Alberto de la Portilla 
Hello everyone,
Here is a video on Integral Ecology training given by Father Juan Goicochea for the Comboni Lay Missionaries of America, which we are now sharing so that everyone can benefit from it.
It is a very good introduction to this field.
We wish you all a fruitful learning experience. (The audio is in Spanish).
From March 23 to 28, the GEC – São Luís (Comboni Spirituality Group) held spirituality meetings in all the communities of the Parish of São Daniel Comboni, located in the Vila Embratel neighborhood, São Luís – MA. The theme of the meetings was: The Cross of Jesus and Comboni are a preparation for the Triduum of the Birth of St. Daniel Comboni, our patron saint, to be held from March 13 to 15 in our parish.
It was an enriching moment for both the members of the GEC and our parishioners, because, in addition to further strengthening our faith, it made us stronger and more persevering in the mission of continuing the dream of St. Daniel Comboni.
Maxima Abreu, Coordinator of the GEC – São Luís.
From February 28 to March 1, the Comboni Lay Missionaries of Guatemala experienced a retreat full of grace and fraternal encounter at Casa Comboni, a place that became our spiritual home during these days of reflection, prayer, and missionary renewal, all under the spiritual guidance of Father Damien Bruyel, who accompanied us every moment with his teachings, closeness, and missionary spirit.
It was a special time to pause in the midst of our daily activities and return to the essentials: listening to the voice of God, strengthening our missionary vocation, and growing as a community.
One of the central themes of the retreat was to deepen our understanding of Mary as Woman, Mother, and Missionary. Through reflection, we discovered how her generous “yes” continues to be a model for those of us who are called to proclaim the Gospel. Mary teaches us to trust, to serve with humility, and to walk even when we do not fully understand God’s plan.
We also meditated on Saint Mary Queen, recognizing her as a loving guide who accompanies our mission and strengthens our faith in times of difficulty.
Another theme that illuminated the retreat was contemplating Mary as the star of evangelization, the one who always points to Christ. We were reminded that evangelizing is not only proclaiming with words, but living the Gospel with consistency, joy, and daily dedication.
We also reflected on the mission of the prophet, understanding that every missionary is called to be a voice of hope, justice, and love in today’s world. Being a prophet means first listening to God and then proclaiming Him with courage.
The theme “Fishing with Jesus” invited us to renew our trust in Him, remembering that the mission does not depend solely on our strength, but on allowing ourselves to be guided by His word. Just as the disciples cast their nets trusting in Jesus, we too are sent to row out into the deep.
Beyond the teachings, the retreat was a space to strengthen bonds as a community and as a missionary family. We shared moments of joy, dialogue, and fraternity that renewed our sense of belonging and common commitment.
Each encounter, each prayer, and each conversation reminded us that the mission is best lived when we walk together.
On Saturday night, we experienced a deeply moving Way of the Cross, commemorating the passion and death of Jesus Christ, a moment of silence and contemplation that touched our hearts greatly.
In addition, we had the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. Confessions were a spiritual gift that allowed us to humbly present our lives to the Lord, seeking to have a clean soul ready to receive his graces, with a sincere desire to walk toward holiness.
This retreat was not an ending, but a new beginning. We returned to our communities renewed, strengthened, and with hearts ready to continue proclaiming the Gospel with joy, trusting that God continues to work in each one of us.
As St. Daniel Comboni reminds us:
“Save Africa with Africa.”
St. Daniel Comboni, pray for us.
LMC Guatemala
Joint weekend of the CLM with Fathers Günther and Hubert to prepare for the National Catholic Meeting in Würzburg
From February 27 to March 1, at the Comboni Missionaries’ house in Nuremberg, we worked on the theme of the National Catholic Meeting, “BE COURAGEOUS! GET UP!”
On Friday and Saturday, we focused on the concrete preparation in terms of organization and content for the Comboni Family pavilion. We received statements from friends of the Comboni Family worldwide on the question: What gives me the strength to get up (always)? These should be visible at the stand, as well as the spirituality, commitment, and projects of the Comboni Family. The doll “Danielle,” handmade by Brigitte, should encourage passersby to reflect on what gives them the strength to get up—perhaps in this way we can make contact with them.
For families with small children, a small booklet was created with suggestions on how the family can follow the path of Jesus.
It was a weekend of constructive and creative work. We are looking forward to the days in Würzburg and hope for fruitful encounters.
At the final Eucharistic celebration on Sunday, we exchanged detailed ideas about the biblical passage from the Gospel of Mark (Mk 10:46-52) that is behind the theme.
Perhaps we will see each other in Nuremberg?
CLM, Germany
That, as the Comboni Family, we may seek out those far from the faith and be instruments of en-counter with the Lord Jesus and the Gospel of life, in every part of the world. Let us pray.
