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
