The CLM in Brazil went back to the origins of their vocation, update the directory and assess progress made throughout 2014.
“In short, who is the missionary? Short, short, it is the one who transmit the love of God for others in order to become disciples”. On the first day of the annual meeting, which began on December 5, the Comboni Lay Missionaries (CLM) in Brazil were able to return to the origins of their vocation by reflecting with the Provincial Fr. Alcides. Which emphasized the importance of the church to encounter people and ask what the Spirit speaks to such a complex reality today. The provincial of the Comboni Missionaries in Brazil – which cited several times the II Vatican Council and the Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis “The joy of the Gospel” – wanted to remember that “every place is a land of mission and who saves is Christ, not the church”.
The meeting included several Brazilian CLM – João, Lourdes, Guilherma, Valdeci, Adélia – three Italians – Emma, Valentina and Marco – and a Paraguayan, Alejo. In the afternoon came also Father Adriano, who was appointed as the MCCJ representative for the laity.
Another important theme of the meeting was to review the Directory of the CLM in Brazil, which is a document that was written almost 20 years ago and was in need of an update. Among other things, the board now anticipates the arrival of CLM from other countries and defines the modalities of cooperation with the other provinces in these cases.
The meeting, as always, was also an opportunity to learn more about the performance of the various CLM both in Brazil and in other countries: Mozambique, Peru, Rondônia, in Nova Comtagem (MG), in Itauna and other cities (APAC). Also announced the availability of the Mozambican CLM to receive Guilherma, Brazilian CLM, already next year. Among songs and dynamics in the afternoon was also made a report on the economy of the CLM.
The meeting was also an opportunity for the CLM to share the progress during 2014 in a more informal way, lunching and dining together at the Comboni House of Nova Comtagem. This Saturday, December 6, will be the second and final day of the meeting, with a very rich agenda: The schedule for the next biennium, the report on the meeting in Guatemala and the situation of the laity in Açailândia (MA) Adélia, the choice of the CLM coordinator in Brazil, reflections with the psychologist Richardson and other matters.
CLM Brazil