America – Comboni Lay Missionaries

Mission in Arauca

21 July, 2026 by Alberto de la Portilla

Under the motto “Let’s Make La Esmeralda the Land of the Virgin,” a pilgrimage begins through the various villages that make up La Esmeralda.

From May 17 through July 15, these villages are supported through the prayer of the Rosary, Marian catechesis, and lectio divina, which includes prayer and reflection.

Visits are made to families and the sick in the various areas, bringing a message of hope, faith, and love, rooted in the Comboni charism. This helps the villages maintain bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood and deepen their faith.

For us as missionaries, every activity is a process of learning and constant human and spiritual growth.

From June 12 to 15, 2026, we experienced a time of faith, fellowship, and renewal during the National Spiritual Retreat for Comboni Lay Missionaries in Arauca.

These were days to pause, listen to God’s voice, strengthen our spirituality, and share—as a missionary family—the call to serve with love and commitment.

Every moment we lived, every reflection we shared, and every fraternal encounter reminded us that the mission springs from a heart that allows itself to be transformed by God.

In our workshop with older adults, we reflected on “The Treasure of Our Life,” recognizing that every experience, every lesson, and every story we’ve lived is a gift from God that enriches our families and communities.

More than just reminiscing about the past, it was a time to give thanks for the journey we’ve taken, to strengthen our faith, and to discover that the true treasure lies in shared love, enduring hope, and God’s presence at every stage of life.

Janet and Jenny, CLM Colombia

One in Christ, united in Mission

9 July, 2026 by Alberto de la Portilla

Here is the training session presented by Father Jorge Alberto Benavides, mccj. In it, he discusses Pope Leo XIV’s letter for the centennial of Domund, which we are celebrating this year.

CLM America

Domund Letter

(The session is in Spanish.)

We Returned to Manzanillo to Continue Rowing in Peter’s Boat

7 July, 2026 by Alberto de la Portilla

On July 4, as Comboni Lay Missionaries, we had the joy of returning once again to the community of Manzanillo to continue sharing the mission, our faith, and our closeness with our brothers and sisters.

In the morning, we held a pediatric medical clinic, where we were able to care for the youngest members of the community. It was an opportunity for service, listening, and companionship, during which we provided medical care, diagnoses, and medication. Each child we cared for reminded us of the importance of a mission that proclaims the Gospel not only with words but also through concrete gestures of love and care.

Seeing the families arrive with trust and hope filled our hearts. As a missionary community, we understand that serving is also a way of evangelizing, especially when God’s love is made present in caring for those who need it most.

In the afternoon, we gathered with the adults of the community to reflect together on the theme “Peter’s Boat.” This moment invited us to recognize that we are all called to board that boat which is the Church—a boat that sometimes faces strong winds, weariness, or uncertainty, but which continues to move forward because Christ is with us.

In the midst of our reflection, we also shared a very special and fraternal moment: we baked an “impossible cake” together. More than just a recipe, it was an experience of connection, teamwork, and shared joy. In the end, the cake was shared among the members of the community, becoming a simple yet profound sign of communion.

This visit reminded us that mission is built step by step, through constant presence, listening, service, and small gestures that speak of God’s love. Manzanillo continues to be for us a place of encounter, learning, and hope.

We give thanks to God for allowing us to return, for every child we served, for every family we welcomed, for every smile shared, and for the opportunity to continue walking alongside this community.

As St. Daniel Comboni said: “The mission is carried out on one’s knees.”

May every visit, every act of service, and every fraternal gesture help us continue rowing together in Peter’s Boat, always trusting that Christ guides our mission.

CLM Guatemala

Prayer Intentions of the Comboni Family July 2026

2 July, 2026 by Alberto de la Portilla

We pray for the victims of trafficking: that the Lord break the chains of their slavery, and that, through the intercession of Saint Daniel Comboni and Saint Josephine Bakhita, we may all fight with courage and tenacity against this scourge. Let us pray.

Life is a Mission

1 July, 2026 by Alberto de la Portilla

Dear Comboni Lay Missionaries and all the People of God.

The mission continues! For the past three months, I have been on mission in Piquiá, Açailândia, in the state of Maranhão, where I work at the Rural Family Home (CFR), which serves students in their first, second, and third years of high school—mostly the children of farmers who, in addition to theoretical instruction, learn hands-on skills in agriculture, vegetable gardening, fruit growing, fish farming, animal husbandry, and beekeeping.

I see this as very important and necessary work so that our young people can continue to live on the land and provide for their families.

On weekends, I’m joining the activities of the Santa Luzia Parish in Piquiá, and will soon begin to get involved in pastoral work.

I always count on the prayers of each one of you to give me the strength to continue on this journey.

A big hug to everyone.

Tito, Comboni Lay Missionary.