We leave you a video about Carapira. Shows the reality of the industrial school, the presence of the Comboni family and in particular about the work of our dear CLM international community.
Alberto de la Portilla
A new candidate arrives
THUS SAYS THE LORD: Behold my servant -I receive- in him my soul delights, I the Lord have called thee for justice and took you by the hand, have formed you and I did so as covenant of the people, starlight for nations, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison, shows those who live in darkness.
After meeting the group of CLM, have made an experience for two months training in our community and mission of Ipê Amarelo in 2013, Valdir Moreira returned to his hometown to reflect and hear more clearly the call of God on his life.
Our reality is a challenge in every way, I think every mission field has its challenges! So do not always expect the return of those who come here for the missionary journey.
But when you put your ear to the heart of the Father who is always calling laborers into the vineyard, urban violence, work, community life, in short, the challenges are small compared to the baptismal commitment.
Jesus crossing the Jordan River leaves father, mother and begins his mission, Jesus stands in the queue of men.
In the footsteps of Jesus, after reflecting Valdir sets out to serve, passes through the State of São Paulo and reaches the state of Minas Gerais.
The footprints of Jesus in Ipê Amarelo
After the party receiving comes time to put their hands to the plow!
Starts training hike, the first meeting started already in the early days of his arrival.
Father Jorge Padovan, our spiritual director is made available to encourage and guide once again a new vocation CLM. Let us pray the God of hope and life under the intercession of St. Daniel Comboni and Our Lady Aparecida to continue pouring blessings on all.
Valdir has also begun working for financial aid, as laymen we live of our sustenance, not to mention those who help us in this way, including offering paying jobs.
By Maria Lourdes Vieira
A nomadic population
In our parish we are in constant contact with about 4,000 pygmy-Aka people who are nomadic by nature: cross borders and change of habitat constantly making difficult our work with them, but we must respect their vital rhythms dictated by the nature around them if you want to work with them. But in these times of crisis, more than ever, I realize that the Bantu population also has an unimaginable mobility: crossing borders without papers or passports, change of family, of village with an ease that makes me suspicious that it isn´t a desire to travel or sightseeing … they are moving from one place to another because of poverty, family instability or dramatic situation in the country.
An illustration will serve as a sample. In October 2010 we made the census of Christians in our communities; now, three years later, we are electing new leaders and we wanted to see that census. The community of St. Augustine had 178 baptized three years ago, today has only 76: 12 died in recent years, 25 has fled as refugees, 32 are moved to another region, 15 changed their religion … in every community something similar happens. St. Kizito had 173 and now there are 78, St. Charles Lwanga had 189 baptized and now there are 111. More than half of the population has changed housing and lifestyle in just three years.
At present about 20% of our population is displaced in neighbors Congo Democratic and Congo-Brazzaville or in another Province of the country … In the meantime we continue with the refugee camp of Batalimo that houses 7,500 Congolese for past three years.
The image that characterizes Africa is people on the go, people from one place to another… Migration is not new, and at the time our ancestors “homo erectus” and “homo habilis” they migrated from Africa to Europe and Asia giving rise to white and Asian people. Yes, although many do not like the idea, the origin of mankind is in Africa, from there we proceed… Africa remains a reserve of life. Let us see if the West would take a benign view on the land of our ancestors.
Africa is moving, Africa is a nomadic continent. Move with Africa!
Jesus Ruiz, MCCJ in Mongoumba. Central African Republic
I’m sending you…
Among the many celebrations and important events that have recently experienced the Comboni Family, was also the official sending of father Maciej Zielinski, who finally is going in mission. He was responsible for the Comboni Lay Missionaries in Poland. Last Sunday Bishop Jan Piotrowski officially sent him and gave him his pastoral blessing for the time of missionary work. Father Maciej from January 1 officially belongs to the Province of Kenya, where he will spend the next few years, working and helping those who need it most.
The celebration of sending took place in his parish- in Tarnów, where family, friends, Comboni Missionaries and Comboni Lay Missionaries attained.
“If someone knows Christ cannot keep it for him or her, but must proclaim Him” – emphasized Bishop Piotrowski. Therefore, Maciek decided that he wants to share his experience of God with those who have not met Him yet, those who have not reached the Gospel yet.
Father Maciej was responsible for the animation of vocations and work with youth for the past few years in Poland. Looking at the number of young people involved in help for the missions, you can freely say that this stay was very fruitful. And although Father Maciej understood young people and you can see that was finding in this work, he still missed Africa, to work on the Black Continent. Now, finally, it fills. And although we are a little sad, we are happy with him.
Each of us owes much to Maciek. As Comboni Lay Missionaries Movement we want to thank you for the time and commitment to our Movement in Poland. For father Maciek kindled enthusiasm and love for the mission. We thank you for every smile, good word, because you were for us like a “father”. We could always come, talk and get a help and solution.
“If a missionary feels alone in the mission, it means that we are not a community, we are not the Church”- said during the homily Bishop Piotrowski. Prayer is very important in missionary work, because it makes you feel the unity of the whole Church and gives the feeling that we are a true community of believers. This call to pray for Fr Maciek, but also for the whole missionary work of the Church, let us will collapse deep in our hearts, and this request will not remain unanswered.
Polish CLM group
Recent events in Ghana:
- Golden jubilee of MCCJ arrival in the province.
It is now 50 years that the MCCJ came in the province. The climax of the event was the mass at the cathedral of Lome (Togo) on the 19th January. We were represented by two of our members Mr Avorgbedor Promise and Mrs Kumazah Fidelia. The General Father of MCCJ, Fr Sanchez was also present as his visit he pays to the province.
2. Our presence at MCCJ general assembly.
The priests and brothers of the Comboni family in the province met at Lome from Monday 20th to Friday 24th January for their annual general assembly. We were present on Thursday to present our 2013 report. The report was presented by Justin Nougnui the coordinator of the group. He briefed the Assembly about what we have done in 2013 and what we are planning to do in this new year. I was accompanied by Mr Seade Wisdom, administrator of In My Father’s House who said a word about the Institution. The third person, Mr Azumah Vivien, a youth (whose formation we are in charge of) was just introduced. During a pause, a family picture was taken. It is the second time such report is made and I am happy that we had that opportunity to let ourselves known. May God help us to become truly ‘the most efficient way to lead people to the true faith’.
3. Our 10th meeting this 25th Jan.
a) As usual now, we started by meeting the youth at IMFH. The topic this time is to let them be aware about the various branches of course they can read in the tertiary institution and the skills they have acquired up till now that can help them for the future. The theme was presented by Mr Abotsi James (newly appointed assistant secretary). For the next time, the theme will concern an aspect of a Christian life.
b) In our main meeting, we plan for the year, the various activities in which we can go through during the year. As part of it is a meeting in February with some teachers for CLM vocation promotion. In March, we will go for retreat to be nourished spiritually in the Lenten season.
c) We finished the main part of our constitution. On this 25th Jan, 2014 the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul, apostle we promulgate officially the rules that all of us abide with as members of CLM. Our chaplain, Rev. Fr Joseph Rabbiosi was present for the circumstance. After a small prayer, he blessed us and signed the promulgation act. He was followed in this signature by the coordinator. I remind you that we are already registered as a juridical body on the last 8th Jan of this year.
I am very happy for the way God is leading us. May his love be upon us as our hope is in Him.
Justin Nougnui, coordinator.
