America – Comboni Lay Missionaries

We Returned to Manzanillo to Continue Rowing in Peter’s Boat

7 July, 2026 by Alberto de la Portilla

On July 4, as Comboni Lay Missionaries, we had the joy of returning once again to the community of Manzanillo to continue sharing the mission, our faith, and our closeness with our brothers and sisters.

In the morning, we held a pediatric medical clinic, where we were able to care for the youngest members of the community. It was an opportunity for service, listening, and companionship, during which we provided medical care, diagnoses, and medication. Each child we cared for reminded us of the importance of a mission that proclaims the Gospel not only with words but also through concrete gestures of love and care.

Seeing the families arrive with trust and hope filled our hearts. As a missionary community, we understand that serving is also a way of evangelizing, especially when God’s love is made present in caring for those who need it most.

In the afternoon, we gathered with the adults of the community to reflect together on the theme “Peter’s Boat.” This moment invited us to recognize that we are all called to board that boat which is the Church—a boat that sometimes faces strong winds, weariness, or uncertainty, but which continues to move forward because Christ is with us.

In the midst of our reflection, we also shared a very special and fraternal moment: we baked an “impossible cake” together. More than just a recipe, it was an experience of connection, teamwork, and shared joy. In the end, the cake was shared among the members of the community, becoming a simple yet profound sign of communion.

This visit reminded us that mission is built step by step, through constant presence, listening, service, and small gestures that speak of God’s love. Manzanillo continues to be for us a place of encounter, learning, and hope.

We give thanks to God for allowing us to return, for every child we served, for every family we welcomed, for every smile shared, and for the opportunity to continue walking alongside this community.

As St. Daniel Comboni said: “The mission is carried out on one’s knees.”

May every visit, every act of service, and every fraternal gesture help us continue rowing together in Peter’s Boat, always trusting that Christ guides our mission.

CLM Guatemala

Prayer Intentions of the Comboni Family July 2026

2 July, 2026 by Alberto de la Portilla

We pray for the victims of trafficking: that the Lord break the chains of their slavery, and that, through the intercession of Saint Daniel Comboni and Saint Josephine Bakhita, we may all fight with courage and tenacity against this scourge. Let us pray.

Life is a Mission

1 July, 2026 by Alberto de la Portilla

Dear Comboni Lay Missionaries and all the People of God.

The mission continues! For the past three months, I have been on mission in Piquiá, Açailândia, in the state of Maranhão, where I work at the Rural Family Home (CFR), which serves students in their first, second, and third years of high school—mostly the children of farmers who, in addition to theoretical instruction, learn hands-on skills in agriculture, vegetable gardening, fruit growing, fish farming, animal husbandry, and beekeeping.

I see this as very important and necessary work so that our young people can continue to live on the land and provide for their families.

On weekends, I’m joining the activities of the Santa Luzia Parish in Piquiá, and will soon begin to get involved in pastoral work.

I always count on the prayers of each one of you to give me the strength to continue on this journey.

A big hug to everyone.

Tito, Comboni Lay Missionary.

Starting over through Prayer

25 June, 2026 by Alberto de la Portilla

After a period of prayerful discernment and a temporary pause in our journey as Comboni Lay Missionaries of the North American Province (NAP), we are filled with gratitude to announce the renewal of our community. By the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, we are once again gathering with renewed zeal, inspired by the missionary charism of St. Daniel Comboni and his dream of bringing the love of Christ to the most abandoned and forgotten.

As Comboni Lay Missionaries spread throughout the United States and Canada, we have begun meeting monthly through Zoom, allowing us to remain united despite the great distances that separate us. On the first Tuesday of every month, we come together for a Prayer Night; a sacred time to strengthen our communion, nurture our missionary identity, and rekindle the fire of our vocation.

These gatherings provide an opportunity to share how the Lord is working in our lives, to reflect on our experiences serving in international missions, and to encourage one another as missionary disciples. Above all, we gather before the Lord in prayer, entrusting to His Sacred Heart our personal intentions, the needs of the Church, and the cries of our world.

In the spirit of St. Daniel Comboni, whose heart burned with love for the mission, we pray fervently for peace throughout the world, for all missionaries serving near and far, for those who suffer on the margins of society, and for an increase in missionary vocations. We also remember all those who support us through their prayers and friendship.

Our Prayer Night is open to anyone who would like to join us, pray with us, and learn more about the vocation of the Comboni Lay Missionary. It has become a beautiful opportunity not only to deepen our faith but also to share the gift of this missionary calling with others who may be discerning how the Lord is inviting them to serve His Kingdom.

As St. Daniel Comboni taught, “Save Africa with Africa,” reminding us that evangelization is accomplished through participation, accompaniment, and trust in God’s providence. Today, we continue to live this missionary spirit as lay people committed to making Christ known and loved wherever He sends us.

We invite you to journey with us in prayer and mission. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide our renewed community, and may the Heart of Jesus, source of all missionary love, inspire new generations of Comboni Lay Missionaries to respond generously to God’s call.

“Either mission or death” was Comboni’s passionate cry. May we, too, live with hearts fully given to Christ and His mission.

Peace and blessings,

Comboni Lay Missionaries of the North American Province

Missionary Update from Arequipa, Peru

18 June, 2026 by Alberto de la Portilla

Greetings everyone,

I would like to share a brief update on our missionary journey here in Arequipa, Peru. Since our arrival, we have been actively involved in various parish activities and ministries that continue to enrich our faith and strengthen our commitment to service.

A central aspect of our missionary life is our participation in Holy Mass throughout the week. Through the Eucharist, we are spiritually nourished and receive the grace and strength needed to carry out our mission with joy and dedication.

On Mondays and Wednesdays, we accompany one of the brothers who leads catechism classes for adults preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. It has been a blessing to witness their desire to deepen their relationship with Christ and fully embrace their faith.

On Tuesdays and Fridays, we serve at a daycare center, assisting in the care of two-year-old children and supporting the staff in their daily responsibilities. This ministry has taught us the importance of patience, tenderness, and attentive care for the youngest members of our community.

Every Thursday begins with a retreat and meeting with the priests of the parish. During this time, we pray together, reflect on our missionary experiences, and plan upcoming parish activities. Later in the day, we visit elderly members of the community, ranging in age from 60 to 100 years old. We spend time talking with them, listening to their stories, dancing, and checking on their well-being. These encounters remind us of the value of companionship, respect, and the wisdom that comes with age.

On Friday afternoons, we gather with the youth for moments of fellowship and social interaction. We answer their questions, share our experiences and culture from Kenya, and enjoy recreational activities such as playing volleyball together. These gatherings provide opportunities to build meaningful relationships and encourage young people in their faith journey.

Through all these activities, we continue to grow in our missionary vocation while accompanying and serving the people of Arequipa. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of this community and to witness God’s work in the lives of those we encounter each day.

Thank you for your prayers, encouragement, and support. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we strive to be faithful instruments of God’s love and mercy in our mission.

May God bless you abundantly.

Belinda and Claudina, Kenian CLM in Peru