For the Comboni Missionary Sisters who are celebrating their Inter-Capitular Assembly: so that, inspired by the breath of the Spirit, they may live this event as a kairós in the process of reconfiguration that they are now. Lord, hear us.
Europe
Casa Familiar Rural de Açailândia celebrates its 20th anniversary
On the evening of Friday, September 26, Casa Familiar Rural de Açailândia (CFR) held the 13th edition of its traditional Peasant Philosophy Night. This annual celebration aims to highlight the knowledge and awareness of the peasant people.
The event, organized by the school’s pedagogical coordination, administration, and student body, had as its theme this year “CFR, 20 Years Planting Knowledge and Harvesting Wisdom: rural education, youth, and family farming.” The evening was filled with memorable moments, such as the opening ceremony, the reading of the speech by the Comboni Missionary from Congo, Father Joseph Mumbere, the artistic presentation by the first-year class, and the awarding of agricultural technician degrees to the graduates, followed by a spectacular fireworks display accompanied by tears and hugs.
The Rural Family Houses, a model that originated in France and was brought to Brazil in the late 1960s, are structured around alternating pedagogy, general and technical training, and family succession. The CFR in Açailândia was founded by Comboni Lay Missionaries in 2001, welcoming its first classes of young people from the countryside in 2005. Despite facing many challenges, it has already trained more than 200 students, children of the peasant class from various municipalities in the region.
Xoancar, CLM
Mission in Kenya
First Steps on Kenyan Soil
At the beginning of June, I landed in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. It was here that my missionary journey began – full of new challenges, learning, and encounters with people who quickly became like a second family to me. I spent the first weeks in the Provincial House of the Comboni Missionaries, where I immediately experienced the great openness and warmth of the Comboni Fathers and the community of Lay Comboni Missionaries. Thanks to their heartfelt welcome, I felt at home, which gave me courage and hope for the next stages of my mission.
Learning the Language and First Trips
One of the first challenges was the intensive study of English. Every new word opened doors for me to better understand the culture and to build deeper relationships with the people among whom I now live.
In June, an Italian missionary, Giula, joined me. Together, on the very same day, we set off for Kiteakapel – a small missionary station in the northwest of Kenya. This place, run by an international community, allowed me to see the simplicity of life, the difficulties of everyday existence, and at the same time the great hospitality and openness of the people. This experience will remain in my heart for a long time as a reminder of the great strength of community and of simple, sincere hearts.
Kariobangi – the Heart of Nairobi
The next stage was moving to Kariobangi – one of the poorest districts of Nairobi. This place is full of contrasts: alongside hardship and poverty, there is also the extraordinary energy and hope of the residents. In the parish, the Comboni Fathers and Comboni Sisters carry out their ministry. The Sisters run a vocational school for girls and a daycare center for the children of young mothers, while the Fathers are involved in pastoral care and youth animation.
The time I spent in Kariobangi was extremely valuable to me – both practically and spiritually. I saw how God works in everyday life, in simple gestures of kindness, and in sharing oneself with others.
A New Stage – Mikinduri
Since September, I have started the next stage of my mission and am now staying in Mikinduri. This new place presents me with further challenges, but also brings much joy and hope. Each day is an opportunity to get to know the local reality, to learn patience and openness, and to discover the beauty of diversity. I believe that every step of this journey leads me deeper – toward greater trust, toward better understanding, and toward true service to others.
Iza, CLM in Kenya
Missionary Meeting October 2025
A new school year is beginning, and with it comes the opportunity to embark on a missionary journey.
The CLM group in Spain is organizing a meeting for all those interested. As in Spain, many other countries are open to accompanying all those with missionary concerns.
So, if you are one of them, don’t hesitate to write and ask if we are present in your country, and we will pass on your contact details to the coordination team so that you can begin your missionary journey.
Here is the announcement for this first meeting in Spain at the end of October.
There are moments that change everything… and this October could be one of them.
- If you feel restless,
- If something inside you pushes you to go further,
- If you believe that your life is not just for you…
Then this Missionary Vocation Meeting is for you.
From October 24 to 26, we invite you to a Missionary Vocation Meeting with the Comboni Lay Missionaries. A special moment to listen, discern, look at your life with missionary eyes, and ask yourself: What does God want from me?
- WHEN: October 24-26, 2025
- WHERE: Comboni Missionaries. C/Arturo Soria 101. Madrid
- FOR WHOM: Young people and adults interested in the lay missionary vocation.
- REGISTRATION: https://cutt.ly/EncuentroMisioneroLMC2025
- MORE INFORMATION: 634281908 (Gonzalo)
News from the missionary experience in Kitelakapel
As we mentioned in previous post, Sunday on the missions is a very rich and intense day. Until noon, there is a solemn and long Mass filled with singing and dancing. It begins with a dancing procession of girls and women dressed in beautiful costumes. A similar procession is also repeated with the offerings. At the same time, lay missionary Linda leads Sunday school for children and at the end of Mass, she also enters the procession with the children for a blessing. Immediately after Mass, we had a meeting of the men’s community in the garden next to the chapel. At the same time, in one of the family homes, some of us participated in a mourning gathering for the loss of a family member. About 50 people from the area attended.
Monday is the community day of the Comboni Lay Missionaries. Four of us went shopping at the market and supermarket. On the way, we stopped at beautiful waterfalls. We were delighted that the community representatives showed us the vestibule of paradise!
On Tuesday, Linda organized and led French lessons for Neema and Leszek. After the lesson, we went to the health center where the lay missionary Marzena works. There, Malwina was able to share her talents by professionally rehabilitating the girl after a complex orthopedic surgery. The girl’s mother was also able to discuss her health situation and receive practical rehabilitation tips.
On the following days, we visited two schools where classes were led by lay missionaries Linda and Pius. Today, we participated in activities at the preschool and a neighboring school. We learned about community life by preparing and eating meals together.
The evening community prayer, prepared daily by different people, brings us solace and gives us the strength to continue.
We are also particularly pleased with the enthusiasm of the preschoolers, children, and youth, as well as the adults. We wonder how long they can continue to show such immense kindness and enthusiasm over the next few days and weeks. There are surprises as we walk through the village of Kitelakapel, and from behind the fence we hear greetings, and sometimes someone calls our name!
Greetings and we join in prayer
Malwina and Leszek (CLM Poland)
