Kenya – Page 2 – Comboni Lay Missionaries

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

Mission in Kenya

18 September, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

First Steps on Kenyan Soil

At the beginning of June, I landed in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. It was here that my missionary journey began – full of new challenges, learning, and encounters with people who quickly became like a second family to me. I spent the first weeks in the Provincial House of the Comboni Missionaries, where I immediately experienced the great openness and warmth of the Comboni Fathers and the community of Lay Comboni Missionaries. Thanks to their heartfelt welcome, I felt at home, which gave me courage and hope for the next stages of my mission.

Learning the Language and First Trips

One of the first challenges was the intensive study of English. Every new word opened doors for me to better understand the culture and to build deeper relationships with the people among whom I now live.

In June, an Italian missionary, Giula, joined me. Together, on the very same day, we set off for Kiteakapel – a small missionary station in the northwest of Kenya. This place, run by an international community, allowed me to see the simplicity of life, the difficulties of everyday existence, and at the same time the great hospitality and openness of the people. This experience will remain in my heart for a long time as a reminder of the great strength of community and of simple, sincere hearts.

Kariobangi – the Heart of Nairobi

The next stage was moving to Kariobangi – one of the poorest districts of Nairobi. This place is full of contrasts: alongside hardship and poverty, there is also the extraordinary energy and hope of the residents. In the parish, the Comboni Fathers and Comboni Sisters carry out their ministry. The Sisters run a vocational school for girls and a daycare center for the children of young mothers, while the Fathers are involved in pastoral care and youth animation.

The time I spent in Kariobangi was extremely valuable to me – both practically and spiritually. I saw how God works in everyday life, in simple gestures of kindness, and in sharing oneself with others.

A New Stage – Mikinduri

Since September, I have started the next stage of my mission and am now staying in Mikinduri. This new place presents me with further challenges, but also brings much joy and hope. Each day is an opportunity to get to know the local reality, to learn patience and openness, and to discover the beauty of diversity. I believe that every step of this journey leads me deeper – toward greater trust, toward better understanding, and toward true service to others.

Iza, CLM in Kenya

News from the missionary experience in Kitelakapel

16 September, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

As we mentioned in previous post, Sunday on the missions is a very rich and intense day. Until noon, there is a solemn and long Mass filled with singing and dancing. It begins with a dancing procession of girls and women dressed in beautiful costumes. A similar procession is also repeated with the offerings. At the same time, lay missionary Linda leads Sunday school for children and at the end of Mass, she also enters the procession with the children for a blessing. Immediately after Mass, we had a meeting of the men’s community in the garden next to the chapel. At the same time, in one of the family homes, some of us participated in a mourning gathering for the loss of a family member. About 50 people from the area attended.

Monday is the community day of the Comboni Lay Missionaries. Four of us went shopping at the market and supermarket. On the way, we stopped at beautiful waterfalls. We were delighted that the community representatives showed us the vestibule of paradise!

On Tuesday, Linda organized and led French lessons for Neema and Leszek. After the lesson, we went to the health center where the lay missionary Marzena works. There, Malwina was able to share her talents by professionally rehabilitating the girl after a complex orthopedic surgery. The girl’s mother was also able to discuss her health situation and receive practical rehabilitation tips.

On the following days, we visited two schools where classes were led by lay missionaries Linda and Pius. Today, we participated in activities at the preschool and a neighboring school. We learned about community life by preparing and eating meals together.

The evening community prayer, prepared daily by different people, brings us solace and gives us the strength to continue.

We are also particularly pleased with the enthusiasm of the preschoolers, children, and youth, as well as the adults. We wonder how long they can continue to show such immense kindness and enthusiasm over the next few days and weeks. There are surprises as we walk through the village of Kitelakapel, and from behind the fence we hear greetings, and sometimes someone calls our name!

Greetings and we join in prayer

Malwina and Leszek (CLM Poland)

Our Community Experience in Kitelakapel.

12 September, 202512 September, 2025 by Alberto de la Portilla

Arriving in Kitelakapel on 18 August 2025 to begin our six-month community experience with Mercy, Neema, and Claudina. We are here to experience community life, participate in further formation, and learn languages. From the first day, we felt warmly welcomed, filling us with joy and encouragement.

This journey is about more than study it is about listening, learning, and building community ties. We thank the Kitelakapel community for their open hearts and look forward to growing together in faith, friendship, and hope.

Claudina, Kenian CLM