Yearly Meeting of the Comboni Lay of Portugal

The meeting began with a call via Skype from Alberto de la Portilla (in the picture rights), CLM from Spain and general coordinator of the Comboni Lay Missionaries. In his presentation, Alberto underlined the importance of the journey already done by the CLM of Portugal, but also stressed that “in order to be a truly lay movement it is necessary that each member take up the responsibility of his/her own group, of its decisions and organization.” According to Alberto, “the Movement must propose directions that will foster the following of Jesus Christ both beyond one’s borders and within the land where we were born. The difficulties in our lives as lay people should not distance us from our vocation or limit it to a part-time commitment to mission. We must, first of all, find concrete forms and ways of living a total commitment to mission starting from our own life, with that availability which was taught by Comboni: Africa or death.”

The Assembly then continued its course. Pedro Moreira said that, “in the discussions and in the sharing of ideas the desire to rationalize our role has emerged, trying to balance the natural tension between what one can do with his/her life and the seriousness involved in choosing to follow Jesus.” In this connection the proposal was made to promote meetings in small groups and communities. “In this manner – he added – we will be able to meet more often and multiply the activities of the Comboni Family. In order that this change may be truly positive, the determining factor will be the quality of communication and the spirit of communion between the groups, and also the participation of all the CLM to the national meetings.”

The participants decided that the opening to some experiences of volunteer missionary service could be a positive sign, if they are properly motivated and contextualized. The lay people’s idea is to allow for shorter experiences that will be in line with the project and the charism of the CLM.

The topic that most impacted the Assembly was the reflection over the existing distinction in the Movement in Portugal between the CLM and the lay helpers. The common opinion is that this differentiation should come to an end, because what defines a CLM is not so much the going to join a missionary project outside one’s own country, as the feeling of belonging, of experience and of participation in the mission of the Movement in the world and in the Church.

The meeting ended with the election of the Coordinating team for the next three years and of Susana Vilas Boas as the new national coordinator of the CLM. Pedro Moreira, who was the coordinator during the last few years, wished Susana “much happiness in this new service.” He also concluded with words of thanks: “All that’s left for me is to thank God for the climate of prayer and friendship that has guided this assembly. During this weekend we had time for fun and to give thanks for our vocation. I thank the Comboni community of Maia who welcomed us so well and all those who have joined us in prayer. It is thanks to all this that we can feel the joy of walking together as lay people in the Church, trying to follow the will of the Lord.”