Comboni Lay Missionaries

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Formation

Jonas: mirror of our escapes

by
LMC Gana

As planned in the programme of the year, we gathered in Ghana to have the Advent recollection. But, from a day in the Action Plan, we spread our gathering to cover three days for three main reasons. First, to have our recollection on the 13th December. Second, in order to be at Mafi-Kumase early for the recollection, we needed to be there on the 12th. And thirdly, to do vocation promotion at the parish where we met for the recollection.

In the evening of Friday, 12th December, Daniel, Christian, Elisabeth and Justin gathered at Good Shepherd Catholic Church of Mafi-Kumase and entered in the mood of recollection. We were joined later by Valentine. On Saturday, the 13th after the Holy Mass and breakfast, we had our first talk which was given to each one to read individually and reflect upon. It was a topic prepared by Fr. Manuel Joao Pereira Correia, mccj, which our chaplain gave to us to reflect upon. The title was Jonas: Mirror of our escapes. It was so meditative and Fr. Joao always left a question at the end of each subtopic to lead us in our meditation. An inspiring part of the topic was where father Joao quoted a theologian who said that the Lord is «The God of thousand surprises». He continued saying that ‘He even goes before us on the paths that lead us away from Him, in order to set a ‘trap’ for us so that we fall into his arms’. Indeed, that was what happened to Jonas when he was fleeing from the service that God entrusted to him.

In the afternoon, we had the second talk entitled ‘Inspired by Christian hope, let us live out our prophetic calling’ which our chaplain, Father Ephrem, mccj, shared with us. ‘One who hopes, he said, lives different life’. And our hope, he said, quoting a pope, is rooted in Jesus and Jesus is our hope. The prophet, according to father Ephrem, has three functions: talk in the name of God, denounce (the wrong doings) and suggest (new ways).

After the second talk, we had the celebration of the Sacrament of Conversion followed by the prayer of the Holy Rosary. In the night of that Saturday, we started a discussion on the Questionnaires that the African Committee sent to the various groups in Africa.

On Sunday, during mass, we were invited to share our vocation reality with the parishioners. Few got closer to us at the end showing interest to join us.

After lunch, we had a handing over ceremony. Justin who has been playing double role as National Coordinator of Ghana and Provincial Coordinator (Togo-Ghana-Benin) passed the service of the National Coordinator to Christian. Other members present were invited to pray upon the new National Coordinator. The Chaplain also prayed upon him and blessed him for the service the group and God have entrusted to him.

After this ceremony, we participated in the Zoom Meeting that gathered all the CLM worldwide to celebrate The International CLM Day before departing from Mafi-Kumase.

Justin Nougnui, CLM.

CLM Weekend for International CLM Day 2025

by
LMC Alemania

On the third weekend of Advent, we deliberately took time with our children and some friends to celebrate Advent together and observe International CLM Day. It was wonderful to be guests of the Comboni Missionaries in Nuremberg again.

On Saturday morning, we held an Advent meditation under the guidance of Brigitte. (see photo) The message was that Jesus is the most important thing at Christmas and in our lives, and that is why the Jesus candle belongs in the center. With Him and through Him, we can walk paths, even unknown and new ones. From this, life grows (green branches), we can bear fruit (apples), and reach people’s hearts.

Afterwards, we made wooden lanterns or painted pictures. After a walk to the playground, we experienced the fascinating light show “Genesis.”
In the evening, we enjoyed a cozy Advent atmosphere with songs, texts, stories, and homemade baked apples. The highlight and conclusion was a group Mass with Father Günther, with the children actively participating.

It was wonderful! May Comboni continue to inspire us and encourage us to be missionaries.

CLM, Germany

Hope, respect, solidarity, and let’s get to work…

by
LMC Costa Rica

Today, November 12, 2025, as part of the Comboni Family Forum on Integral Ecology 2025, we had an intense day, beginning with a community prayer at the Sagrada Familia Social Center in Belem, Brazil, where, after placing ourselves in God’s hands, we gathered in small groups and went to different locations where the COP30 International Conference on Climate Change is taking place.

An interesting reflection took place at the Church Symposium at COP30, where church leaders from various continents, authorities, and representatives of traditional peoples gathered for a dialogue on paths to ecological conservation.

At the same time, conferences were held at other locations, such as the Federal University of Pará, the blue zone, and the Pará River, where a boat trip took place.

Among the topics of conversation and denunciation at this summit were: the defense of the most needy peoples, an end to violence, peace, solidarity, and care for our common home, climate justice, the sovereignty of peoples, integral solidarity, and above all, such important issues as the protection of natural resources and saying no to mining and polluting practices.

The first day ended with the opening of COP30 at the University and the presentation of important figures, including the Rector, and artistic performances. At the same time, there was a march for the martyrs, which ended with Holy Mass in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Nazareth, concluding a day full of reflection, commitment, and hope for a more just, sustainable, and supportive world, respecting all those who do not just talk about ecology but live it in their daily lives….

Maritza Rodríguez Pacheco

CLM Costa Rica

We have 10 new Comboni Lay Missionaries

by
LMC Guatemala

During the month of October, we had many significant celebrations, beginning on Saturday, October 4, with the joyful celebration of Children’s Day in the Community of León El Manzanillo, which we all attended with great joy and deeply inspired by the Holy Spirit. The activity began around 9:00 a.m. and throughout the day, we shared a snack, held contests, played games, and enjoyed breaking piñatas. Likewise, without neglecting the spiritual aspect, we presented the theme: Jesus, salvation. We finished this activity around noon, but our commitment continued: we visited some people who were facing health problems to offer them support, words of encouragement, and share with them the richness of God’s word.

On October 10, another special ceremony took place: a Mass in honor of St. Daniel Comboni, celebrated at the San Luis Parish in Petén. We also commemorated 20 years of the presence of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ) in the community. That day was particularly important for the Comboni Lay Missionaries (CLM), as ten members made their official commitment, reaffirming their dedication to missionary service and their identity as Comboni lay people.

Two days later, on October 12, we gathered again for the Eucharistic Celebration on the Feast of St. Daniel Comboni and to give thanks for the closing of the 2025 cycle at the Comboni School. During this special celebration, the Camey Figueroa family, who will soon be leaving on mission to Brazil, had the honor of leading the opening procession, a moment filled with gratitude and hope.

The joy continued in the afternoon, and we all enjoyed a pleasant lunch together. Around 2:00 p.m., the traditional Bingo organized by the CLM began. In addition, we had various items available for sale, including religious objects, books, flower pots, and more. The day was filled with joy and reflection as we remembered the importance of our mission by celebrating the day of our founder’s birth into eternal life.

We concluded the month by joyfully participating in the Pilgrimage and Mass of the Second Archdiocesan Synod under the theme “Living and Proclaiming the Gospel,” celebrated on Sunday, October 26. This event sought to renew the pastoral spirit, promoting a more inclusive, missionary Church committed to synodality. The Archdiocese of Santiago de Guatemala has used these synods to strengthen the sense of community, celebration, and evangelization within the sacraments and all ecclesial life.

October was a month that invited us to reflect on our mission and live with true purpose. Each activity not only brought us closer to our faith but also to our community and missionary commitment.

Marianne Alarcón, CLM Guatemala