Comboni Lay Missionaries

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Beyond the Language Barrier: Finding Connection in C.A.R.

by
LMC RCA

It has been just over two months since we arrived in the Central African Republic (C.A.R.). From the moment we landed, we were warmly welcomed at the airport by the Lay Comboni Missionaries (LMC) and the priest in charge. Since then, we have been journeying together in faith and service. In Bangui, we have been able to familiarize ourselves with the country as the Comboni family shows us around—from the bustling markets to the beauty of the capital. We have also had the privilege of accompanying the MCCJ (Comboni Missionaries) as they celebrate Mass in various locations.

A significant highlight of our stay in Bangui was the opportunity to meet with the three Comboni Bishops currently serving in C.A.R. Speaking with them gave us a deeper sense of the history and the strength of the Comboni mission, making us feel even more connected to the larger family we are now a part of.

Overcoming Barriers

Initially, the language barrier felt like a “blocking stone” between us and the local community. However, we are striving daily to bridge that gap. We are currently taking intensive French lessons while staying at the provincial house in Bangui, so that we can communicate more effectively and serve more deeply in the months to come.

Easter in Mongoumba

Because we arrived during Lent, the LMC invited us to celebrate Easter together as a family. During Holy Week, we traveled to Mongoumba, the heart of our mission. It felt wonderful to finally step onto the mission grounds and reconnect with the LMC and the local community.

The journey was filled with anticipation. When we were later asked about our impressions, we realized we each saw the experience through different lenses. Despite these different backgrounds, we were united by the lovely welcome we received from the Comboni Missionaries and the people of Mongoumba. Celebrating Easter with the local Christians was a gift; the worship, the dancing, the singing, and the vibrant sense of togetherness reminded us that, indeed, Christ has risen!

Even though the community in Mongoumba speaks the local language, Sango, which remains a barrier for us, the people still found ways to understand our presence and intentions. Each day offered a new opportunity to learn a few words from them, proving that connection often goes beyond spoken language.

Service at the Clinic

After Easter, we stayed an additional week to assist our teammate, Elia, as she prepared to return to Portugal. She managed the clinic and spent her final days guiding us through the operations, showing us the coordination with the neighboring hospital and the vital work being done with the Pygmy community and the wider population.

The experience at the clinic was deeply moving and, at times, difficult. Witnessing patients arrive for wound dressings and treatments allowed us to literally feel their pain. It was a somber, humbling moment for both of us to witness the raw reality of the mission and the work that lies ahead. While we focused on the hospital during this visit, we look forward to engaging with other mission activities soon. We also had the unique opportunity to participate in a Laudato Si’ workshop conducted for the Pygmy community.

Looking Ahead

Returning to Bangui was emotional, as it meant bidding farewell to Elia. It is difficult to say goodbye so soon, and as we watch her go, we are struck by the reality of the task ahead. Realizing that the continuity of this vital work now rests with us is both a humbling responsibility and a challenge we are preparing to meet with all our hearts.

To honor her time here, we held a small party to celebrate her many contributions. While it was hard to see her leave, we are deeply grateful to God for all she accomplished and we send her off with many blessings.

As we continue our French lessons, we are preparing for the next chapter. We know that learning Sango is our next great task, especially as Teresa will also be returning to her home country soon, passing her responsibilities on to us.

We are still learning from one another and growing as a team. Although the path is challenging, our hearts remain focused on the mission and the people we are here to serve.

Greetings to everyone, and peace be with you all.

Neema, CLM in CAR

One in Christ, United in Mission

by
LMC Mexico

The spiritual retreat for the CLM is very important; it helps us recognize what God is asking of each of us, it renews us when we need to make corrections in our lives, and it prepares us when we need to make decisions. Our spiritual director, Fr. Filomeno Ceja MCCJ, led the opening and closing of the retreat. He accompanied us through personal conversations; his advice is always spot-on and helps us make decisions both personally and as a group.

Mariana joined us virtually from the mission in Metlatónoc, Guerrero, to greet us; we continue to invite people to join the missionary project. She is very happy; it always brings us joy to see her so happy and increasingly integrated into the service she performs, following the work plan with the parish.

The monthly half-day retreat that we CLM hold in Mexico is very important; it prepares us and helps us better experience our annual three-day retreat, giving us time to be at the source and find God’s grace for ourselves. on this occasion our central theme was Pope Leo XIV’s message for DOMUND 2026, “One in Christ, United in Mission.” Fr. Héctor Manuel Peña MCCJ was the preacher; we had moments of prayer, reflection on the theme, personal reflection, lectio divina, sharing, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and the Eucharist, all of which helped us have a personal encounter with God.

Eight of us were able to attend: Daniel, Alejandra (widow), Cesar, Ana and Florencio (married couple), Hortensia, Adriana, and Beatriz. It has been very interesting to see how each of us is walking this path, the challenges to overcome, and the goal to reach. We regret that some of our companions could not be present due to work and study commitments; we kept them in our prayers, which always unite us.

Florencio and Ana made a one-year commitment to follow the CLM path during Sunday Mass at the San Francisco del Rincón community in Guanajuato; they have pledged to continue doing monthly missionary animation and to support formation. Daniel took on a personal task and will continue his growth within the group; Alejandra will be accompanied as she works through her personal situation; Cesar decided to leave the group; Adriana, Hortensia, and Beatriz will remain on the coordination team.

God continues to challenge us through our lay reality; returning to daily life and making our missionary commitment a living reality is not easy, but we know that “All things are possible for those who strengthen us,” convinced that we will continue moving forward together in our missionary commitment to evangelization.

CLM Mexico

Our Experience in Lima (Peru)

by
LMC Peru

After traveling quite a bit, we arrived in Lima, Peru. We were warmly welcomed by Mrs. Ana and Mr. Fisher from the CLM in Peru. It was the first time we had spent Holy Week away from our country and family.

We celebrated Palm Sunday at the chapel near our home. We enjoyed the songs and prayers. People were very happy to meet us. They gave us a brief moment to introduce ourselves.

On Good Friday, we went to the Pamplona neighborhood for the Stations of the Cross. It was a new experience. Everywhere we went, we shared food and joy.

On other days, we visited the families of the CLM members who live in Lima, and we also went to the scholastics’ house and the provincial house. We also visited downtown Lima to do some sightseeing and see some very beautiful places.

So far, we’re having a very good experience. We like the food in Peru. The climate suits us well. We’ve learned about the culture, about money, and how people pay for food and other things.

We’re currently studying hard to improve our Spanish. We want to learn Spanish well so we can provide the best missionary service possible. We’re learning a lot about the culture and history, and we’re also interacting well with the people.

Belinda, CLM in Peru