Kenya – Comboni Lay Missionaries

Second CLM community in Kenya: a dream come true!

21 November, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

Sunday the 16 November 2025, what a historic day! It’s the beginning of a new adventure for us CLM here in Kenya, as on this day we opened a second community in Chelopoy, West Pokot!

We are so grateful to all those who made it happen: our “ancestor” (as we fondly call him), fr. Maciek Zielinski, the MCCJ provincial of Kenya, fr. Andrew Wanjohi, the CLM of Kenya and all the CLM!

The members of the new community are: Mercy Lodikai (from Kenya), Giulia Lampo (from Italy) and Iza Tobiasiewicz (from Poland). Round of applause, please!!! These three pioneers are ready to start serving in the area of Chelopoy, and will probably join the community of Kitelakapel in the Life Skills project, expanding it to the schools in their area, while also collaborating with the local dispensary, run by the Franciscan sisters of St. Joseph – Asumbi. They will also engage in pastoral activities, of course. For now, the plan is for them to take their time to settle in and get to know the place and the people, create bonds of friendship and get to know their culture, their situation, their needs.

On their very first day, as we celebrated the opening of the community and the works of renovation in the house they’ll be using, they were received with great warmth and joy by the local people. We, the community of Kitelakapel, accompanied them, and we were blessed by the presence of our dear fr. Maciek, our equally dear MCCJ provincial, fr. Andrew, the parish priest (fr. Philip Andruga) and Comboni sisters of Amakuriat (the parish to which the new community belongs), and even two representatives of the CLM of Uganda, the very coordinator Beatrice Akite, and treasurer, Asege Teddy, accompanied by two Italian volunteers and a local member of Kalya peace village, Uganda.

The Mass was lively and participated, so well animated by the local people, who gave us all some gifts and made us feel at home from the very beginning. The provincial then proceeded to blessing the house and then we all had something to eat. It was a simple but lovely moment of celebration.

As usual, starting a new community in a new place is not something easy. It requires a lot of patience, humility and ability to adjust. However, our friends are not alone! They have the Franciscan sisters as caring neighbours, local families and church members as their new friends and new extended family, and the fathers and sisters from Amakuriat as a strong source of emotional and practical support. Not to forget us, the community of Kitelakapel, who are also so happy to have them as our “neighbours” in West Pokot! Together we will walk on this journey, grow, support each other, and do wonderful things! And of course, all this is possible only with the broader support of all CLM, the whole Comboni family and all those who believe in us!

So, thank you all! Keep being with us in prayer, and stay tuned!

Linda Micheletti, CLM Kitelakapel, Kenya

Bright Smiles in Mikinduri

4 November, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

At the parish of Mikinduri, together with Belinda, we organized an educational and fun workshop on proper tooth brushing.

The event was attended by as many as 160 children!

Thanks to the support of donors from Poland, the children were able not only to learn how to take care of their teeth but also to have a wonderful time.

During the session, we talked about healthy and harmful foods, sang songs, and the children each drew one product that is good for their teeth and one that is bad.

At the end, every child received a toothbrush and toothpaste, and I demonstrated the correct brushing technique.

It was a beautiful meeting full of learning, smiles, and kindness.

Iza Tobiasiewicz, CLM in Kenya

Silent Retreat – A Time of Encounter with God and with Ourselves

29 October, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

From October 15th to 21st, our CLM members experienced a truly special silent retreat at Napenda Kuishi in Nairobi. It was a week filled with deep spiritual experiences, inner reflection, and encounters with God, with ourselves, and with the community. The retreat was led by Father Daniel Villaverde, who guided us through this time of prayer, reflection, and discovery of the spirituality of Saint Daniel Comboni.

Each day of the retreat followed a gentle rhythm: morning prayer, the Eucharist, inputs from fr. Daniel on human aspect, catechesis and Comboni’s spirituality, and personal time for meditation and adoration. The silence that accompanied us throughout the week became a sacred space where we could hear God’s voice more clearly and look more deeply into our own lives.

During the retreat, we had the opportunity to delve in the missionary spirituality of Saint Daniel Comboni – a man who dedicated his entire life to proclaiming the Gospel and serving others. His example teaches us that true mission stems from a personal encounter with Christ and from love for our brothers and sisters.

In silence and prayer, each of us experienced profound inner spiritual moments – times of emotion, discovery, gratitude, and peace. It was a period when we could allow God to speak to us without hurry and without distraction.

At the end of the retreat, we shared our personal experiences with one another. Although silence had accompanied us most of the week, it was precisely during these moments of sharing that we came to know one another more deeply and truthfully – through heartfelt testimonies that touched our hearts.

We return from this retreat with renewed strength, peace in our hearts, and a desire to live more consciously – in a spirit of trust, simplicity, and missionary commitment. We thank Father Daniel for his spiritual guidance and all the participants for their openness and companionship on this journey of silence and prayer.

“In silence, God speaks the loudest.”

Iza Tobiasiewicz, CLM Kenya

Our life and mission routed in prayer, in the footsteps of Jesus

28 October, 202527 October, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

In the silence. If today you hear his voice hardened not your hearts. God is in the silence

1st Kings 19:11-12

When the prophet Elijah fled from his enemies to the mountain to seek the help of God.

The Lords presence was not in the strong wind, earthquake or in the fire but it was felt in the small whispering sound

As missionaries we should find our mountains and in silence we hear the sound of God, like Moses we find the burning bush which is not consumed by fire, take out our sandals which is our sins and comforts

Create silence and peace within yourself offer the silence as a gift to others

PRAYER

Jesus was a man of prayer we learn from his style of prayer in silence and in solitude. Lk 6:12, Mk 6:46

He taught us to pray a simple prayer that carries great reference to our Father in heaven which is the Lords prayer Lk 11:1

A real prayer is in silence, you listen to God and He comes to you, through you it reaches the others.

We should pray without ceasing and with understanding a Christian who does not pray is proud and is not humble.

THE HOLY SPIRIT

Luke 3:21,5:16

In our prayers the Holy Spirit should be present for he is the Spirit that comes from our Father in heaven to teach, cleanse and to strengthen us during tribulations and persecution

Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit, he prayed with the holy spirit and the spirit testified that he was the beloved son of God during his baptism.

We learn from the disciples of Christ they were full of the Holy Spirit and they preached the gospel to the ends of world facing persecution and even death

REFLECTION OF COMBONI’S LIFE

God shaped and modelled Comboni through the people he lived with and interacted with

The environment of his family and village influenced his Spiritualty, his parents were very religious, rich in faith and rich in devotions

What brings out the uniqueness of Comboni was his characters, he was impulsive, lively jovial, highly passionate, emotive which made him highly sensitive to other people’s sufferings. He fostered and cultivated friendships from all walks of life

His love for the mission, sacred heart of Jesus and Mary, St Joseph and the people of Africa is an inspiration to all of us

THE TRINITY

Mistry of the blessed trinity

Three in one and one in three, equal but are different. Father, son and the Holy Spirit they share everything, they have constant communication and there is equality in love

The Trinity teaches us to share our values, emotions, experiences on a very intimate level, when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we evoke empathy from others the goal is to create a loving atmosphere of caring and understanding of each other

In the Trinity communication is perfect, for us communication is not perfect yet with the smallest steps with the right direction we can help it to improve.

We should learn to see the trinity in each and every one of us and also ask ourselves which aspect of our relationships are not in line with the blessed trinity

There is no trinity without you and I, if we want to enter into the mysterious heart of our faith we fix our eyes on Jesus who is visible among us He draw us to our Father in heaven and the Holy Spirit comes and lives in us

Through Christ we learn the ministry of the trinity ” The one who sees me has seen the Father and his spirit will live in him, me the Father and Holy Spirit are one being each one himself”.

The vocabulary of trinity is complete with all of us included.

Belinda, CLM Kenya

Our Workshop Experience at Gataka Napenda Kuishi

3 October, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

From September 19th to 21st, we had the privilege of attending a workshop at Gataka Napenda Kuishi. The three-day event was more than just a series of sessions̶ it was a meaningful time of learning, community-building, and welcoming new members into the group. We were honored to welcome 11 new members who attended physically, comprising both students and professionals. Additionally, participants from Meru and Kitelakapel joined virtually, expanding our reach and ensuring inclusivity. The atmosphere was warm and engaging, with conversations and connections forming effortlessly among all participants. One of the highlights was a session led by Lorna, our guest and a psychology specialist. Her topic, Building Interpersonal Relationships, emphasized the importance of empathy, active listening, and intentional communication in creating strong, healthy bonds. She reminded us that true relationships are built not only on presence but on understanding and mutual respect. Her insights were practical and will remain applicable in both personal and professional interactions. On Sunday, we were also inspired by Maciej, who facilitated a session on Biblical Catechesis. His reflections deepened our understanding of faith as a shared journey and offered spiritual grounding that connects our community beyond the workshop setting.

“I love the collaboration and bond between all guys; it felt like we’ve known each other for long. I look forward to more meetings and experiences.” ̶ David Marigu

“The topics taught̶ I’ll be able to use the knowledge in my day-to-day life.” ̶ Angela

“I am so happy to be part of this group. The experience was good, and I look forward to more.”
Muthusi Emmanuel

As the workshop concluded, participants expressed joy and gratitude for the opportunity to learn and connect. Each person left with valuable lessons, new friendships, and renewed purpose. The event was truly a success, and we look forward to our next workshop̶ an even greater opportunity to grow together in knowledge, faith, and unity.

Prepared by: Yvonne Kilemi