Comboni Renewal Course 2011

On January 7 this year, 15 Comboni Missionaries from 14 different mission fields gathered in Rome to attend the Comboni Renewal Course 2011 (CCR 2011). Ranging in age from 56 to 74, the confreres (13 priests and 2 brothers) come from four different countries of origin: Italy, Mexico, Spain and Uganda.

This edition of the course is the first being held in the newly restructured sector of Ongoing Formation.  In its Charter the CCR is described in these terms: “The course aims to offer to members of the Institute who are over 50 years of age the opportunity to attend a residential period of personal and community formation which will help the person in his process of growth in his human dimension and of renewal of his Christian and Comboni identity, of community life and of mission.” The running of the course is entrusted to Fr. Danilo Cimitan, Fr. Siro Stocchetti and Bro. Guillermo Casas.

At the end of March concluded the residential part of the course in Rome. The topics covered during these past 12 weeks have been varied, ranging from spiritual discernment to health problems of the golden age, from psycho-physical-spiritual integration to the Mahdia, from the Writings of the Founder to the origins of the Koran. Lots of time was given to prayer and reflection. There was also time for a few ”Roman” excursions such as Mass at the tomb of St. Peter, a walk in St. Paul’s footsteps and a visit to the catacombs.

After an eight day retreat at Monte Cucco the participants will begin the itinerant part of the CCR with stops in Limone, Arco and Verona in the footsteps of St. Daniel Comboni, followed by the Easter Break. At the end of April the group will gather in Rome for some days of evaluation. Departure for Egypt and the Holy Land is scheduled for May 1.