Comboni Lay Missionaries

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Togo-Ghana-Benin

Comboni Missionaries Strengthen Digital Communication Skills Through AI and Multimedia Training

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LMC Togo

From October 20 to 23, 2026, the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ), in collaboration with CREC International, organized a four-day training workshop on digital communication, multimedia, and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in Lomé.

The workshop brought together 25 participants at the Missionary Animation Centre in Cacavéli, Lomé (Republic of Togo), including Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ), a Comboni Missionary Sister, a Comboni Lay Missionary, and laypeople responsible for communication in Comboni parishes. The aim was to strengthen their practical digital communication skills to better promote missionary activities and make evangelization more dynamic and accessible.

The workshop officially opened on Tuesday, October 20, with a welcome address by Fr. Fidèle KATCHAN, Provincial Superior of the Comboni Missionaries in the Togo-Ghana-Benin Province.

The training was facilitated by three experts: Fr. Fabrizio Colombo (Italy), President of CREC International and specialist in radio, music, and media production; Mr. Charles Ayetan (Togo), journalist; and Mr. Jacob Brahim Konfé (Burkina Faso), UI/UX designer and motion design specialist.

Combining theory with hands-on activities, the programme covered journalistic writing, interviewing, reporting, smartphone video production, podcast creation, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

Participants also explored AI-powered tools for generating images, videos, music, and voices, as well as strategies for creating engaging content for social media. Particular attention was given to ethical considerations, including information accuracy, privacy, copyright, and responsible AI use.

On the final day, participants applied their newly acquired skills to the production of an audiovisual programme, bringing together techniques learned throughout the workshop.

The training concluded on Friday, October 23, with remarks from the trainers and the Provincial Superior, followed by the presentation of certificates, a group photograph, and a cocktail reception.

Beyond strengthening technical skills, the workshop highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in missionary communication. It also demonstrated how digital technologies and artificial intelligence can become valuable instruments for spreading the Gospel and reaching wider audiences, particularly young people.

This initiative reflects the Comboni Missionaries’ commitment to embracing modern communication technologies while remaining faithful to their mission of evangelization and service to humanity.

Ernest Segno Botri

CLM– Togo

Missionary Outreach on the Occasion of the 100th World Mission Sunday

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AM en Togo

On the occasion of the 100th World Mission Sunday, the Comboni Lay Missionaries (CLM) of Togo organized a missionary outreach activity in two Christian communities: St. Joseph Parish in Akato and the Mary Gate of Heaven outstation, attached to Mary Mother of the Redeemer Parish in Adidogomé.

For this activity, the CLM members divided into two teams. At the Mary Gate of Heaven outstation in Lankouvi, the team was made up of Ernest Botri and Jean Akitibi, while the outreach at St. Joseph Parish in Akato was led by Jean-Baptiste Gnimassoun and Benjamin Adjogble.

In both communities, the CLM members participated in the Eucharistic celebrations. After the Masses, they introduced the faithful to the identity, spirituality, and mission of the Comboni Lay Missionaries, inviting everyone to learn more about the Movement and to take part in its mission in service of the Church and the poorest and most marginalized.

Information leaflets were also distributed to the faithful. Those interested in learning more about the movement were invited to provide their contact details so that they could receive information about upcoming activities and the process of joining the CLM.

The priests present expressed their support for this missionary initiative. At Mary Gate of Heaven, Fr. Yves Gbenou, and at St. Joseph in Akato, Frs. Augustin Soedjede and Abraham Agnimaka, encouraged the faithful to take a greater interest in the missionary vocation of the laity. They also invited those interested to approach the CLM for further information and to discern their possible commitment to the movement.

At the end of the activity, the Lankouvi team joined the Akato team for a meeting with the Parish Priest, Fr. Augustin Soedjede. He congratulated the CLM members for their availability and missionary commitment. He also encouraged them to strengthen their collaboration with the parish and invited them to contribute to the animation of various pastoral activities.

The fraternal meeting concluded with a shared lunch in a warm and convivial atmosphere.

Through this initiative, the CLM of Togo once again sought to respond to the Church’s call to make every baptized person an active participant in the mission. The outreach also provided a valuable opportunity to make the vocation of the Comboni Lay Missionaries better known and to inspire new vocations to missionary service.

“A thousand lives for the mission”: a commitment that continues at the heart of our communities.

Ernest Segno Botri, CLM Togo

First provincial assembly of the Comboni Lay Missionaries of Togo-Ghana-Benin province

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LMC TGB

From 9th to 11th October 2026, the Comboni Lay Missionaries (CLM) of Togo-Ghana-Benin Province gathered at the Leo XIII Spirituality Centre of the Canossian Sisters in Lomé for their first Provincial Assembly.

The gathering brought together CLM members from Togo, Ghana and Benin for prayer, fellowship, formation, discernment and mission. It provided an opportunity to review the life and activities of the national groups and establish common directions for the future.

One of the highlights of the Assembly was a presentation by Sr. Elizabeth Corte Imperial (SMC) on “The Laity in Comboni’s Plan.” Drawing on St. Daniel Comboni’s Plan for the Regeneration of Africa, she recalled that Africans are called to be the protagonists of their own history, evangelisation and liberation. The Assembly thus invited CLM members to reflect more deeply on the question: “What is our role today in St. Daniel Comboni’s Plan?” Comboni’s famous call, “Save Africa through Africa,” remains a source of inspiration for mission today.

One of the most significant moments was the celebration of the definitive commitment of five new CLM members: Lucien Aboe from Benin, Ernest Botri, Jean Akitibi, Benjamin Adjogble and Jean Baptiste Gbêssi Gnimassoun from Togo. The commitment ceremony took place during a Mass on 10th October 2026, commemorating the Solemnity of St. Daniel Comboni. Through this commitment, they chose to live out the Comboni charism and dedicate themselves to serving the poorest and most abandoned, wherever the mission may call them.

Participants also reflected on the CLM formation process, pastoral experience, ad gentes mission, language learning, administration, project management and fundraising. These discussions highlighted the need to prepare CLM members who can respond to contemporary missionary challenges with competence, faith and availability.

The Assembly established a new Provincial Coordination:

  • Coordinator: Justin Nougnui (Ghana)
  • Secretary: Ernest Segno Botri (Togo)
  • Treasurer: Lucien Aboe (Benin)
  • Counselor: Christian Wotormenyo (Ghana)

The national coordinations in Togo, Ghana and Benin were also updated.

The Assembly decided that the next Provincial Assembly would be held in Benin in 2028. It also emphasised the need to strengthen the financial autonomy of the national groups, facilitate French-English interpretation during meetings, and prepare the province’s participation in the Fifth African Assembly in 2027.

The gathering concluded on 11th October with Sunday Mass at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish in Adidogomé, followed by a fraternal meal.

This first Provincial Assembly was a significant moment of communion, discernment, renewal and commitment.

Ernest Segno Botri

Comboni Lay Missionary – Togo

2026 Youth leaders training session at holy family of Nazareth parish – Klikamé-Dangbessito Lome from 10-15th August

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Theme: “Young People, Talents for Mary”

About fifty young people, six days of training, talents discovered, and a meaningful experience of faith, sharing, and learning!

From August 10 to 15, 2026, Holy Family of Nazareth Parish in Klikamé-Dangbessito hosted the 2026 Youth Leaders Training Session, organized by the Comboni Lay Missionary Candidates of Togo (CLM) in collaboration with the Legion of Mary.

The initiative brought together about fifty young people for a program designed to support their human and spiritual development while enabling them to discover, develop, and make the most of their talents.

The session was centered on Mary, who was presented on the first day as the “Star of Youth” by Father Aubin-Ephrem Biney, parish priest.

Through the life and virtues of Mary, the young participants were encouraged to cultivate humility, patience, resilience, compassion, prayer, and a spirit of service—values that are essential for becoming responsible leaders.

Topics Addressing the Challenges Facing Young People

Throughout the session, several important topics were addressed.

Personal and Environmental Hygiene, presented by Jean-Baptiste Gnimassoun, LMC, helped raise awareness among the young participants about the importance of personal hygiene, cleanliness, and environmental protection.

21st-Century Skills, presented by Ernest Botri, LMC, helped participants discover the importance of creativity, critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and other skills needed to succeed in today’s world.

Human and Spiritual Formation

Young People, social media and Artificial Intelligence, presented by Sister Elizabeth Corte Imperial, Comboni Missionary Sister, provided an opportunity to reflect on the responsible use of digital technologies.

The session also addressed human sexuality, its different dimensions, and the risks associated with irresponsible sexual behavior, with the aim of promoting responsibility and respect for oneself and others.

A Screening of the Film “Bernadette Soubirous”

The third day featured a special cultural and spiritual activity: the screening of a film about Bernadette Soubirous.

Through the story of this young girl and her experience of faith, the participants were invited to reflect on values such as faith, perseverance, humility, and fidelity to one’s convictions.

The screening complemented the spiritual teachings of the session and provided an opportunity for reflection and sharing among the young participants.

Turning Talents into Skills

An important part of the session was devoted to practical workshops, allowing the young people to learn by doing and develop concrete skills.

Knitting: making beanies and scrunchies; Beadwork: making necklaces, bracelets, and key rings.

Shoemaking: learning about different models and patterns and making “Prince,” “Princess,” and crossed-shoe models. Cooking: preparing peanut snacks, cakes, finger foods, decorating a wedding cake, and making liquid soap.

These workshops encouraged creativity, patience, precision, self-reliance, initiative, and teamwork.

A Closing Celebration of Young People’s Talents

The session concluded with a Closing Mass, followed by an exhibition and sale of products made by the young participants.

The exhibition gave participants an opportunity to showcase their creations and demonstrate how a talent can be discovered, developed, and transformed into a useful skill.

Through this session, the organizers sought to remind everyone that young people are not only the future: they are a vital force in the present, capable of actively contributing to the transformation of society.

“Young People, Talents for Mary”: Discover, develop, value, and serve!

Ernest A. S. Botri

Jonas: mirror of our escapes

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LMC Gana

As planned in the programme of the year, we gathered in Ghana to have the Advent recollection. But, from a day in the Action Plan, we spread our gathering to cover three days for three main reasons. First, to have our recollection on the 13th December. Second, in order to be at Mafi-Kumase early for the recollection, we needed to be there on the 12th. And thirdly, to do vocation promotion at the parish where we met for the recollection.

In the evening of Friday, 12th December, Daniel, Christian, Elisabeth and Justin gathered at Good Shepherd Catholic Church of Mafi-Kumase and entered in the mood of recollection. We were joined later by Valentine. On Saturday, the 13th after the Holy Mass and breakfast, we had our first talk which was given to each one to read individually and reflect upon. It was a topic prepared by Fr. Manuel Joao Pereira Correia, mccj, which our chaplain gave to us to reflect upon. The title was Jonas: Mirror of our escapes. It was so meditative and Fr. Joao always left a question at the end of each subtopic to lead us in our meditation. An inspiring part of the topic was where father Joao quoted a theologian who said that the Lord is «The God of thousand surprises». He continued saying that ‘He even goes before us on the paths that lead us away from Him, in order to set a ‘trap’ for us so that we fall into his arms’. Indeed, that was what happened to Jonas when he was fleeing from the service that God entrusted to him.

In the afternoon, we had the second talk entitled ‘Inspired by Christian hope, let us live out our prophetic calling’ which our chaplain, Father Ephrem, mccj, shared with us. ‘One who hopes, he said, lives different life’. And our hope, he said, quoting a pope, is rooted in Jesus and Jesus is our hope. The prophet, according to father Ephrem, has three functions: talk in the name of God, denounce (the wrong doings) and suggest (new ways).

After the second talk, we had the celebration of the Sacrament of Conversion followed by the prayer of the Holy Rosary. In the night of that Saturday, we started a discussion on the Questionnaires that the African Committee sent to the various groups in Africa.

On Sunday, during mass, we were invited to share our vocation reality with the parishioners. Few got closer to us at the end showing interest to join us.

After lunch, we had a handing over ceremony. Justin who has been playing double role as National Coordinator of Ghana and Provincial Coordinator (Togo-Ghana-Benin) passed the service of the National Coordinator to Christian. Other members present were invited to pray upon the new National Coordinator. The Chaplain also prayed upon him and blessed him for the service the group and God have entrusted to him.

After this ceremony, we participated in the Zoom Meeting that gathered all the CLM worldwide to celebrate The International CLM Day before departing from Mafi-Kumase.

Justin Nougnui, CLM.