Comboni Lay Missionaries

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Learning to Look at Myself and Others

by
LMC Brasil

On the second day of the in-person segment of our journey, we were welcomed by Brother Marcos, a member of the Brothers of St. Gabriel, a congregation that has been present in the parish for many years and has worked in collaboration with the Comboni family since the beginning of their presence in the 1990s.

Continuing with the personal dimension of “self-discovery,” we had an introductory overview of the Enneagram, exploring the different types and helping us deepen our self-knowledge. It was a very enriching time of sharing and personal growth, and we committed to continuing this journey on a personal level.

Another memorable encounter was with the women’s group, who gather in the community for fabric painting, crochet, and other beautiful creations made by their own hands, during these moments of fellowship and relief from the pains of daily life.

On Tuesday, with Alan’s arrival from São José dos Campos, São Paulo, we began by sharing reflections on the previous days and offering the day’s prayer.

Adélia—a CLM resident of Contagem and a member of the ALMC Council—shared her life story and her work in the political arena, shedding light on some important points, such as the need to practice active listening in times of intense polarization, such as the one we are facing.

In the afternoon, Alejandro—a CLM from Guatemala—accompanied us to the APAC (prisons that apply a Restorative Justice method) in Santa Luzia, where we were welcomed by CLM Valdeci and Marcelo, who were there with the FBAC (Brazilian Fraternity for Assistance to the Incarcerated – https://site.fbac.net.br), who were conducting a leadership course for the “recuperandos” at the facility (the term used for inmates in prisons using the APAC method). This encounter with the recuperandos was very important, allowing us to immerse ourselves in this different reality.

We toured the APAC facility, learning about its entire methodology and organization, which enables a prison without armed guards, and where the inmates themselves are the protagonists in their resocialization process, involving their families and the community as well. From the initial apprehension of those unfamiliar with this work, a significant shift occurred after the visit, broadening horizons to the possibility of envisioning a rehabilitation process where the inmates themselves hold the keys to their cells.

CLM 2026/2027 Itinerary Group

Called to Be a Cenacle of Apostles

by
LMC Brasil

On the Saturday before Palm Sunday, we arrived at the Santa Terezinha Mission House of the Comboni Lay Missionaries, a missionary presence in the Ipê Amarelo neighborhood of Contagem, in the state of Minas Gerais, where we were welcomed by Ana Cris, Alejandro, and their family, Comboni Lay Missionaries from Guatemala.

The following day, we began our in-person formation session with the Palm Sunday procession, starting from the Nossa Senhora Aparecida community in Ipê Amarelo and proceeding to the São Judas community (about 2.5 km away), where Mass was celebrated, bringing together all 10 communities of the São Domingos de Gusmão Parish.

We gathered as Comboni Family, welcomed by the Mccj community present in the region, learning a bit more about the region’s history and the Comboni presence, and renewing old friendships.

Another memorable moment was gathering at the Comboni Justice and Peace House to meet with the Comboni Spirituality Group (GEC), and following a prayer session beautifully led by members of the GEC Contagem, we shared our lives and missionary experiences, both here and beyond borders, for, from the moment of our baptism, we are all missionaries and called to act at the frontiers where we are.

Fr. Rafael reminded us that “from the dimension of mission rooted in the Comboni charism, we rediscover the need to be true communities”—to work together in the spirit of the Cenacle of the Apostles, the Comboni identity of serving in a mission.

Because we love one another

Comboni had Christ in his heart and saw Christ in other countries.

May we love the mission, the poorest, and be steadfast in the call God has for each of us: to live united and happy.

CLM 2026/2027 Itinerary Group

Good Friday Through the Eyes of a Layperson

by
LMC Guatemala

Today I experienced a different Good Friday—one that I didn’t just observe, but one in which I walked, carried, and offered.

I had the grace to participate in the procession of the Nazarene from the Santa María del Encinal quasi-parish, sharing with the community, with friends, and with two priests who are examples of what it means to be missionaries and people devoted in body and soul to Jesus and the Church, feeling the faith of every brother and sister walking beside me.

But I also experienced it with my family, who were my support at every moment.

My wife, with every loving glance, gave me the strength to keep going; and every time she shared a sip of water with me, I felt her care and her companionship, in a simple yet deeply meaningful gesture.

My children also walked with me on this journey of faith.

I was blessed to carry the burden alongside my eldest son, sharing the effort and commitment, and my youngest son, with every hug, reminded me of something very deep and true:

“You are not alone.”

Carrying Jesus on my shoulders was more than a physical act; it was a profound spiritual experience.

With every step I felt the weight of the cross, but I also felt the love He had for us.

The weariness in my feet, the pain in my arms and back, gradually turned into a silent offering, a simple way of saying to Jesus:

“Here I am, Lord, walking with you.”

It wasn’t easy, but in the midst of the effort, I understood that sacrifice can also be prayer.

Every drop of sweat, every moment of fatigue, every deep breath, was transformed into an act of love and gratitude.

And when 3:00 p.m. arrived—the time for the Adoration of the Cross—I experienced something new in my life.

It was the first time I had participated in this sacred act, and it was a beautiful experience, filled with silence, respect, and deep reflection.

As I contemplated the Cross, I recalled the passion and death of Jesus Christ, and a sincere gratitude was born in my heart for the sacrifice he made for all of us.

Today I understood that being a layperson is not just about attending or participating, but about giving oneself, serving, accompanying, and walking with Jesus among the people.

Being a layperson is living the faith with weary feet, busy hands, and a willing heart.

This Good Friday I didn’t just remember it… I lived it.

I lived it in community, with friends, with inspiring priests; I lived it with my family; I lived it in service; I lived it in the pain I offered and in deep gratitude.

And at the end of the day, though my body is tired, my soul is at peace, because I know that every step I took, every effort I offered, was a small token of love for the One who gave His life for us on the Cross.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your sacrifice, for your infinite love, and for allowing me to walk with you on this Good Friday, accompanied by my family, my community, and our priests, who were a reflection of your presence and your love in every moment.

CLM Guatemala

Holistic formation is mirrored in the mission

by
Metlatónoc LMC

I had the opportunity to meet Mariana and Adelaida years ago, back when they were forging their own path to respond to the calling God was presenting to them; it has been a journey of constant growth in which both have had to overcome the obstacles they encountered.

Adelaida was the first one I met from March to May 2011, when I was doing my three-month missionary internship in the community of Vicente Guerrero. She was part of the catechism group preparing for her First Communion; the formation included leadership training so that upon completing the course, she could become a catechist. It is important to mention that, as missionaries, people saw us as nuns because they often called us “Mother.” Understanding the reality of her culture, she made me realize that it was necessary to speak with the community leaders so that the role she could fulfill would be recognized. A meeting was called in which I participated; the community leaders, the authorities, and those in charge of the church were present (only men could hold these positions); after a three-hour discussion, it was agreed that, as a woman, she could be responsible for catechetical formation in the community. She has now held that position in her town for 15 years; today she participates in the parish council, the diocesan assembly, and missionary congresses; her community supports her because she represents her people.

Mariana’s experience was different; she was part of the youth missionary group at the seminary and engaged in vocational discernment with the América Misionera group. When I served in formation in 2017, I recall that she participated in the CLM informational retreat and began her journey with the Comboni Lay Missionaries group, having to overcome her own personal, family, group, and social obstacles. She participated monthly in the retreats and in the group’s weekly activities. Her perseverance led her to take firm steps, and today she is serving as CLM in the parish of San Miguel Arcángel in Metlatónoc, where she will serve for three years.

They already knew each other from attending the same meetings where both participate in the parish. This week, something different emerged during this Lenten season: they carried out a team service for 7 days, offering formation sessions in the communities of Vicente Guerrero and Linda Vista in preparation for Holy Week—these are spaces where teamwork strengthens the individual. During the day, they engaged in various activities, including the following:

+ Sharing the themes of the Holy Days of Holy Week.

+ Training the catechists of Buen Vista to lead their own celebrations.

+ Games with the children, such as a Bible verse lottery.

+ Praying the Dawn Rosary (in Mixtec) at 6 a.m. in Vicente.

+ Harvesting chilacayote.

The importance of continuing to share the Gospel wherever God sends us allows us to meet people who are open-hearted and helpful. You, too, can join this great project. TAKE THE PLUNGE.

Beatriz Maldonado Sánchez, LMC Mexico