Here is the training session presented by Father Jorge Alberto Benavides, mccj. In it, he discusses Pope Leo XIV’s letter for the centennial of Domund, which we are celebrating this year.
CLM America
(The session is in Spanish.)
We Returned to Manzanillo to Continue Rowing in Peter’s Boat
On July 4, as Comboni Lay Missionaries, we had the joy of returning once again to the community of Manzanillo to continue sharing the mission, our faith, and our closeness with our brothers and sisters.
In the morning, we held a pediatric medical clinic, where we were able to care for the youngest members of the community. It was an opportunity for service, listening, and companionship, during which we provided medical care, diagnoses, and medication. Each child we cared for reminded us of the importance of a mission that proclaims the Gospel not only with words but also through concrete gestures of love and care.
Seeing the families arrive with trust and hope filled our hearts. As a missionary community, we understand that serving is also a way of evangelizing, especially when God’s love is made present in caring for those who need it most.
In the afternoon, we gathered with the adults of the community to reflect together on the theme “Peter’s Boat.” This moment invited us to recognize that we are all called to board that boat which is the Church—a boat that sometimes faces strong winds, weariness, or uncertainty, but which continues to move forward because Christ is with us.
In the midst of our reflection, we also shared a very special and fraternal moment: we baked an “impossible cake” together. More than just a recipe, it was an experience of connection, teamwork, and shared joy. In the end, the cake was shared among the members of the community, becoming a simple yet profound sign of communion.
This visit reminded us that mission is built step by step, through constant presence, listening, service, and small gestures that speak of God’s love. Manzanillo continues to be for us a place of encounter, learning, and hope.
We give thanks to God for allowing us to return, for every child we served, for every family we welcomed, for every smile shared, and for the opportunity to continue walking alongside this community.
As St. Daniel Comboni said: “The mission is carried out on one’s knees.”
May every visit, every act of service, and every fraternal gesture help us continue rowing together in Peter’s Boat, always trusting that Christ guides our mission.
CLM Guatemala
Final meeting of the year for the CLM in Poland
The last formation meeting of the CLM in Poland took place this year over the weekend of June 19-21. It was a combined meeting for new candidates discerning their vocation and for the ongoing formation of Comboni Lay Missionaries. As always, there was time for prayer and Mass, but also many other interesting meetings and activities.
We heard the testimonies of Iza and Marzena – our CLM members serving in Kenya on two different missions. Iza works in the newly established mission in Chelopoy, and Marzenka in Kitelakapel, which was the CLM’s first international mission in Kenya. They shared with us their missionary activities. Meetings with our missionaries are always incredibly enriching.
We also had an online meeting with Father Maciek Zieliński, a Comboni missionary who has been with the CLP since its beginning in Poland. He told us about the beginnings of the Movement in Poland, which began with individual lay people who harbored a missionary desire in their hearts, and the openness of the Comboni Missionaries who agreed to accompany them in their discernment and formation. Father Maciek, who has extensive experience with the CLM in Poland, Kenya, and currently in the USA, emphasized the importance of proper discernment during formation.
As on every meeting, we also had a catechesis on St. Daniel Comboni. Since we had new people among us, we wanted to introduce them to the figure and story of our founder. Then we focused on the characteristics of St. Daniel, which we discussed together. We also talked about the congregations he founded and about the CLM. We also addressed our own activities, showing how living Comboni’s charism, modeling his approach, and learning lessons from his actions helps us in our missionary work and in fulfilling our missionary vocation.
There was also time for community building, as we did during the Saturday barbecue 🙂
CLM Poland
Prayer Intentions of the Comboni Family July 2026
We pray for the victims of trafficking: that the Lord break the chains of their slavery, and that, through the intercession of Saint Daniel Comboni and Saint Josephine Bakhita, we may all fight with courage and tenacity against this scourge. Let us pray.
Life is a Mission
Dear Comboni Lay Missionaries and all the People of God.
The mission continues! For the past three months, I have been on mission in Piquiá, Açailândia, in the state of Maranhão, where I work at the Rural Family Home (CFR), which serves students in their first, second, and third years of high school—mostly the children of farmers who, in addition to theoretical instruction, learn hands-on skills in agriculture, vegetable gardening, fruit growing, fish farming, animal husbandry, and beekeeping.
I see this as very important and necessary work so that our young people can continue to live on the land and provide for their families.
On weekends, I’m joining the activities of the Santa Luzia Parish in Piquiá, and will soon begin to get involved in pastoral work.
I always count on the prayers of each one of you to give me the strength to continue on this journey.
A big hug to everyone.
Tito, Comboni Lay Missionary.
