With great joy, as Comboni Lay Missionaries of Guatemala, we shared a very special day with the children and families of the El Manzanillo community, celebrating Children’s Day.
It was a day filled with smiles, games, a piñata, gifts, and moments of fellowship. But we wanted this gathering to do more than just provide fun—we wanted it to plant a small seed in the heart of every child.
Through a simple evangelization activity, we shared the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37), recalling one of Jesus’ most beautiful teachings: to love our neighbor not only with words, but by reaching out, helping, listening, and showing compassion.
We learned that to be a “Good Samaritan,” we don’t need to do extraordinary things. We can be one by sharing, helping those in need, accompanying those who are alone, listening to a friend, giving a hug, or simply offering a smile.
And perhaps this lesson wasn’t just for the children.
They, too, evangelize us with their simplicity, their joy, and their way of receiving and sharing love. They remind us that often it is the small actions that can make a big difference in someone’s life.
As a missionary community, this gathering also reminds us that evangelizing means reaching out, sharing life, and allowing Christ’s love to become visible through our actions.
May we not pass by those who need us. May we learn to see through the eyes of the Good Samaritan and have a heart willing to stop, reach out, and serve.
“Go and do likewise.” — Luke 10:37
Thank you to the children and families of *El Manzanillo* for once again opening the doors of their community to us and allowing us to share a day full of joy, faith, and love.
CLM Guatemala
