Central America – Comboni Lay Missionaries

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

15 March, 20264 March, 2026 by Alberto de la Portilla

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

Missionary sending of the first CLM in Costa Rica

5 February, 2026 by Alberto de la Portilla

Gospel according to Matthew 28:20: “…and teach them to observe all that I have commanded you. I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

January 25 was a very important day for the CLM of Costa Rica, as the Missionary Sending Mass was held in their home parish, Our Lady of Mercy, Palmares, Alajuela, presided over by Monsignor Bartolomé Buigues Oller, Bishop of Alajuela, who gave his blessing and sent our brother José David Rojas Quesada on his mission. He also shared with him the Word of God as a sign of the task entrusted to him, the Cross as a sign of the Missionary Sending and witness of God, and the Light as a sign that leads to the Living and Risen Christ. On February 12, José David will be traveling to his Ad Gentes mission in the Central African Republic, specifically to the Mongoumba mission, where he will be building community and working on that mission alongside Teresa, Élia, and Neema. We would like to share with you some words that our companion wrote for this occasion:

“Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel.”

These words resonate in my mind and heart. The path has not been easy: it has been uphill, dusty, and, on many occasions, full of chasms.

I remember as if it were yesterday when I was 7 years old—yes, I imagine many of you are doing the math—because exactly 37 years ago I began my service as an altar boy. As the days, months, and years went by, I fell more and more in love with this spirit of service, a gift that has been given to me freely and that I will continue to share freely.

The prophet Samuel is very significant to me, and I make his words my own: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Although there were times in the desert, times when I forgot God, my sin and my smallness enveloped me and, like any of us, I allowed myself to be seduced. However, He seduced me first, and I set myself the task of returning to my first love. If the trials were hard before, at that moment they began to be even harder, but always with God ahead of me and with Mother Mary.

That first love blossomed more strongly. And although I am still the greatest of sinners, I still have a long way to go before I can say that I have been configured to Christ. Every day I struggle to become so; I will continue to try and give my best effort.

I give infinite thanks to God for the opportunity to have a family that, although not perfect, has always supported me. Today my mother, who was my confidante, friend, and protector, is no longer physically with me, but I am sure that from heaven she is watching over me and still pulling my ears. I love you, my little cabbage hands, my old lady.

I am still blessed to have my father, and I pray to God to take care of him, to grant him good health in body and soul, and that he may continue to enjoy many more championships of the LDA soccer team he loves. To my three brothers, I love you; take care of Dad as he has taken care of us. To my nine nephews and nieces: take care of your grandfather, love him as he loves you, and remember that this uncle loves you very much and that whenever I can, I will be there for you.

May God always be at the center of your hearts; draw close to Him. The Eucharist is the most beautiful, sincere, and simple way to have Him. And when you go to pray, ask God for this member of the family who, even though he is far away, always carries you in his heart.

My family by choice, my Comboni Family: in you I have truly found a direction. Everything I have learned and experienced has strengthened me and made me a missionary who is not afraid to give my life for the mission. St. Daniel Comboni has been the inspiration for wanting to leave everything for the Whole, and to fearlessly give my life for the most needy and forgotten.

To my companions in the Comboni Lay Missionaries group, let yourselves be struck by the Sacred Heart of Jesus. May St. Daniel Comboni encourage you. Remember what he used to say: every missionary must have a pig’s stomach to eat everything, a camel’s knees for prayer, and a donkey’s back to carry his backpack. God’s works are born and grow at the foot of the cross; Comboni said it well, because he knew that the mission is not easy and that it must be lived with great responsibility, but above all with commitment.

There are so many people who undoubtedly occupy a very significant place in my heart: uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, so many people whom I truly value. I always pray to God to bless them abundantly. I wanted to invite more people, but the civic hall for these times was too small for us.

Infinite thanks to God for the gift of friendship, which I am sure will continue to be strengthened through prayer. Infinite thanks for every word of encouragement and every contribution. God has truly surrounded me with angels: people who trust in my vocation and, even more, in the mission. I am sure that during my time on mission you will continue to support me in the same way, because—to be honest—I need it.

I feel great peace in my heart. We have fought and overcome many situations that only the strength and peace that come from above have made possible.

Thank you, thank you, and a thousand times thank you.

We will only be 11,000 kilometers away, about 40 hours of travel, but very united in prayer. Thank you for sharing as a family, because we are all family: some by blood, but without a doubt, family because of the greatest treasure we have, our Heavenly Father.

“Go into all the world and preach the Good News, making them my disciples.”

May God bless you greatly. May Our Blessed Mother cover you with her blessed mantle, and may St. Daniel Comboni intercedes so that your love and missionary zeal may always be a source of inspiration.

And again, THANK YOU.

CLM Costa Rica

Closing a year full of blessings

30 December, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

During this year, we have shared meaningful experiences as a community, both in our formation and gatherings, as well as in our missionary days, in which we seek to bring to life what we have learned in these formations, as well as what God has sown with our collaboration through our personal prayer and our sacramental life.

In the Community of León El Manzanillo, we have had the opportunity to bring the Word of God through the themes we share on the first Saturday of each month, in our missionary days, and also through moments of prayer for those who face health problems or other difficulties, during home visits. The workshops we have given have also been a valuable tool for community members, promoting integral development, which fills us with joy.

In this community, on Saturday, November 8, we addressed the theme of conversion, preparing ourselves spiritually for Advent and encouraging the community’s active participation in Sunday Eucharist. That same day, in the afternoon, we organized a practical workshop in which we learned how to make small bread rolls known as donuts. This activity was an opportunity to spend time together in a different way, creating a very pleasant and joyful atmosphere.

Later, on Monday, December 8, we participated with great devotion in a Solemn Eucharist in honor of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

Later, on Sunday, December 14, we enthusiastically celebrated Comboni Lay Missionary Day. The day began with Holy Mass, presided over by Father Juan Diego Calderón. Then we shared a delicious breakfast of tamales that filled our bodies and hearts with energy.

The rest of the day was spent laughing, chatting, and participating in various activities that helped us strengthen our community bonds. Of course, we couldn’t miss out on a delicious lunch, which marked another special moment to share and celebrate with gratitude.

We thank our Good Father God for everything we have experienced during this year. The experiences he granted us not only nourished our personal and community growth, but also had a positive impact on the lives of our brothers and sisters.

Comboni Lay Missionaries of Guatemala

Hope, respect, solidarity, and let’s get to work…

17 November, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

Today, November 12, 2025, as part of the Comboni Family Forum on Integral Ecology 2025, we had an intense day, beginning with a community prayer at the Sagrada Familia Social Center in Belem, Brazil, where, after placing ourselves in God’s hands, we gathered in small groups and went to different locations where the COP30 International Conference on Climate Change is taking place.

An interesting reflection took place at the Church Symposium at COP30, where church leaders from various continents, authorities, and representatives of traditional peoples gathered for a dialogue on paths to ecological conservation.

At the same time, conferences were held at other locations, such as the Federal University of Pará, the blue zone, and the Pará River, where a boat trip took place.

Among the topics of conversation and denunciation at this summit were: the defense of the most needy peoples, an end to violence, peace, solidarity, and care for our common home, climate justice, the sovereignty of peoples, integral solidarity, and above all, such important issues as the protection of natural resources and saying no to mining and polluting practices.

The first day ended with the opening of COP30 at the University and the presentation of important figures, including the Rector, and artistic performances. At the same time, there was a march for the martyrs, which ended with Holy Mass in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Nazareth, concluding a day full of reflection, commitment, and hope for a more just, sustainable, and supportive world, respecting all those who do not just talk about ecology but live it in their daily lives….

Maritza Rodríguez Pacheco

CLM Costa Rica

We have 10 new Comboni Lay Missionaries

10 November, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

During the month of October, we had many significant celebrations, beginning on Saturday, October 4, with the joyful celebration of Children’s Day in the Community of León El Manzanillo, which we all attended with great joy and deeply inspired by the Holy Spirit. The activity began around 9:00 a.m. and throughout the day, we shared a snack, held contests, played games, and enjoyed breaking piñatas. Likewise, without neglecting the spiritual aspect, we presented the theme: Jesus, salvation. We finished this activity around noon, but our commitment continued: we visited some people who were facing health problems to offer them support, words of encouragement, and share with them the richness of God’s word.

On October 10, another special ceremony took place: a Mass in honor of St. Daniel Comboni, celebrated at the San Luis Parish in Petén. We also commemorated 20 years of the presence of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ) in the community. That day was particularly important for the Comboni Lay Missionaries (CLM), as ten members made their official commitment, reaffirming their dedication to missionary service and their identity as Comboni lay people.

Two days later, on October 12, we gathered again for the Eucharistic Celebration on the Feast of St. Daniel Comboni and to give thanks for the closing of the 2025 cycle at the Comboni School. During this special celebration, the Camey Figueroa family, who will soon be leaving on mission to Brazil, had the honor of leading the opening procession, a moment filled with gratitude and hope.

The joy continued in the afternoon, and we all enjoyed a pleasant lunch together. Around 2:00 p.m., the traditional Bingo organized by the CLM began. In addition, we had various items available for sale, including religious objects, books, flower pots, and more. The day was filled with joy and reflection as we remembered the importance of our mission by celebrating the day of our founder’s birth into eternal life.

We concluded the month by joyfully participating in the Pilgrimage and Mass of the Second Archdiocesan Synod under the theme “Living and Proclaiming the Gospel,” celebrated on Sunday, October 26. This event sought to renew the pastoral spirit, promoting a more inclusive, missionary Church committed to synodality. The Archdiocese of Santiago de Guatemala has used these synods to strengthen the sense of community, celebration, and evangelization within the sacraments and all ecclesial life.

October was a month that invited us to reflect on our mission and live with true purpose. Each activity not only brought us closer to our faith but also to our community and missionary commitment.

Marianne Alarcón, CLM Guatemala