Here is the training session presented by Father Jorge Alberto Benavides, mccj. In it, he discusses Pope Leo XIV’s letter for the centennial of Domund, which we are celebrating this year.
CLM America
(The session is in Spanish.)
Formation
Final meeting of the year for the CLM in Poland
The last formation meeting of the CLM in Poland took place this year over the weekend of June 19-21. It was a combined meeting for new candidates discerning their vocation and for the ongoing formation of Comboni Lay Missionaries. As always, there was time for prayer and Mass, but also many other interesting meetings and activities.
We heard the testimonies of Iza and Marzena – our CLM members serving in Kenya on two different missions. Iza works in the newly established mission in Chelopoy, and Marzenka in Kitelakapel, which was the CLM’s first international mission in Kenya. They shared with us their missionary activities. Meetings with our missionaries are always incredibly enriching.
We also had an online meeting with Father Maciek Zieliński, a Comboni missionary who has been with the CLP since its beginning in Poland. He told us about the beginnings of the Movement in Poland, which began with individual lay people who harbored a missionary desire in their hearts, and the openness of the Comboni Missionaries who agreed to accompany them in their discernment and formation. Father Maciek, who has extensive experience with the CLM in Poland, Kenya, and currently in the USA, emphasized the importance of proper discernment during formation.
As on every meeting, we also had a catechesis on St. Daniel Comboni. Since we had new people among us, we wanted to introduce them to the figure and story of our founder. Then we focused on the characteristics of St. Daniel, which we discussed together. We also talked about the congregations he founded and about the CLM. We also addressed our own activities, showing how living Comboni’s charism, modeling his approach, and learning lessons from his actions helps us in our missionary work and in fulfilling our missionary vocation.
There was also time for community building, as we did during the Saturday barbecue 🙂
CLM Poland
Starting over through Prayer
After a period of prayerful discernment and a temporary pause in our journey as Comboni Lay Missionaries of the North American Province (NAP), we are filled with gratitude to announce the renewal of our community. By the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, we are once again gathering with renewed zeal, inspired by the missionary charism of St. Daniel Comboni and his dream of bringing the love of Christ to the most abandoned and forgotten.
As Comboni Lay Missionaries spread throughout the United States and Canada, we have begun meeting monthly through Zoom, allowing us to remain united despite the great distances that separate us. On the first Tuesday of every month, we come together for a Prayer Night; a sacred time to strengthen our communion, nurture our missionary identity, and rekindle the fire of our vocation.
These gatherings provide an opportunity to share how the Lord is working in our lives, to reflect on our experiences serving in international missions, and to encourage one another as missionary disciples. Above all, we gather before the Lord in prayer, entrusting to His Sacred Heart our personal intentions, the needs of the Church, and the cries of our world.
In the spirit of St. Daniel Comboni, whose heart burned with love for the mission, we pray fervently for peace throughout the world, for all missionaries serving near and far, for those who suffer on the margins of society, and for an increase in missionary vocations. We also remember all those who support us through their prayers and friendship.
Our Prayer Night is open to anyone who would like to join us, pray with us, and learn more about the vocation of the Comboni Lay Missionary. It has become a beautiful opportunity not only to deepen our faith but also to share the gift of this missionary calling with others who may be discerning how the Lord is inviting them to serve His Kingdom.
As St. Daniel Comboni taught, “Save Africa with Africa,” reminding us that evangelization is accomplished through participation, accompaniment, and trust in God’s providence. Today, we continue to live this missionary spirit as lay people committed to making Christ known and loved wherever He sends us.
We invite you to journey with us in prayer and mission. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide our renewed community, and may the Heart of Jesus, source of all missionary love, inspire new generations of Comboni Lay Missionaries to respond generously to God’s call.
“Either mission or death” was Comboni’s passionate cry. May we, too, live with hearts fully given to Christ and His mission.
Peace and blessings,
Comboni Lay Missionaries of the North American Province
CLM Kenya Members’ Meeting
From June 4–8, a meeting of CLM Kenya members took place in Kitelakapel. It was a special time of reflection, prayer, and planning for the future of our community.
During the meeting, we reviewed the development of CLM over the past six months and reflected on the direction we should take moving forward. Together, we discussed our strengths, challenges, and opportunities for further growth and service. Each day began with Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Joseph, during which we entrusted our plans, activities, and intentions to God. The gathering was also an excellent opportunity to strengthen our relationships, share experiences, and build community.
A particularly important event during our stay was the celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi on June 7. CLM members participated in the solemn Eucharistic procession in Kitelakapel. The Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr. Joseph, who reminded us in his homily of the importance of the Eucharist as a source of unity, love, and strength for every Christian. It was a special time of prayer and a public witness to our faith.
After Holy Mass, the faithful took part in the procession with the Blessed Sacrament, honoring Christ truly present in the Eucharist. CLM members actively assisted in the preparation and organization of the celebration and helped throughout the entire event.
This beautiful feast brought together many parishioners, children, and young people, demonstrating the living faith of our community. It was also a special moment of unity, joy, and gratitude for the gift of Jesus’ presence among us.
On Monday, after Holy Mass and breakfast, we departed for our homes, taking with us new inspiration, spiritual encouragement, and renewed motivation to continue serving others.
We thank everyone for their presence, commitment, and the time we shared together. May Christ present in the Eucharist continue to guide and strengthen us in our daily lives and in our mission as
CLM Kenya
African Day 2026
We’d like to share with you this conversation organized by AMANI, a Spanish NGO that collaborates with the CLM, featuring the coordinator of the Central Committee of the Comboni Lay Missionaries.
In this video, he shares a glimpse of Africa—particularly from the perspective of the LMC present on the continent—covering some history, dreams, and the commitment to remain faithful to the missionary vocation inspired by St. Daniel Comboni. (Video in Spanish)
