Nine candidates, one missionary family, and a beautiful new beginning! On Saturday, October 17, the Comboni Lay Missionaries of the North American Province (CLM NAP) officially began a new journey of basic formation and discernment with nine candidates taking their first steps together in discovering the missionary vocation.
The morning brought together participants in a special hybrid gathering, with some meeting in person in the beautiful garden of the Comboni Mission Center in Covina, California, while others joined through Zoom. Our online participants connected from New York, Ohio, and Bakersfield, California, bringing together members from different parts of the country for this special occasion.
Thanks to today’s technology, we were able to connect across distances in a way that made everyone feel part of the same gathering. Those joining online could see and hear those in person, and those gathered in the garden could also see and hear their brothers and sisters joining virtually. Who says distance has to keep a missionary family apart?
From the morning until noon, we shared prayer, introductions, questions, experiences, and reflections, beginning what we hope will be a meaningful journey of faith, friendship, and discernment.
The morning opened with prayer, followed by a warm welcome from Rossie Patlan, CLM NAP Director. And Fr. Maciej Zielinski, MCCJ, both introduced the Comboni Lay Missionaries, helping candidates discover more about the CLM identity, spirituality, and missionary vocation. Through their presentation, questions, and personal experiences, they offered a deeper look into what it means to live the Comboni missionary spirit today.
A special highlight of the morning was the testimony of Linda, an Italian Comboni Lay Missionary currently serving in Kenya. Joining us from her mission experience, Linda shared a beautiful reflection entitled “Beauty of Being CLM.” Her testimony offered candidates a glimpse into the joys, challenges, and blessings of missionary life. Hearing from someone living the mission firsthand was a wonderful reminder that the CLM family extends far beyond borders, languages, and continents. One heart, one mission, one family!
We were also blessed to hear from Olivia Anguiano, a CLM candidate who has been journeying through formation for almost two years. Olivia shared her personal formation experience, offering an honest and encouraging perspective on what it means to take time to learn, grow, ask questions, and discern God’s call. Her testimony was a meaningful reminder that formation is not simply about attending classes, but about allowing God to work within us and transform our hearts along the way.
The morning also included the presentation of candidate expectations and guidelines, helping everyone understand the journey ahead. Formation is an invitation to grow in faith, learn about the spirituality of St. Daniel Comboni, discover our gifts, and prayerfully discern how God may be calling us to serve.
Importantly, candidates were reminded that this journey is not about pressure or having all the answers. It is about coming with open hearts, a willingness to learn, and the freedom to discover where God is leading each person. Missionary service can take different forms, whether overseas or through supporting and serving mission right here in North America.
After the closing prayer, the online meeting came to an end at noon, while those gathered in Covina continued with lunch and time to socialize, sharing fellowship and getting to know one another beyond the presentations.
This first gathering marks an exciting step in the renewal and growth of the CLM NAP community. With nine candidates beginning formation, we are grateful for every person who said yes to exploring this journey. We also give thanks to Linda, Fr. Maciej, Olivia, and everyone who helped make this day possible.
As St. Daniel Comboni reminds us through his missionary witness, mission begins when we allow our hearts to be touched by the needs of others and respond with love.
And this is only the beginning!
We look forward to our next formation gathering next month, continuing to grow together as a missionary family. We also warmly encourage anyone interested in learning more about the Comboni Lay Missionaries to join us. It is never too late to begin, and everyone is welcome! You do not need to have your entire future figured out. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple yes to discovering what God has placed in your heart.
May the Holy Spirit continue to guide our nine candidates and the entire CLM family as we move forward together.
Nine hearts, one mission, one family!
CLM NAP
