Opening of the 15th edition of the Comboni Year of Ongoing Formation in Rome

Of the nineteen participants in this 15^th edition of the CYOF, eleven are Latin Americans, five are Europeans and three are Africans. Fifteen have worked in the missions in Africa, three in America and one in Macao, China. (See Attachment for the complete list of the participants). At present, the Coordinating Team is made up of Fr. Danilo Cimitan, Bro. Guillermo Casas Rosell and Fr. Siro Stocchetti who, with Fr. Manuel João Pereira Correia, make up the Central Commission for Ongoing Formation.

According to Fr. Siro, "the first day was marked by two significant events: the fraternal sharing in the morning and the Opening Mass in the evening."

Regarding the morning, Fr. Siro said: "In the meeting, each participant not only introduced himself, but also expressed his feelings at the start of the course and what their expectations were. The majority said they were happy and grateful for this opportunity, which was like a gift from God offered to them by the Institute. After the intense period of missionary work in recent years, they all felt the need to stop and recuperate physically and psychologically, to deepen their spiritual life, to revive the initial enthusiasm and, if necessary, treat the wounds that are ever part of our life. Some reported that it was not in their plans to do this course but, now being here, they felt that they will benefit from this sabbatical as a phase in their spiritual and human growth. There was a deep and fraternal sharing”.

Fr. Siro concluded by saying: “We rely on the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, Queen of the Missions, and on St. Daniel Comboni so that this sabbatical may lead us to a deeper encounter with ourselves, with our confreres and with God for a renewed missionary commitment".

The Eucharist, celebrated in the evening, was presided over by Fr. Antonio Villarino who welcomed the participants on behalf of the General Council, inviting them to take advantage of this opportunity by committing themselves to receive as much benefit as possible for themselves and for the mission. "This time I have the honor to welcome you in the name of the General Council and, in a sense, on behalf of the whole Institute. This is a valuable time for each one of you to stop, rest, pray, listen ... to encounter your true human vocation as disciples and missionaries", said Fr. Villarino.

"The CYOF is – said Fr. Villarino – a great gift, a great opportunity. You can stop for a more conscious and profound encounter with self, with God, with St. Daniel Comboni and with the others, as specified in the Formation Charter of the CYOF".

He concluded with an invitation to openness and willingness on the part of the participants: "The Coordinating Team has a lot of experience. I think it will do you good to let yourselves be freely guided with humility and openness.” (See Attachment for the complete homily of Fr. Villarino).

The day ended with supper together with the other communities in the General House in Rome.