Formation – Comboni Lay Missionaries

10 quotes from Pope Francis on the mission of the Church

23 April, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

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

22 April, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

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.

CLM meeting in Nürnberg

7 April, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

At the first meeting of the year, Maria told us about the general assembly in Maia, informed the group about the decisions and brought some requests from the group in Poland.

She also brought memories and greetings from colleagues and friends. We made plans for the meetings in presence, via zoom and the themes we want to work on. Together with Father Günther from the MCCJ, we made a commitment to take part in the “Katholikentag” in Würzburg in 2026. In October we want to visit the community in Graz and strengthen ties within the family. We have also redefined the positions within the group: Maria has taken over as coordinator, Willi continues as treasurer, Christoph as representative on the European coordination, Brigitte as contact person for JGIP and Barbara for the peace exhibition and updating the website.