Comboni Lay Missionaries

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In the confines of human trafficking

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Talita KumOn March 5th, in the house of the Divine Word Missionaries in Lisbon, we participate in the seminar on “Human Trafficking” organized by CAVITP and guided by Sister Gabriella Bottani, Italian Comboni Missionary Sister.

Human trafficking is a complex reality that violent life of specific individuals, their families and communities. An approach, smart, with heart, courage, structured, professional and above all networking is required.

It was no accident that the phrase chosen for the opening of the meeting was “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch” (Lk 5,4).

So we ask: What are these deeper waters in our lives: our trust in God, our fears and weaknesses, our look at the wounds of our brothers, the love to God and the neighbor…?

The network presented, it was concrete. Founded in 2009, the “Talita Kum” network is the International Network of Consecrated Life Against Trafficking in Persons. An international network of networks, which brings desires and expertise in the fight against this scourge that destroys many lives.

The approach to this problem has many facets.

In prevention rather than warn of the dangers that may lurk behind an attractive work offer from the other side of the world, mind giving prospects happy life in the place where people live, propose alternatives that engage positively the people on a project of meaningful life.

The warning must be launched at various levels, especially in education. Because we all have to do with this, in community, warn of situations, complaint, the protection of victims and relatives (two sides of a reality that can be separated by thousands of kilometers).

The study and research of the phenomenon are also crucial for a methodical and increasingly coordinated and effective action, multidisciplinary… because the resolution of the problems caused to the lives of people is never limited to policing. A psychological, sociological, spiritual view, a comprehensive care that cannot be limited in the short term is required.

During the meeting, some real testimonies of people rescued from trafficking networks were also presented. True stories that tell the greatness of the victims who crossed oceans of pain and fear and were able to return to life… no doubt with many scars, but standing examples of courage and a sign of hope for us all.

I was especially impressed by the testimony of a mother to see her daughter back home and still labeled and stigmatized by the community of origin exclaiming with pain: …but she’s my daughter!

How different will be the world, when we would be able to look at all the victims in such a way … with a look of love. We will be truly contemplative then because, as Pope Francis says, who loves contemplates (cf. EG 199).

Finally, as a challenge, I share here the challenge of Talitha Kum network on what each of us can do to join this cause. Let us do it!

What can you do to help?:

  • Learn about human trafficking in the world and in your country.
  • Contact and meet organizations in your country that are committed against human trafficking.
  • Participate as a volunteer in prevention activities and political denunciation.
  • Support this cause with prayer.
  • Support and participate in campaigns against trafficking.
  • Buy products in centers of socio-economic reintegration of survivors of trafficking.
  • Support financially.

“If you want to go fast, go alone.

If you want to go far, go together”.

(African Proverb)

Pedro Moreira, CLM

Justice on the rails

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Periodically we come to report on the fight against the impacts of mining and socio-environmental conflicts in Maranhão (Brazil).

Today we invite you to watch this documentary that was just made in collaboration with Signis Brasil and where they tell about this reality. How the community is held together fighting for their rights and how the Church is serving as support in this journey. As you know, we are also present as Comboni Family. In the reportage you can listen among others to Fr Massimo and Fr. Dário (MCCJ) and Xoancar (CLM).

We also left bound the article published in the magazine “Família Cristã” where you may read about it.

Wonder of God

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en Mongoumba

Wonder of God is the name of our smallest protected, was born with 1.400kg, orphan, her mother died after giving birth. Her Grandma came to ask for support to the Mission during one of my visits to Bangui. As Mongoumba has no milk for babies in the hospital she was sent to the Nutrition Unit, where she was fed with adapted milk for malnourished children, for fifteen days; began to gain weight, but Grandma was eager to leave, one day went to the camp and did not return, leaving the little to the care of unit staff …

As soon as I returned to Mongoumba the first question that was put to me was “What to do with the baby? It can not and should not continue in the hospital!” The whole family had gone to the forest and with no family is impossible to carry the baby to the Sisters of Charity of Mbaiki, they will not accept it. In the Community started thinking about the possibility of seeking someone who could take care of the orphan and that someone was very close. One of the aides’ staff of the unit had said she did not mind staying with the girl, the only problem would be extra expenses since she is a widow with small children and unsupported. We talked and agreed that she would take care of the baby and the Mission would pay the cost of food and clothing. The Wonder also called Elisabete has adopted mother! Now she have six months, it is big and beautiful! These are the small, large, wonders of God that encourage us to continue to serve the mission.

With friendship

Élia Gomes CLM in Mongoumba

Look, there are the Comboni Lay Missionaries!

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LMC AlemaniaMeeting of the Comboni Lay Missionaries (CLM) in the house of Nuremberg from 18 to 21 March 2016

On Friday, March 18, it was time: the CLM came from all corners of Germany turn to our meeting. For four days, the group has prepared a stand for the presentation of the Comboni Family at the national meeting of Catholics in Leipzig and at the same time we were dedicated to see the preparing text for the continental assembly that Europeans CLM will have in Portugal.

The first came very motivated on Thursday night, and the last one arrived on late Friday night, with an ark in luggage. It was an atmosphere of joy where we were all willing and eager to celebrate this time together and the possibility of doing different activities. Since the last meetings were characterized by a more theoretical work, reflection and exchange of ideas, for this meeting we schedule to make more practical, concrete and creative works.

Saturday morning began with Mass with the Comboni Missionaries and the Pauline Sisters. Empowered by breakfast we face the two themes of the meeting: the national meeting of Catholics and the European CLM meeting. With great joy we welcomed the new “member” (newborn) Stella, along with their parents Irene and Ulrich, who participated with much encouragement.

With the help of a background song we express thoughts and ideas on the subject and theme of the meeting of Catholics, “Look, here is the man!” We put into practice the ideas for the stand of the Comboni Family, we also realized a game linked to globalization, rehearsing songs and prepare the material. We loved put African and American clothes on the mannequins and make posters for them.

LMC AlemaniaOn Sunday, we participated with the community in the Mass on Palm Sunday. During the Mass, topical issues as slavery, the situation of migrants and the World Church were spoken. Children put symbols on the altar while adults told the passion of Christ. We could recognize issues quite linked to our way as CLM.

From the information on the history of the international CLM movement and the preparatory text for the continental meeting of the CLM in Portugal came out much discussion on different topics, especially on the challenges of our CLM group. There is progress on our way and a long road ahead…

At night, we had a prayer together with the members of the local community in the house of the Comboni Missionaries. Afterwards we rededicate ourselves to creative work. Some made a small brochure on our CLM group.

On Monday, we left aside the work and made a special visit to the center of Nuremberg. A man who had lived on the street guided us by the city around the places where the homeless and supporting institutions are. He talked about his experiences of life and struggle. We also talked with social workers of “Lilith,” “Kassandra” and the ecumenical point “that serve women with drug problems, prostitutes and homeless.

This weekend we have been enriched by the gifts and commitment of each of our fellow CLM. Sharing: Look, there is the man – individual and group member; creative, full of ideas, solidary – living the mission.

LMC Alemania

Barbara Ludewig