Our theme for the day was unity.
As the Lord has brought us all from different lands, languages and different cultures, we come together in the Holy Spirit.
We ourselves, our work and our communities are like a puzzle. One piece alone has little meaning, but together we can create something beautiful.
African CLM
Today, 25 years from the beginning of the CLM in Mexico, we gathered in Sahuayo, Michoacán to start our 19th National Assembly with great joy, faith and enthusiasm that spur us to continue in this vocation, because, as St. Daniel Comboni said, “This work will not die.”
On June 30 we reflected on our commitment to the lay vocation. In this journey, the call is the compass guiding our steps and pointing to the right way, since our vocation is to do what lines up with our passion that, in one way or another, contributes to the building of a better world: to give help and light, to generate wellbeing, to be guides and spread harmony. We all need to find our vocation, because it brings us to enjoy life more. The advice on this matter was: “If you are doing what you have a passion for, keep on doing it even better.” To follow one’s vocation involves getting to know one another and develop our talents. What am I good for? It means to feel called by God, as special people over whom God placed his sight.
Later, on July 1, we reflected on what must set apart a CLM, and we agreed that the CLM must show a fraternal spirit, act in solidarity and empathy in order to free and walk with the poorest and most abandoned. As for his personality he is a brother who gives confidence, makes you feel part of the family and shares with you sorrows and joys. Even more, he must be loving, generous, and feel the freedom and the joy of serving. In this vocation, not everything is easy, so that even we may not like to stay in it, God wants it and he keeps us going in difficult moments.
Along these same lines, we began to develop a work plan based on the lay missionary experience of the group. In order to progress with this plan it is necessary to observe, to be realistic, to listen and learn from simple things in order to finally to be able to act with patience. Not always can the missionary solve problems, but a process may be started so that there will be change. So, from the work experience among the indigenous communities of Guerrero, we identified these areas of activity: education, employment, nutrition, women’s promotion and inclusion of the disabled.
At the same time, we had the joy of sharing this festive occasion with a group of friends who accompanied us and worked during these days on a life project and reflected on the lay vocation, seeing whether it could be with the CLM. Besides listening to the witness of missionaries, they also took active part in the moments of prayer and celebration.
Finally, the big day arrived, July 2, when we had the opportunity to listen to the missionary testimony of the Mexican CLM who pioneered this work. It was a blessing to enjoy the presence of the Cornejo Castillo family, Olivia Ayala, Martha Navarro and Manuelita Valladares who, by their witness and commitment, left footprints to be followed in this journey.
The Thanksgiving Mass was presided over by Fr. Enrique Sánchez, the MCCJ provincial. Without any doubt, it was a very emotional time to say THANKS to all those who have written parts of this history and to those who are still writing it.
We are also grateful for the presence of Bro. Joel Cruz, mccj and Fr. Gustavo Covarrubias, mccj currently moderator of the CLM in Mexico, and all those who joined our festivities in prayer and from the heart.
Life is made up of moments. It was in July 1992 that the first formation meeting of the CLM took place, followed by July 1996 when our first CLM Silvia, Pablo, Oli and Ana Luz were assigned to Guatemala. In this same month we have given thanks especially for those who have accepted the missionary call to go to the mission ad gentes.
LMC Mexico
On Friday, June 30 we, members of the CLM-PCA of Guatemala were sent to El Salvador by our community.
The first meeting took place in December 2016. On that occasion in our mission promotion we shared about St. Daniel Comboni, the members of the Comboni family, the CLM, how we are organized and, at least a little bit, how in Guatemala the community followed a journey based on the indications of the directory.
On this second occasion, the mission promotion part took place on Saturday, July 1 and lasted from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
These were the points of our program of activities:
To go back to recognize St. Daniel Comboni, the Comboni family and the charism that identifies us;
The missionary vocation and how to be community in the Comboni style;
The directory and an explanation of the stages of human, spiritual and Comboni formation. At the same time, as an example, how we took care of our formation over two and a half years;
A small workshop on human development to end the day and to explain a little bit the role of the CLM in the field of the integral development of the person.
Results of the meeting:
Identification of and connection among the people who will be the contacts between Guatemala and El Salvador;
Several people were motivated to know better the Comboni charism in order to discern their vocation;
To start having meetings the last Saturday of each month, beginning now in July;
From our part, a commitment to nurture properly and periodically the seed that has been planted;
To pray for fruits and for our brothers of El Salvador.
We, the CLM of Guatemala, believe in the name of Jesus and with the intercession of St. Daniel Comboni, that this work is from God and will have success. The people of El Salvador are intelligent, fighters, lovable, accessible, open and, above all and most importantly, full of faith and of love of God and ready to serve the most needy.
This past weekend, we, from Guatemala, without any merit on our part, have enjoyed and shared in the mercy of God.
“THE MISSIONARY MUST AT TIMES BE HAPPY WITH SOWING A SEED THAT WILL GIVE FRUIT WITH THE MISSIONARIES WHO WILL FOLLOW.”
St. Daniel Comboni
COMBONI LAY MISSIONARIES OF THE PROVINCE OF CENTRAL AMERICA
“HOLY AND CAPABLE MAKING COMMON CAUSE WITH THE POOREST AND MOST ABANDONED.
St. Daniel Comboni
Today, June 15, our CLM Flávio and Liliana left for their mission in Piquiá, Brazil. Our CLM family and some of their relatives were present at that moment, sharing with the couple the joy of having accepted the invitation to “Save Africa with Africa.”
You go to meet love. You follow the steps of the one who invites them (…)
You accept the invitation to go.
May God give light to your paths and in sharing life with other people.
Thanks for your presence and sharing, personally or in prayer.
Kisses
(words of our friends already in the plane)
With love, Carolina Fiúza
Last weekend, June 11, we held a program of mission promotion in the parish church of St. Mamede Infesta, in the town of Matosinhos. It was a sunny day and at around 10:00 a.m. we started. I must confess that I was a little worried because 70% of the parishioners were seniors. Would the words of Carlos and Sandra resonate in their hearts? But the Lord reaches everyone and truly, between the two celebrations where we were present and at the missionary rosary that we were allowed to hold, the results were very positive.
Fr. Dario celebrated the Mass at 7:00 p.m. and he gave a different tone to the usual celebration.
To identify myself as part of the Comboni family in front of my parish community made me very happy. It gives you the feeling that you are on the right path, in the way that the Lord showed to me.
Thank you, Comboni Family, for having received me in your bosom with so much kindness and fraternal love.
Maria José Martins
