Comboni Lay Missionaries

Closing a year full of blessings

LMC Guatemala

During this year, we have shared meaningful experiences as a community, both in our formation and gatherings, as well as in our missionary days, in which we seek to bring to life what we have learned in these formations, as well as what God has sown with our collaboration through our personal prayer and our sacramental life.

In the Community of León El Manzanillo, we have had the opportunity to bring the Word of God through the themes we share on the first Saturday of each month, in our missionary days, and also through moments of prayer for those who face health problems or other difficulties, during home visits. The workshops we have given have also been a valuable tool for community members, promoting integral development, which fills us with joy.

In this community, on Saturday, November 8, we addressed the theme of conversion, preparing ourselves spiritually for Advent and encouraging the community’s active participation in Sunday Eucharist. That same day, in the afternoon, we organized a practical workshop in which we learned how to make small bread rolls known as donuts. This activity was an opportunity to spend time together in a different way, creating a very pleasant and joyful atmosphere.

Later, on Monday, December 8, we participated with great devotion in a Solemn Eucharist in honor of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

Later, on Sunday, December 14, we enthusiastically celebrated Comboni Lay Missionary Day. The day began with Holy Mass, presided over by Father Juan Diego Calderón. Then we shared a delicious breakfast of tamales that filled our bodies and hearts with energy.

The rest of the day was spent laughing, chatting, and participating in various activities that helped us strengthen our community bonds. Of course, we couldn’t miss out on a delicious lunch, which marked another special moment to share and celebrate with gratitude.

We thank our Good Father God for everything we have experienced during this year. The experiences he granted us not only nourished our personal and community growth, but also had a positive impact on the lives of our brothers and sisters.

Comboni Lay Missionaries of Guatemala

How can we achieve peace?

Paz
Paz

As we approach the end of the year, our CLM brothers and sisters in Germany are offering us the posters they have created to promote peace. This is an initiative that we must always support.

One of the activities they carry out in Germany is the promotion of peace. These posters are offered free of charge to teachers, educators, and Christian communities.

We cannot falter in this endeavor.

The Prince of Peace was born in Bethlehem so that we may all live as brothers and sisters.

Merry Christmas, may peace reign throughout the world.

Jonas: mirror of our escapes

LMC Gana

As planned in the programme of the year, we gathered in Ghana to have the Advent recollection. But, from a day in the Action Plan, we spread our gathering to cover three days for three main reasons. First, to have our recollection on the 13th December. Second, in order to be at Mafi-Kumase early for the recollection, we needed to be there on the 12th. And thirdly, to do vocation promotion at the parish where we met for the recollection.

In the evening of Friday, 12th December, Daniel, Christian, Elisabeth and Justin gathered at Good Shepherd Catholic Church of Mafi-Kumase and entered in the mood of recollection. We were joined later by Valentine. On Saturday, the 13th after the Holy Mass and breakfast, we had our first talk which was given to each one to read individually and reflect upon. It was a topic prepared by Fr. Manuel Joao Pereira Correia, mccj, which our chaplain gave to us to reflect upon. The title was Jonas: Mirror of our escapes. It was so meditative and Fr. Joao always left a question at the end of each subtopic to lead us in our meditation. An inspiring part of the topic was where father Joao quoted a theologian who said that the Lord is «The God of thousand surprises». He continued saying that ‘He even goes before us on the paths that lead us away from Him, in order to set a ‘trap’ for us so that we fall into his arms’. Indeed, that was what happened to Jonas when he was fleeing from the service that God entrusted to him.

In the afternoon, we had the second talk entitled ‘Inspired by Christian hope, let us live out our prophetic calling’ which our chaplain, Father Ephrem, mccj, shared with us. ‘One who hopes, he said, lives different life’. And our hope, he said, quoting a pope, is rooted in Jesus and Jesus is our hope. The prophet, according to father Ephrem, has three functions: talk in the name of God, denounce (the wrong doings) and suggest (new ways).

After the second talk, we had the celebration of the Sacrament of Conversion followed by the prayer of the Holy Rosary. In the night of that Saturday, we started a discussion on the Questionnaires that the African Committee sent to the various groups in Africa.

On Sunday, during mass, we were invited to share our vocation reality with the parishioners. Few got closer to us at the end showing interest to join us.

After lunch, we had a handing over ceremony. Justin who has been playing double role as National Coordinator of Ghana and Provincial Coordinator (Togo-Ghana-Benin) passed the service of the National Coordinator to Christian. Other members present were invited to pray upon the new National Coordinator. The Chaplain also prayed upon him and blessed him for the service the group and God have entrusted to him.

After this ceremony, we participated in the Zoom Meeting that gathered all the CLM worldwide to celebrate The International CLM Day before departing from Mafi-Kumase.

Justin Nougnui, CLM.

CLM Weekend for International CLM Day 2025

LMC Alemania

On the third weekend of Advent, we deliberately took time with our children and some friends to celebrate Advent together and observe International CLM Day. It was wonderful to be guests of the Comboni Missionaries in Nuremberg again.

On Saturday morning, we held an Advent meditation under the guidance of Brigitte. (see photo) The message was that Jesus is the most important thing at Christmas and in our lives, and that is why the Jesus candle belongs in the center. With Him and through Him, we can walk paths, even unknown and new ones. From this, life grows (green branches), we can bear fruit (apples), and reach people’s hearts.

Afterwards, we made wooden lanterns or painted pictures. After a walk to the playground, we experienced the fascinating light show “Genesis.”
In the evening, we enjoyed a cozy Advent atmosphere with songs, texts, stories, and homemade baked apples. The highlight and conclusion was a group Mass with Father Günther, with the children actively participating.

It was wonderful! May Comboni continue to inspire us and encourage us to be missionaries.

CLM, Germany