Tuesday, October 24, 2023
In Sudan, the feast of Saint Daniel Comboni was held in a minor tone this year (the last 10 October), given the continuing war. In El Obeid, the celebration was not held in the cathedral – in the city centre, in fact, shootings were taking place in those very days – but in the ‘Saint Daniel Comboni’ Centre, in the Rukab area, where some boys received their confirmation. Other parishes outside the state of Khartoum, however, celebrated the solemnity of St. Comboni as normal, imploring his intercession for the gift of peace in the country he loved so much.
Egypt and Lebanon – Apprehension about what is happening in the Holy Land
Barely a day after Egypt celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Sinai victory, a very sad turn of events took place in the Holy Land, with tensions and clashes growing exponentially. The situation is a source of great anxiety throughout the region, with polarised opinions on both sides of the conflict. Both Egypt and Lebanon, as countries bordering the war zone, view what is happening with concern. We must pray and ask for prayers for peace.
New academic year at Dar Comboni in Egypt
The “Dar Comboni” Institute, a centre specialising in Arabic Studies, has entered the new academic year 2023-2024 in full swing. There are 9 students in the first year and 17 in the second. Another 15 are taking individual courses as private students. Noteworthy is the presence of 15 diocesan priests and religious from different African countries, sponsored by a project of the Catholic Foundation “Aid to the Church in Need” (4 in the first year, and 11 in the second). Among the students, there are also two Combonians and one Combonian, all three in the second year.