Blog – Comboni Lay Missionaries

My Vocation as a Comboni Lay Missionary

13 May, 2026 by Alberto de la Portilla

By Beatriz Maldonado Sánchez, CLM

Today, we can find countless options in the world. No matter how difficult our situation may seem, we have the opportunity to choose and follow a path and commit to a dream—a mission that allows us to break free from the social norms in which we were raised, educated, or forced to follow out of fear of what others might say. According to the options presented by my family, I had two choices for my vocation: “You get married or you go to a convent.”

Faced with this choice, I went through a vocational discernment process with the consecrated sisters, but I realized I didn’t feel called to religious life and thought I would get married—until I had the opportunity to learn about the vocation of the Comboni Lay Missionary (CLM) where, whether single or married, we could serve God by helping to build a world where His love reigns.

My name is Beatriz, and I’ll tell you a little about how my story changed when I met the CLM. I come from a Catholic family in Sahuayo; I grew up living my faith within my family, we actively participated in the apostolates held at the parish, and I was studying at the university. Everything was normal, until something changed in me when I was invited to participate in a Holy Week mission camp; it was the year 2000. I never imagined everything I would experience by saying “yes” to God. That week changed my story and my idea of starting a family. Thus, one of my childhood dreams—one that had been buried in my memory—was fulfilled: to go to Africa to help the children. God, who knows the innermost depths of our hearts, had rescued that desire. It had first emerged when I read the stories of the Comboni Missionaries in the magazine *Aguiluchos*, which we read with our catechist, Lolita.

I had always wanted to go on a mission trip during Holy Week; a friend invited me, and honestly, it brought me so much joy that, without hesitation, I committed to participating. Leaving my family wasn’t easy. Stepping out of my comfort zone was a step toward experiencing beautiful moments. Being in a place with people I didn’t know, doing things I’d never imagined and wasn’t used to, was a huge challenge that helped me develop the ability to adapt, recognizing God’s presence in others. Being with them as a layperson to share my experience of God—knowing that the values of the Gospel are universal—was what gave identity to my lay vocation within an indigenous community.

From that year on, it was impossible to stop living the mission. The experiences at different times of the year and for longer periods increased, a situation that brought me closer to the people and to living their day-to-day lives, sharing everything, enriching one another.

I received the proposal to go on mission outside the country, and upon saying “yes,” I began my formation in community; it was a period in which I refined my decision. So, after a long wait, I received a letter that said: “You will go on mission to Mozambique”; the letter arrived after my father’s death, an event that shook my life. Trusting in God, I set out on the mission; prayer and the support of my family strengthened me as I took the step I had to take.

Arriving in Africa was a dream come true. The people of Mozambique welcomed me with their warm hospitality and joy. I spent two days in Maputo, the country’s capital, waiting for the priest who would take me to Nampula. The CLM members who would be my companions picked me up and drove me to Carapira.

Thus began my missionary journey with people I came to know and with whom I formed bonds of friendship and family. This was very important to me because every day I became more convinced that I was not alone; first were my community and group companions, such as Martinho and Margarida, a CLM couple from Mozambique, who were great mentors to me and helped me correct my mistakes in the mission field.

Fortunately, there was also a community of Comboni priests and brothers who served the parish and the school, as well as the Comboni Sisters who cared for the girls at the boarding school. Together we formed the missionary team for the parish of Carapira. Each of us had our own activities, but we were united by prayer, the work plan, our time together, and even outings, which allowed us to get to know one another better.

I lived at the Carapira Industrial Technology Institute (ITIC), which is amazing—the welcome message really made you feel at home: “Making the school one big family.” That’s exactly what it was—we all managed to center our lives around what was happening at ITIC; it provided us with amazing experiences 24 hours a day, from preparing breakfast, cleaning all the areas, helping with administration and teaching classes, to evening study sessions and caring for the sick—it was a true team effort.

When it came to religion, there was a lot of respect and a variety of faiths. Once, the Muslim students invited me to join them for their prayer time. We Catholics had Mass twice a week, and every eight days we met with the youth group. Some participated in the vocational meetings we organized at the parish, retreats that have borne fruit for missionary and diocesan life; some are now priests, and others continue their formation process, as is the case with two Comboni scholastics, who are now studying in the Americas: Doler in Brazil and Felizardo in Peru.

The biblical passage that solidified my missionary path is “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). It remains present in my prayer life, especially during this Jubilee Year, which coincides with my 25th anniversary as a CLM. This power remains alive, and I had the opportunity to celebrate it in various ways:

1. In the lay group, I was tasked with coordinating the opening of our CLM movement’s permanent mission in the parish of San Miguel Arcangel in the community of Metlatónoc, Gro—a project we had already been planning for three years.

2. I joined the coordinating team of Misioneros Laicos Ad-gentes (MILAG), a challenge for me personally given the many tasks I already have as a lay missionary.

3. I joined the Comboni family to participate in the Youth Jubilee in Rome, accompanying a group of eight young Mexicans, including four of my nephews. Prior to that, we had a week of formation where we shared reflections on the encyclical Laudato Si’.

4. I helped organize the Diocesan Animators’ workshop in San Juan de los Lagos with the MILAG team.

5. Mission ad gentes experience with my niece in Lokichar, a community in Kenya—a time of great learning and vital growth for us.

6. Celebrating my vocation as a CLM with my parish community and family, and encouraging others to discover this missionary path.

I can tell you that April 23, 2000, was the Easter that brought about a very significant change in my life, allowing me to begin a process of continuous learning and growth where doing what I love with love allows me to be happy.

Every day brings new challenges; prayer and ongoing formation are the great pillars that strengthen me to move forward wherever God wills, with the certainty that every day is an opportunity to serve. I entrust myself to your prayers.

If you have questions about the missionary life ad gentes, respond to your call and you will find happiness in proclaiming the Gospel.

Beatriz Maldonado Sánchez, CLM

Fraternal embrace, joy, and readiness to serve

12 May, 2026 by Alberto de la Portilla

During April and May 2026, our community experienced moments of formation, reflection, and missionary service that strengthened our faith and commitment to our neighbors.

On Saturday, April 19, 2026, a formation day focused on human, Christian, and missionary maturity was held at Casa Comboni. We explored topics such as self-esteem, self-worth, and vocational discernment, reflecting on God’s call and the importance of persevering on the missionary path. We also strengthened our community formation by sharing teachings inspired by Father Damien and Carlo Acutis, as well as preparing formation materials for the CLM in San Luis Petén.

Later, on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the De León Community in El Manzanillo, San Lucas Sacatepéquez, we experienced a beautiful missionary day under the theme “Holy Spirit, Soul of the Mission.” Through prayer, cleaning, visits, fellowship, and workshops, we shared moments filled with joy, service, and love for our neighbors, discovering Christ in every person we visited.

As part of the celebration of Mother’s Day, we gave special thanks to all mothers for their love and dedication, and in a very special way to our Mother Mary, the first missionary and the first tabernacle, an example of faith, humility, and obedience.

May these experiences encourage us not to give up, to continue walking with hope, and to keep serving with joy those who need it most.

“God’s works are born and grow at the foot of the Cross.” — St. Daniel Comboni

CLM Guatemala

“Meeting God and Another Person”

11 May, 2026 by Alberto de la Portilla

Once a month, we experience our internal day of recollection — a special time to pause, pray, and look more deeply at what is happening in our hearts and in our mission. Although our CLM community in Chelopoy (Kenya) is small and consists of only two people, this is exactly what gives this time such a personal and profound character.

We divide the day of recollection into two parts. In each of them, we reflect on a passage from the Holy Scripture, which becomes the starting point for personal reflection. We try not only to read the Word, but truly allow it to touch our lives — our joys, struggles, questions, and experiences connected with the mission. It is a moment of silence, listening, and honest reflection deep within ourselves.

After personal prayer comes the time to share what we are experiencing. And it is often then that we discover that despite different experiences or ways of living our faith, many of our emotions and difficulties are very similar. These conversations help us understand each other better, notice how God works in another person’s life, and learn greater openness and mutual support.

Such a day also reminds us that community does not depend on the number of people, but on God’s presence among us and our willingness to be together in truth. Even in a very small community, one can experience the great strength of unity, mutual encouragement, and the peace that is born from shared prayer and listening to one another.

I am grateful for every such day — for the silence, for the conversations, and for the opportunity to pause and look at our mission from a new perspective. It is a time that strengthens us spiritually, helps us find meaning in everyday life, and reminds us that God leads us step by step, even when the road is demanding.

Iza, CLM in Chelopoy

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

8 May, 2026 by Alberto de la Portilla

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

6 May, 2026 by Alberto de la Portilla

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