Peru

As Comboni Lay Missionaries of Peru, we lift our hearts to God and give thanks for the beautiful gift of experiencing our annual retreat on September 4, 5, and 6 in the city of Trujillo, in an atmosphere of fellowship, prayer, brotherhood, and deep reflection, accompanied by the MCCJ, Fr. David Nyinga Dunga. This retreat allowed us to step away from our daily activities to return to our hearts, listen to God’s voice, and renew the meaning of our missionary vocation. It was also a space to share our experiences, concerns, and hopes, strengthening our bonds as brothers and recognizing that we do not walk alone, but as a family called to serve.

In light of the encyclical *Dilexit te*, we were able to view the reality of poverty with fresh eyes. We came to understand that poverty is not limited to a lack of economic or material resources. There are also forms of spiritual, cultural, and social poverty that often remain hidden and may even be present within our own ecclesial communities.

This reflection has invited us to pause, to look with greater sensitivity, and to ask ourselves: Are we capable of recognizing our brother or sister who is suffering? Are we capable of drawing near to them and walking alongside them? Because when we learn to see with the eyes of the heart, we discover that behind every face there is a story, a need, and, above all, the presence of Jesus.

During these days, we have also reaffirmed the certainty that the face of the poor is the face of Christ. We are called to encounter God in the simple and everyday: in our families, at work, in our pastoral ministry, in our communities, and in every person with whom we share the journey.

But this gathering has also led us to look within and recognize our own shortcomings and frailties. We cannot approach others from a position of superiority or distance. We are brothers and sisters who need God and one another. That is why our mission springs from humility, empathy, solidarity, and a sincere desire to walk together.

Christ himself was born, lived, and died in poverty. He drew near to the little ones, the excluded, and those who suffered. He came as a poor man for the poor and showed us that true love is not merely words, but is transformed into service, self-giving, and closeness.

Saint Daniel Comboni deeply understood this call. He gave his life for the poorest and most forgotten peoples, convinced that the mission must be a concrete expression of God’s love. As Comboni Lay Missionaries, we wish to follow in his footsteps and make this charism our own, placing our lives at the service of evangelization and our brothers and sisters, especially those who most need our presence and solidarity.

As this retreat comes to a close, we carry in our hearts gratitude for what we have experienced, joy for the encounter, hope to continue on our journey, and the desire to renew our missionary commitment. We leave Trujillo with a renewed perspective on our mission, ready to recognize Jesus each day in our brothers and sisters—especially in those who suffer, feel alone, or experience various forms of poverty, and in those who look to us for a word of hope, a sense of closeness, and a helping hand.

May the Lord grant us the grace not to be indifferent to the suffering of our brothers and sisters. May He give us a simple, compassionate heart, ready to serve. And may we, following the example of St. Daniel Comboni, bring our charism to life and proclaim through our actions that the mission begins when we are able to love, serve, and walk alongside others.

Thank you, Lord, for this retreat, for our brothers and sisters, and for the gift of the missionary vocation! May we continue walking together, with faith, hope, and a Comboni heart.

CLM-PERU