Europe – Comboni Lay Missionaries

CLM meeting in Nürnberg

7 April, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

At the first meeting of the year, Maria told us about the general assembly in Maia, informed the group about the decisions and brought some requests from the group in Poland.

She also brought memories and greetings from colleagues and friends. We made plans for the meetings in presence, via zoom and the themes we want to work on. Together with Father Günther from the MCCJ, we made a commitment to take part in the “Katholikentag” in Würzburg in 2026. In October we want to visit the community in Graz and strengthen ties within the family. We have also redefined the positions within the group: Maria has taken over as coordinator, Willi continues as treasurer, Christoph as representative on the European coordination, Brigitte as contact person for JGIP and Barbara for the peace exhibition and updating the website.

CLM, Germany

Prayer Intentions of the Comboni Family April 2025

1 April, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

For all the countries of the world, especially those where we are present as a Comboni family, so that we may always seek the common good and motivate Christians to social and political commitment. Lord, hear us.

From cholera in Africa to Covid in Italy

26 March, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

In these days we remember the beginning of the Covid19 pandemic five years ago, a time that marked the whole world. We share the testimony of Sr. Lilia Navarrete, a Comboni Missionary Sister. A nurse by vocation, she spent years in Mozambique fighting the cholera epidemic. In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic took her by surprise in Italy, where she dedicated herself to caring for and accompanying the elderly missionaries of her community. (video in Spanish)

Prayer Intentions of the Comboni Family March 2025

3 March, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

That Saint Joseph, guardian of the Holy Family, may help all the members of our Institutes to share all that they are and have, even if apparently insignificant, and may ensure that, following his example, we may give the best of ourselves and our very lives in the service of the plan of salvation of God the Father, for the regeneration of all peoples. Lord, hear us.

Community experience in Czerwonak

13 February, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

My name is Izabela, on 22 June 2024, during a solemn Mass, I joined the CLM.

I will be leaving for a mission to Kenya in a few weeks.

Preparing to go on a mission field for two years.

The final stage is the community experience I am currently on. It involves sharing life together with Comboni Lay Missionaries.

During the experience, I have many meetings with the lay missionaries who are currently or have been on missions. We discuss various issues concerning mission-related matters, e.g., inculturation, security issues, pastoral care in the mission, etc.

Twice a week there are meetings with the international coordinator of the CLM – Alberto de la Portilla. We learn about the history of the founding of the CLM and discuss documents tied to the lay missionary movement.

There is also time for lecitio divina prayer, that I have with Br. Tomek, and catechesis with Sister Joanna Nowińska. With which I study selected books of the Holy Scriptures.

It is also an intensive time for me to learn English. When I go to Kenya, I will be learning the Swahili language.

On Friday, I go as a volunteer at an eatery for the poor run by the Albertine Sisters in Poznań.

My community experience is with Bogusia and Andrzej in a small village near Poznań. We spend our free time together and pray. We prepare and consume meals together.

Bogusia and Andrew take me around to show me the beautiful surroundings.

The experience is a very valuable and good time that I think will help me adapt to my new place in the mission.

Izabela, Polish CLM