Let us pray to the Lord for the prophets of the Gospel of our time who, scattered throughout the world, make visible his Kingdom of justice and peace: may their testimony challenge our lives and renew our missionary commitment. Lord, hear us.
English
Easter celebration CLM Kenya
Our Easter celebration was amazing. The celebration was held in Kitelakapel international community. We were joined by other CLM members and candidates from Nairobi
On Holy Thursday
The day was started by welcoming our CLM members and candidates from Nairobi to Kitelakapel community, it was a moment of community building amongst us by sharing responsibilities
In the afternoon we had the privilege of showing our appreciation and gratitude by celebrating our assessor Fr Maciej on priest day
During the afternoon in Holy Triduum, we had moments of sharing our testimonies and vocations with the local community
On Good Friday
We joined the local community in prayer and singing during the way of the cross.
After which we continued building and engaging ourselves in our community by sharing of chores, eating together and praying together
On Holy Saturday
We had Bible catechesis with Fr Maciej, a short retreat where we reflected on the Word of God and prayer and later, we shared our individual reflections.
In the afternoon we joined the local community in celebrating Holy Saturday where we participated in the liturgy
We also took that moment to welcome two of our new members to the group, Gabriel and Anastasia
Resurrection Sunday
It was a day filled with joy and hope for our Lord Jesus Christ had resurrected from the dead. We joined the local community during mass where we participated in the liturgy and Sunday school with the children.
On Monday our dearest pope Francis passed away. We pray for his eternal rest and for all our Catholic church. Let’s be united in prayer.
Belinda Awino, CLM Kenya
Mission Camp 2025 Jubilee of Hope Metlatonoc, gro. Mexico
An experience with hope in common of the CLM that participated in the Holy Week Mission Camp in the Parish of St. Michael the Archangel, to discover how the people of the neighborhoods where we participated would receive us since it was the first time that they would have CLM in the neighborhoods of the parish. In our thoughts it was something complicated but the reality changed our vision since being there the experience was bearable, fruitful and of much teaching for all. We shared our faith from our experience even with the difficulty and limitation of not knowing the language or customs; they opened their hearts to us, with their attention and participation; they also expressed their gratitude to each one of us at different times.
The obstacles we encountered were diverse, the main one was the language, some of us got sick, the material we carried, not knowing the customs and culture. Fortunately there is something that unites us, the Faith we have in Jesus Christ lived in this Holy Week 2025 Jubilee year in which we were able to share with people in a friendly relationship, topics in the colonies, processions, prayer and Eucharist always with something characteristic of each day of the Holy Week.
That is why as CLM we believe that we must take into account: to know how to listen, to know without judging, to let ourselves be taught by the people who receive us, to enrich our values, to highlight the richness that we discover, to be open to the changes that may arise, to work obedience and respect for the leaders we meet, to forget about what may distract you and to live the MISSION, above all without leaving behind the Comboni Ideal, evangelizing the poorest and most abandoned, loving our Cross without being discouraged by the circumstances you may encounter, problems or adversities, always remembering Whom we serve and for Whom we are here, doing everything with Love to give Glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.
CLM Mission Team in the Parish
Tadeo, Felisa, Mariana, Beatriz CLM from Mexico and Carol CLM from Costa Rica.
10 quotes from Pope Francis on the mission of the Church
1. “The whole Church is missionary”
Evangelii Gaudium, 2013
In his apostolic exhortation, Pope Francis stressed that mission is not the task of a few, but of the whole Church. It is a responsibility shared by all Christians, regardless of age or condition.
2. “Mission is a loving response to God’s love”
Year of Mercy, 2015
On several occasions, Francis stressed that mission springs from our response to God’s immense love. As we experience that love, we cannot help but share it with the world.
3. “Mission is not our work, but God’s”
Missionary Sending Mass, 2016
He reminded missionaries that, although we are his instruments, mission is first and foremost God’s work. We do not act on our own, but are sent by Him to transmit His love.
4. “Missionary ardor is an obligation of love”
World Mission Day, 2017
The Pope emphasized that missionary ardor is not an option, but an obligation that arises from love for God and for others. It is a love that should impel us to bring the good news to every corner of the world.
5. “Mission springs from prayer and listening to the Word of God”
100th anniversary of the Pontifical Mission Societies, 2017
Francis reminded us that mission is rooted in prayer and active listening to the Word of God. It is from this relationship with Him that our passion to proclaim His message is born.
6. “Mission is an invitation to spend ourselves with commitment, creativity and generosity”
World Mission Day, 2018
For the Pope, mission implies a total commitment, where each one of us must give the best of ourselves, with effort, creativity and generosity.
7. “Proclaiming the Gospel is the first and greatest charity”
World Day of Charity, 2018
The Pope assured that the greatest work of charity we can do is to evangelize. Carrying the message of Christ is an act of love for others, a commitment that we must live generously.
8. “Mission is the heart of the Christian faith”
World Mission Day, 2021
In one of his most powerful messages, the Pope affirmed that mission is at the very heart of the Christian faith. It is the life-giving heart of the Church, and we must live it with courage and passion.
9. “Mission is oxygen for Christian life”
Meeting of the Pontifical Mission Societies, 2023
In an emotional meeting with missionaries, the Pope declared that mission is fundamental for Christian life, an “oxygen” that gives us life and meaning.
10. “Mission is a tireless reaching out to all humanity”
World Mission Day, 2024
In his message for World Mission Day 2024, Pope Francis invited us to never stop. Mission is a constant going toward all, no matter the difficulties.
Source: Supergesto
Feast of the Señor de los Trabajos – San Miguel Arcángel parish
The tradition of the people strengthened my faith. On the first Friday of Lent I had the opportunity to live the novenary of the Señor de los Trabajos in Metlatónoc, where I will soon have my mission experience. It was something that helped me to get to know a little of this people to which I will be sent.
We were invited by the parish priest MCCJ Fr. Miguel Navarrete Arceo to the feast of the First Friday of Lent, so that he could introduce us to Bishop Dagoberto; as well as to participate in the retreat with the people who received the Sacrament of Confirmation. I was very happy to meet young people from the Xacundutia community who began their formation in the Mission 2024 Camp where I participated.
I can say that there are some new things that I found that I can compare with what I have experienced with my family. For example, when the pilgrimage arrives at the parish before entering they pray at the four points that are marked in the atrium, they give more importance to the Eve of the Feast than to the day itself, they have the custom of taking the offering of flowers and the lighted candles on the pilgrimage, they pray the rosary in Latin accompanied by the wind band. Once they finish their rites they take home some of the flowers offered and blessed as a relic that helps the person in their needs.
Here they are not used to participate in the daily Eucharist, but they do ask the priest to pray for them during the mass. We have been making people aware of the importance of their Sunday participation in the Eucharist.
This parish community helps me to better understand the topics that I am receiving in the community experience, opening my horizon to new realities, without judging the experience of God in the native peoples, being willing to live traditions and practices without losing my essence of who I am, where I come from and where God sends me; enriching my faith and strengthening my life for the mission.
Mariana Meléndez Candido.
