfully, in peace and harmony, so that the country may prosper. I did not get Indian citizenship but my heart is very much here, one with you all, especially the needy.
Ms Janina Gomes
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