Comboni Lay Missionaries

A Fruitful Start to 2025: Reflections on Our Annual Assembly in Kenya

LMC Kenia

2025 began on a high note with our annual assembly, which took place from Thursday 9th through Sunday 12th January. It was a time of deep reflection, evaluation, and planning as we looked back on the past year and prepared for the journey ahead.

Training moments

Throughout the assembly, we assessed our activities, formation meetings, and the service we carried out. We also reviewed and updated our charter, ensuring it continues to guide us effectively in our mission. Additionally, we evaluated our financial report and laid out concrete plans for the year 2025.

A particularly special moment was the celebration of our members who are preparing for their mission experience in Kitelakapel. Their commitment is a beautiful witness to the call we all share—to go forth and proclaim the Gospel.

The cakes were from the Kitelakapel community to thank the CLM of Kenya for their support, and to welcome the new CLM preparing for mission and who would later join us in Kitelakapel for their community experience.

What stood out most about this assembly was the sense of shared responsibility and the desire for growth. It was inspiring to see how deeply each member is involved in shaping the future of our mission. The emphasis on formation, service, and careful planning shows a strong commitment not just to action, but to sustainable and meaningful missionary work.

New coordinating team

Among the plans for 2025, a key focus is on supporting those preparing for mission abroad and ensuring they are well-equipped spiritually and practically. There is also a strong commitment to strengthening our local initiatives, improving how we accompany communities, and fostering deeper missionary engagement.

As we step into this new year, we pray for God’s abundant blessings upon our mission. May He guide our steps and strengthen our resolve. And may our beloved Saint—Daniel Comboni—intercede for us as we continue to walk in faith and service.

Assembly members

CLM Kenya

Missionary outing of the CLM aspirants to saint joseph parish in Assahun-Fiagbé

Candidatos LMC Togo enero 2025

As part of the activity program for the 2024-2025 pastoral year, the CLM aspirants organized a missionary outing to Saint Joseph Parish in Assahun-Fiagbé from January 4 to 5, 2025. The activities carried out during this mission included a talk-debate, a film screening, home visits, and the distribution of gifts to children. These actions were carried out in collaboration with the Avenir Positif association, created in 2012 by collaborators of the Comboni Missionary Sisters, aimed at promoting the well-being of children and youth.

Saturday, January 4, 2025: Start of Activities

An initial delegation composed of Jean-Baptiste GNIMASSOUN, Ernest BOTRI, Marie-Claire AWUNO, and Sister Elizabeth CORTE IMPERIAL (SMC) arrived in the village on the afternoon of Saturday, January 4, 2025. After a courtesy visit to the Parish Priest at the rectory, the team went to the parish to begin the first activities of the program.

The day began with a talk-debate on the theme: The Commitment of Young Christians in Their Parish, led by Ernest BOTRI. This discussion encouraged young people to become more involved in pastoral activities. In the evening, the screening of the film Jesus of Nazareth in the local language (Éwé) marked the end of this first day.

Sunday, January 5, 2025: Main Activities and Closing

On Sunday, January 5, the Feast of the Epiphany, a second delegation composed mainly of members of the Avenir Positif association joined the initial group. All participants attended the Sunday Mass dedicated to the children of the parish and its two sub-stations.

After the Mass, Jean-Baptiste GNIMASSOUN led an educational session on the theme: Healthy Nutrition for a Positive Future. This session raised awareness of the importance of nutrition in children’s development.

Afterward, various games with prizes were organized to entertain the children. Meanwhile, some members, accompanied by parishioners, conducted home visits to the sick and elderly. These visits provided an opportunity to share the Good News and distribute food kits.

It is also worth noting that a batch of clothing and shoes, donated by Maria Aliya, an LMC aspirant, was handed over to the Parish Priest for the needy.

The mission concluded with a distribution of gifts to the children, bringing joy and hope to many households.

Conclusion

This missionary outing was a true blessing for the Saint Joseph Parish community in Assahun-Fiagbé. It not only strengthened the bonds between the LMC aspirants and the parishioners but also provided spiritual and material support to those in need.

Ernest BOTRI