Comboni Lay Missionaries

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Spirituality

Called to Be a Cenacle of Apostles

by
LMC Brasil

On the Saturday before Palm Sunday, we arrived at the Santa Terezinha Mission House of the Comboni Lay Missionaries, a missionary presence in the Ipê Amarelo neighborhood of Contagem, in the state of Minas Gerais, where we were welcomed by Ana Cris, Alejandro, and their family, Comboni Lay Missionaries from Guatemala.

The following day, we began our in-person formation session with the Palm Sunday procession, starting from the Nossa Senhora Aparecida community in Ipê Amarelo and proceeding to the São Judas community (about 2.5 km away), where Mass was celebrated, bringing together all 10 communities of the São Domingos de Gusmão Parish.

We gathered as Comboni Family, welcomed by the Mccj community present in the region, learning a bit more about the region’s history and the Comboni presence, and renewing old friendships.

Another memorable moment was gathering at the Comboni Justice and Peace House to meet with the Comboni Spirituality Group (GEC), and following a prayer session beautifully led by members of the GEC Contagem, we shared our lives and missionary experiences, both here and beyond borders, for, from the moment of our baptism, we are all missionaries and called to act at the frontiers where we are.

Fr. Rafael reminded us that “from the dimension of mission rooted in the Comboni charism, we rediscover the need to be true communities”—to work together in the spirit of the Cenacle of the Apostles, the Comboni identity of serving in a mission.

Because we love one another

Comboni had Christ in his heart and saw Christ in other countries.

May we love the mission, the poorest, and be steadfast in the call God has for each of us: to live united and happy.

CLM 2026/2027 Itinerary Group

Good Friday Through the Eyes of a Layperson

by
LMC Guatemala

Today I experienced a different Good Friday—one that I didn’t just observe, but one in which I walked, carried, and offered.

I had the grace to participate in the procession of the Nazarene from the Santa María del Encinal quasi-parish, sharing with the community, with friends, and with two priests who are examples of what it means to be missionaries and people devoted in body and soul to Jesus and the Church, feeling the faith of every brother and sister walking beside me.

But I also experienced it with my family, who were my support at every moment.

My wife, with every loving glance, gave me the strength to keep going; and every time she shared a sip of water with me, I felt her care and her companionship, in a simple yet deeply meaningful gesture.

My children also walked with me on this journey of faith.

I was blessed to carry the burden alongside my eldest son, sharing the effort and commitment, and my youngest son, with every hug, reminded me of something very deep and true:

“You are not alone.”

Carrying Jesus on my shoulders was more than a physical act; it was a profound spiritual experience.

With every step I felt the weight of the cross, but I also felt the love He had for us.

The weariness in my feet, the pain in my arms and back, gradually turned into a silent offering, a simple way of saying to Jesus:

“Here I am, Lord, walking with you.”

It wasn’t easy, but in the midst of the effort, I understood that sacrifice can also be prayer.

Every drop of sweat, every moment of fatigue, every deep breath, was transformed into an act of love and gratitude.

And when 3:00 p.m. arrived—the time for the Adoration of the Cross—I experienced something new in my life.

It was the first time I had participated in this sacred act, and it was a beautiful experience, filled with silence, respect, and deep reflection.

As I contemplated the Cross, I recalled the passion and death of Jesus Christ, and a sincere gratitude was born in my heart for the sacrifice he made for all of us.

Today I understood that being a layperson is not just about attending or participating, but about giving oneself, serving, accompanying, and walking with Jesus among the people.

Being a layperson is living the faith with weary feet, busy hands, and a willing heart.

This Good Friday I didn’t just remember it… I lived it.

I lived it in community, with friends, with inspiring priests; I lived it with my family; I lived it in service; I lived it in the pain I offered and in deep gratitude.

And at the end of the day, though my body is tired, my soul is at peace, because I know that every step I took, every effort I offered, was a small token of love for the One who gave His life for us on the Cross.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your sacrifice, for your infinite love, and for allowing me to walk with you on this Good Friday, accompanied by my family, my community, and our priests, who were a reflection of your presence and your love in every moment.

CLM Guatemala

Retreat of the CLM of Guatemala: a gathering to renew the mission and the heart

by
LMC Guatemala

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.

As St. Daniel Comboni reminds us:

“Save Africa with Africa.”

St. Daniel Comboni, pray for us.

LMC Guatemala