English – Comboni Lay Missionaries

Journeying Together in Mission: CLM Conflict Resolution Workshop

3 July, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

From the 13th to 15th of June, the CLM candidates of Kenya came together in unity and faith to deepen our understanding of conflict resolution. Guided by our motto, “Save Africa for Africa”, we gathered in Meru, Nairobi, and Kitelakapel, as members of one family – all connecting either in person or online, with a shared purpose of growth and transformation.

This important meeting was not just a routine workshop. It was a space of learning, reflection, and renewal of our commitment to the mission founded by St. Daniel Comboni, whose spirit still burns strong in each of us.

Teachings on Conflict and Its Resolution:

The session began with a rich and insightful lecture on Conflict Resolution by Linda from Kitelakapel. We explored the definition of conflict resolution, the characteristics and importance of conflict, and its three main aspects: cognitive, emotional, and behavioural. Linda also guided us through the steps involved in resolving conflict in a constructive and Christian manner. We also reflected on different styles of handling conflict: Compromising – Avoiding – Accommodating – Competing – Collaborating. Each style brought out how different personalities approach conflict, and how we can all learn to adapt and apply healthier methods in the mission context. We were reminded that conflict is not the absence of love, but rather an opportunity to grow, understand each other better, and strengthen our bonds.

Contributions from Fr. Sylvester, Alberto and fr. Maciek:

Fr. Sylvester followed with a lecture that connected conflict to our missionary life, drawing examples from the life of St. Daniel Comboni, our patron. He reminded us how Comboni navigated cultural tensions, resisted opposition to his vision, and continually sought reconciliation among divided groups in his mission. This showed us how to resolutely address conflict with compassion and clarity, guided by our faith and the teachings of Christ. Fr. Sylvester’s words emphasized that peaceful resolution begins from within, with prayer and humility.

Alberto gave us a practical and much-needed talk on handling conflict without drama or chaos. He reminded us that being missionaries means being ambassadors of peace, not just through words but through actions. He encouraged us to always aim for maturity, calm, and understanding in times of disagreement.

It was a thought-provoking lecture, which emphasized that conflict is a normal part of life. He encouraged us to establish principles for resolving conflicts before they arise. He also introduced us to a practical tool called STABEN, which breaks down conflict resolution into:

– S – Source

– T – Time and place

– A – Amicable approach

– B – Behaviour

– E – Emotion

– N – Need

Lastly, Fr. Maciek led a recap session on Lectio Divina, reminding us how to properly prepare ourselves—spiritually and mentally—before engaging with the Word of God. It was a call to deepen our relationship with Scripture as a regular part of our formation.

Moment of sharing:

We concluded with individual reflections, where each participant shared what they had learned, enjoyed, and taken to heart during the session.

New Beginnings

A very exciting highlight of this meeting was the Meru group welcoming four new members. These newcomers, after engaging fully in the sessions, expressed their joy and eagerness to become part of our mission. They have officially become candidates of CLM, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to journey with them. Their enthusiasm and openness brought new energy and hope, reminding us that our mission is growing, and the seed planted by St. Daniel Comboni continues to bear fruit.

And there is more! In Nairobi, we were delighted to welcome, as well, two new candidates to the Comboni family. Their joy and enthusiasm added a special touch to the session, and they expressed how meaningful and welcoming the formation experience was for them.

Participant Reflections:

“I really feel comfortable and I’m ready on this journey and I really love your bonding and hospitality.” – Eliphus, new candidate, Meru

“I thank God for connecting me with this group.” – Getrude, Meru

They joined CLM because they want to dedicate their lives in serving God and do acts of charity.

Looking Forward

As we concluded our sessions, we left feeling empowered, not only with knowledge but with a renewed sense of commitment to walk this path together. The weekend was a beautiful reminder that growth comes through honest conversations, listening with love, and facing conflict head-on with grace and faith. It was fruitful, enriching, and continued to equip us with essential tools as we journey forward in our missionary vocation. We look forward to more moments of learning, bonding, and deepening our mission. Together, we continue to Save Africa for Africa – in peace, in unity, and with hearts full of hope.

Yvonne Kilemi and Daniel Gaithuru

Between eco-friendly candles, anniversaries, and many activities

2 July, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

June was a month full of blessings for the CLM of Guatemala, by the grace of God and under the intercession of St. Daniel Comboni, with various initiatives that marked our missionary work.

On June 7, we carried out our missionary activity in the community of León El Manzanillo. During our visit, in addition to spending time with the members of the community, we gave a talk on the Holy Spirit and Pentecost. As part of the day, we held a workshop on making eco-friendly candles, and those who participated were very enthusiastic and satisfied with the experience.

On the same date, we celebrated the 8th anniversary of the Chispuditos Program. This nutritional project has focused on the children of the villages of La Salvadora I and II, in the municipality of Santa Catarina Pinula, as well as their mothers, bringing them the Word and promoting their development as leaders. It should be noted that last year the program was handed over to the community; since then, the mothers have been leading the program.

On Sunday, June 8, we participated in the Vocational Expo organized by the Vicariate of the Center: Our Lady of the Assumption, held in the gym of Don Bosco College. This event allowed us to share with young people interested in the different congregations present. In addition to the information stands, there were moments of praise, Eucharistic adoration, and Holy Mass. It was a valuable opportunity to transmit and live the charism of the Comboni Family together with those in attendance.

A week later, on Sunday, June 15, we held our monthly community gathering, beginning with the celebration of Holy Eucharist, followed by a shared breakfast. During the gathering, we reflected on the Comboni charism and worked on a special theme about the key elements that strengthen self-esteem. We addressed aspects such as self-control, personal goals, communication skills, and body image perception. As a pleasant surprise, we had a visit from a married couple interested in learning more about our community.

In each activity of the month, we reaffirmed our commitment to serve and accompany the communities, always driven by our faith and evangelizing mission.

LMC Guatemala

Prayer Intentions of the Comboni Family July 2025

1 July, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

We pray that, as missionaries, we do not rely solely on human and structural resources, but above all on the humanising power of the Gospel. Lord, hear us.

Echoes of the CLM Training Meeting in Portugal

25 June, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

We have concluded the initial training meeting for Comboni Lay Missionaries: It is through prayer that we understand each other.

The meeting was held online, and our dear trainees, Isabel and Nair, participated.

This formation turned out to be very rich and beautiful, at least for me (who thought I already knew something about prayer). I hope it was just as or even more beneficial for our trainees who were kind enough to accompany me throughout the weekend.

Because God is always the one who takes the initiative first and humankind has always been searching for God, we began by reflecting on the revelation of prayer throughout the history of salvation, passing through the Old Testament, the time when Jesus walked with us here on earth, and the time of the Church.

The deepening of humankind’s experience of prayer is evident until we reach Jesus, who reveals the full dimension of this gift.

After talking about the sources of prayer, the path, and the guides that lead us through it, we arrive at the life of prayer itself.

Seeking to respond to St. Paul’s challenge to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), we find in the Church specific and concrete community proposals that will allow us to nurture rhythms of continuous prayer.

We reflect on the differences and importance of vocal prayer, meditation, and mental prayer.

In this last degree of prayer, we had contact with the master of prayer, St. Teresa of Avila, and the degrees of prayer she proposes, making a comparison with four ways of watering a garden.

In this analysis, it is clear that God is not at all a passive subject in this relationship. In fact, the highest levels of prayer depend solely on his will and, in addition to requiring great humility on the part of the person praying, they instill even more humility in them as they realize their unworthiness of the greatness of the graces received.

One thing that strikes us when we devote a little time to these themes is the consistency of the concepts from the time of the Old Testament, through the time of Jesus here on earth, to the current proposals of the Church.

One of the ideas that stands out is the fact that prayer can be seen as a real struggle. Praying requires our effort.

Our ego and the snares of those who seek to lead us away from God are enormous and require great humility and persistence.

This is evident in the prayer life of St. Daniel Comboni, which we meditated on Sunday morning.

In Comboni we find a man of deep prayer, perfectly aware of the fundamental importance of this dimension in the Mission entrusted by God to his Church.

In fact, it was only through prayer that he was able to give meaning to and love the many crosses that arose throughout his missionary life.

At the end of the meeting, I realized that I have to rethink my prayer life.

As a CLM, I have to pray much more (and better) for vocations and for the means to carry out Jesus’ command that still echoes in our hearts as those who are called: Go into the whole world and proclaim the Good News to every creature. (Mk 16:15)

Pedro Moreira, CLM

CLM International Economy Meeting

24 June, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

Last Saturday, 21 June, we gathered online for the first international economy meeting since our international assembly last December.

The assembly requested that a global meeting be held around the middle of each year to jointly assess the progress of economic issues in each country and in each of our international communities.

Representatives from 13 countries and 2 international communities were present, including treasurers, coordinators, and members of the coordination team. Due to the language challenge, we were able to count on the support of two volunteer translators, Ana Cris, CLM from Guatemala, and her son Esteban.

It was an important moment of information and clarification, where proposals for joint next steps were presented. One of these was to hold two more online meetings this year, in three smaller groups, according to language, so that we can facilitate greater interaction between participants and the development of practical tools to aid our quest for economic autonomy.

We appreciate everyone’s commitment and participation!

See you at our next meeting!

Flávio, treasurer of the Central Committee