Fr Enrique and Fr Tesfaye visit the Comboni Province of South Africa

On the onset, Fr Tesfaye made it clear that he was going just to remind us of what we somehow already knew and are living. He anchored the retreat on the theme: ‘Through him with him and in him”. Familiar words indeed! He helped us to see once again the life of Jesus Christ and that of St. Daniel Comboni as our life model. Furthermore, in a simple yet profound way, he led us to appreciate our vocation as a gift, something to be celebrated and shared with the people. His sense of humour had a great bearing on what turned out to be an invigorating retreat.

After the retreat, Fr Enrique addressed us. The first part of his address was formative, while the second part touched on the reality of the Institute today vis-à-vis the future. Notwithstanding the difficulties, he acknowledges that many positive things are happening in the Institute. On the other hand, he noted that there is a loud cry within the Institute for radical renewal so as to enhance our missionary life and service.

Finally, he outlined four points that could facilitate the much needed renewal in our Institute. These four stepping stones are prayer, community life, evangelical counsels and mission (ad extra mentality). It is a call to go back to the basics of our being missionaries, he stated.

As they continue to visit the four corners of our province, Fr Enrique and Fr Tesfaye are also presenting the priorities of their administration and how these can be implemented at local level. We feel blessed by their presence and we want to face together the tasks ahead with courage and faith.
Fr Andrew Bwalya