From March 23 to 28, the GEC – São Luís (Comboni Spirituality Group) held spirituality meetings in all the communities of the Parish of São Daniel Comboni, located in the Vila Embratel neighborhood, São Luís – MA. The theme of the meetings was: The Cross of Jesus and Comboni are a preparation for the Triduum of the Birth of St. Daniel Comboni, our patron saint, to be held from March 13 to 15 in our parish.
It was an enriching moment for both the members of the GEC and our parishioners, because, in addition to further strengthening our faith, it made us stronger and more persevering in the mission of continuing the dream of St. Daniel Comboni.
From February 28 to March 1, the Comboni Lay Missionaries of Guatemala experienced a retreat full of grace and fraternal encounter at Casa Comboni, a place that became our spiritual home during these days of reflection, prayer, and missionary renewal, all under the spiritual guidance of Father Damien Bruyel, who accompanied us every moment with his teachings, closeness, and missionary spirit.
It was a special time to pause in the midst of our daily activities and return to the essentials: listening to the voice of God, strengthening our missionary vocation, and growing as a community.
One of the central themes of the retreat was to deepen our understanding of Mary as Woman, Mother, and Missionary. Through reflection, we discovered how her generous “yes” continues to be a model for those of us who are called to proclaim the Gospel. Mary teaches us to trust, to serve with humility, and to walk even when we do not fully understand God’s plan.
We also meditated on Saint Mary Queen, recognizing her as a loving guide who accompanies our mission and strengthens our faith in times of difficulty.
Another theme that illuminated the retreat was contemplating Mary as the star of evangelization, the one who always points to Christ. We were reminded that evangelizing is not only proclaiming with words, but living the Gospel with consistency, joy, and daily dedication.
We also reflected on the mission of the prophet, understanding that every missionary is called to be a voice of hope, justice, and love in today’s world. Being a prophet means first listening to God and then proclaiming Him with courage.
The theme “Fishing with Jesus” invited us to renew our trust in Him, remembering that the mission does not depend solely on our strength, but on allowing ourselves to be guided by His word. Just as the disciples cast their nets trusting in Jesus, we too are sent to row out into the deep.
Beyond the teachings, the retreat was a space to strengthen bonds as a community and as a missionary family. We shared moments of joy, dialogue, and fraternity that renewed our sense of belonging and common commitment.
Each encounter, each prayer, and each conversation reminded us that the mission is best lived when we walk together.
On Saturday night, we experienced a deeply moving Way of the Cross, commemorating the passion and death of Jesus Christ, a moment of silence and contemplation that touched our hearts greatly.
In addition, we had the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. Confessions were a spiritual gift that allowed us to humbly present our lives to the Lord, seeking to have a clean soul ready to receive his graces, with a sincere desire to walk toward holiness.
This retreat was not an ending, but a new beginning. We returned to our communities renewed, strengthened, and with hearts ready to continue proclaiming the Gospel with joy, trusting that God continues to work in each one of us.
Joint weekend of the CLM with Fathers Günther and Hubert to prepare for the National Catholic Meeting in Würzburg
From February 27 to March 1, at the Comboni Missionaries’ house in Nuremberg, we worked on the theme of the National Catholic Meeting, “BE COURAGEOUS! GET UP!”
On Friday and Saturday, we focused on the concrete preparation in terms of organization and content for the Comboni Family pavilion. We received statements from friends of the Comboni Family worldwide on the question: What gives me the strength to get up (always)? These should be visible at the stand, as well as the spirituality, commitment, and projects of the Comboni Family. The doll “Danielle,” handmade by Brigitte, should encourage passersby to reflect on what gives them the strength to get up—perhaps in this way we can make contact with them.
For families with small children, a small booklet was created with suggestions on how the family can follow the path of Jesus.
It was a weekend of constructive and creative work. We are looking forward to the days in Würzburg and hope for fruitful encounters.
At the final Eucharistic celebration on Sunday, we exchanged detailed ideas about the biblical passage from the Gospel of Mark (Mk 10:46-52) that is behind the theme.
This year, the CLM Lenten Retreat gave me the opportunity to visit and deepen God’s Covenant with me and with us.
With His Grace, I was able to remember more or less obvious truths and discover other more subtle, but also more revealing ones.
What is the extent of this Covenant?
To begin with, God reminded me that His Covenant is eternal.
But He also revealed to me that this eternity is not limited to “my eternity,” but extends to all who dwell in “my house” (cf. Gen 17:7), that is, all the people whose lives intersect with mine in some way, especially those closest to me.
Lord, I walk through my life in the palm of Your hands, distracted, entertained by what distances me from You, forgetting the Eternal Covenant that You made and always make with me and with my loved ones.
How blind I am!
How is it possible not to see You clearly in every encounter with others, especially those closest to me?
In every encounter I have, my heart should rejoice: “Courage! Let’s go to Heaven together!”
As St. Edith Stein said (more or less): “Lord, You never cease to take me out of the nothingness that I am, to bring my whole ‘house’ to You who are Everything!”
What a joy that You want me whole, with everyone who is part of my history, everyone, everyone, everyone, no matter how fleeting their passage through my life may have been!
And what a joy to know that You also find and desire me, through my presence (however fleeting it may be) in the lives of so many with whom You also establish Your Eternal Covenant!
What is our part in this Covenant?
God said:
– Hear, O Israel! (Cf. Deut. 6:4)
– Hear, O Adam! (Cf. Gen. 3:9)
– Where are you?
– Come out from among the trees of the garden where you hide from My loving Voice.
Behold, I have made a tunic (cf. Gn 3:22) to protect your heart from the cold that your estrangement generates in you (and in Me).
Behold, I have dressed you and imposed it on you, because I love you and do not want to lose you.
This tunic is My Law, it is the SHEMÁ (Dt 6:4-11).
Use all your heart, all your soul, all your strength to keep it.
This is My Covenant. If you walk in it, you and your household will be happy!
What guarantees do we have that the Covenant will not be broken?
The simple fact that God declared to Noah the eternity of His Covenant with us would be more than enough.
But God has reiterated this reality countless times throughout the history of salvation, despite humanity’s successive infidelities.
As if that were not enough, in the fullness of time, He gave His own Son to pay our ransom.
Jesus was nailed to the Cross, with no chance of escape or withdrawal. God gave everything for me, for my loved ones, for all of us!
The Eternal Covenant of immeasurable and infinite Love is only a yes away.
May God, through the intercession of Mary, all of Heaven, and our brothers and sisters on earth, help us to let down our guards and accept His plans for eternal and happy life!
I sincerely thank our sister, Sr. Fátima Frade, for all her work in preparing the retreat.
I also thank the Teresian Sisters for their kindness and hospitality in welcoming us once again to their home in Fátima.
I wish everyone a Holy Lent as we journey towards the Lord’s Easter.
Pedro Moreira, CLM Portugal
Here is the link to how it appeared on the Portuguese blog:
February 19 will be remembered as a special day in the history of our missionary community
On this day, Neema Makori – as the first among the Kenyan Lay Comboni Missionaries – departed for a three-year mission to the Central African Republic. This event carries special significance – it is a sign of the growth and maturity of the missionary vocation of the laity in Kenya, and a beautiful testimony of courage, faith, and readiness to serve those most in need.
A missionary departure is not only a journey to another country. It is a response to the call of the heart, a decision to share life with the local community, to be close to people in their daily joys and struggles. Three years of service is a time for building relationships, learning a new culture and language, and growing together in faith.
Before her departure, Neema was bid farewell by fr. Maciek, Comboni Lay Missionaries and her closest family members. It was a moment filled with emotion, prayer, and gratitude. Together, they entrusted her journey to God, asking for the necessary graces, strength, health, and peace of heart throughout her mission.
We are proud and grateful for her witness. May this new chapter be a time of abundant fruits, mutual enrichment, and a deep experience of God’s presence each day.
Neema – we are with you in heart and prayer!
CLM Kenya
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