Santu Rodrigues (third from left, in burgundy shirt) with children from the orphanage and fellow volunteers. Photo: Santu Rodrigues. While talking to Santu Rodrigues, a native from Mumbai, India, I knew there was something deeper and more powerful behind the positivity he spreads to everyone he meets. A man who always smiles and isn’t afraid to proclaim the Word of God with every single person he meets, fascinated me. I had to know more about his story and life and he was happy to share. After hearing about his life, and his mission, I had the idea to write about it, a struggle that neither I nor you, as a reader, would be able to understand. I was glad he gave me permission to share his story with all of you, and I am blessed to say that I have the privilege to tell the tale.
Growing up in Mumbai, a city where if you do not pace yourself, you will be out of the race, was a tough and challenging one. Santu had a childhood with only one goal in mind, to make his parents proud of him and support his family however he and his brothers could. His father, an honest, humble rickshaw driver, who would spend hours to make some sort of money in the Mumbai heat.
His parents made it clear to him and his brothers; there was no excuse not to go to Church. His parents taught them that with God, everything will work out”
With countless people always on the move, he would never have a break, and tried his best to make extra money, which included driving for almost 24 hours and sometimes even sleeping inside his vehicle. These are moments I realise that what I thought was struggle, wasn’t a struggle, but a privileged complaint.
His mother who also contributed to the family by being a helper in different houses, struggled with hardship and both only had one goal, which was to see their children grow up to be successful and humble people. His parents made it clear to him and his brothers; there was no excuse not to go to Church. His parents taught them that with God, everything will work out, and this is a motto he keeps with him today.
The parents’ commitment and sheer hardworking mentality, helped Santu get the education he deserved. He ended up working with three of India’s major banks and is now completing his master’s education here in Ireland. Santu has seen it all, and whenever I have a chat with him, he always mentions leading young people in missionary work is his key goal. He prays for everyone to come together with Christ and he believes that the youth are ready to start digital evangelisation and help the Church go further in its mission. Santu has shared one of his many beautiful testimonies with The Irish Catholic, which will give you a sense of what this all means to him.
“On my 25th birthday, when everyone was pouring in with wishes, my thoughts unexpectedly turned to the struggles and challenges my parents faced, as we were quite poor. Poverty is not a great experience. During Mass on my birthday, I thought about my dad going through stress and worry when he was unable to feed us. I recalled the difficult times my parents went through, which enabled us to receive a good education, and I always wonder what the state of those who don’t have that opportunity today.”
Congregation
“After the Mass, I spoke to a nun from the congregation of Helpers of Mary who was my friend’s cousin and who was serving at an orphanage. I shared this idea with her that was running on my mind, which was the desire to spend time with underprivileged children and help them in small ways, especially with their education, by providing books, pens, and pencils and other stationary items for their studies.
“That evening, I was granted an appointment at the orphanage, which was usually very difficult to get due to their tight schedule. By His grace, I got an opportunity to spend my evening with these kids, who sang spiritual hymns and a regional song related to birthday celebration with such enthusiasm and energetic way that the moment still lives in my memory.
“After returning home, I kept thinking about the children and asking myself: if one person can bring a cheerful moment who has no one, can I do more by bringing together others who are like-minded? This question stayed with me, especially during the Eucharistic Celebration and while spending time with Jesus at the Blessed Sacrament.
It has now been five years since this journey began and was only possible due to Fr Ivan D’Souza SJ who is the central figure in our outreach”
“An answer came when my friend insisted on a rural camp organised by a Jesuit priest, which I was not planning on attending. But as God always has a perfect plan, a seed was planted. Today, we regularly come together to reflect on how we can share our knowledge by assisting children academically. Most importantly, we spend a day with them to help them understand how valuable education is in building a better society, so that they are motivated not to drop out.
“It has now been five years since this journey began and was only possible due to Fr Ivan D’Souza SJ who is the central figure in our outreach, along with Bro. Roshan SJ and Bro. Ambrose SJ.”
Love
Santu’s love and trust in God has made him reach this far in life. He is someone that never gives up, wants to make his family proud, and continues to find the passion to show the world that nothing comes easy – and that we as Catholics need to come together to share peace, joy, love, and harmony. Santu’s journey is one of belief and trust, and I hope and pray that he spreads more positivity in an already negative world. It is also a wonderful opportunity to tell his parents that they should be proud of their son. God bless!