Visit from Rome to the community of Graz/Messendorf

Of the four scholastics assigned to the scholasticate, only Daniel Osuna from Mexico has arrived so far. We hope that the other three – from Kenya, Mozambique, and DR Congo – will arrive soon. Unfortunately, it is very difficult and complicated to obtain a visa for scholastics coming from Africa.

With the four scholastics and the six other brothers in the community, the old house in Graz (opened in 1908 and renovated a few years ago) will be fully occupied. This fact means that, while in the international scholasticates a new group arrives each year according to the number of scholastics finishing their studies, the 'formative community', on the other hand, can only welcome a new group of scholastics when those now present have finished their theological courses and can leave their place to the newcomers.

One thing we would like to emphasise: the local community in Graz greatly appreciates this new community aspect.

All the confreres of the community had the opportunity to speak individually with the two Fathers who came from Rome. Together with the provincial superior, Father Hubert Grabmann, and other members of the community, Father Luigi and Father Chuche visited the city’s Faculty of Theology. The dean, the director of studies and the professor in charge of the students from abroad explained the situation of the Faculty in detail and answered the questions posed by the two guests who had come from Rome, satisfying their expectations.

The meeting was very cordial and enriching. The faculty is very happy that the Comboni missionaries are sending a group of their students to the University of Graz. The excellent personal relationship between students and professors and the high quality of the studies – with the possibility of many specialisations – pleased the two visitors very much. The meeting ended with the offer of coffee and a glass of excellent wine.

Fr. Grabmann Hubert Josef, mccj