Familia Comboniana 823 - November 2023

Perpetual professions

Ordinations

Holy Redeemer Guild

November        01 – 15 SS            16 – 30 T

December        01 – 15 PE            16 – 31 U

Prayer intentions

November

That the memory of our deceased sisters and brothers, ancestors, friends and relatives may make us more aware of the attractiveness of the communion of saints as an anticipation of the joy that awaits us. Let us pray.

December

That we may learn to promote and live a more human economy, which places at its centre the most fragile people and those in need of a welcome and assistance, and progressively eliminates the wide and growing inequalities that exist in the world. Let us pray.

Comboni liturgical calendar

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

Meaningful anniversaries

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

CURIA

The Feast of St Daniel Comboni at the General Curia in Rome

On the evening of 10^th October, the communities of the General Curia celebrated together the feast of Saint Daniel Comboni. The Mass was presided over by Father Elias Sindjalim Essognimam, General Assistant. The celebration was attended by some diocesan priests, friends, benefactors, representatives of the Comboni missionaries and the Sisters belonging to the communities where we offer our ministerial service. A very significant presence was that of the Sudanese Cardinal Gabriel Zubeir Wako, Archbishop Emeritus of Khartoum (Sudan) since 2016.

Father Arnaldo Baritussio introduced the solemn celebration, twenty years after the canonisation of Saint Daniel Comboni, which took place in October 2003, emphasising the fact that Comboni, with his canonisation, has become a point of reference for the entire Catholic Church, not only for the institutes he founded. He then highlighted Comboni’s role as ‘a prophet of the mission’, and addressed a strong invitation to all those present to have ‘the eyes of the prophet’, like those of Comboni, so as to be able to ‘see beyond’ and have always a ‘broad vision of reality’.

In his detailed homily, Father Elias reflected on the sanctity of Daniele Comboni, underlining three aspects, linked to three ‘anniversaries’ that the Institute celebrates this year. 1) Passion for God: 20 years after Comboni’s canonisation, one cannot fail to remember his profound faith and his ability to always contemplate Christ crucified. 2) Passion for suffering humanity: 150 years after the homily pronounced by Comboni in Khartoum (1873) and reflecting on some passages of that ‘programmatic text’, one cannot help but be struck by the love that the Founder had for the Africans and by his total dedication in trying to do everything possible to bring them to Christ, “who died for them also”. 3) Great love for the Institute and sense of belonging: in the Centenary of the painful division of the Institute (decreed on 27^th July 1923 and finally resolved on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of 1979) one cannot fail to remember the passion that Comboni cultivated for unity among his missionaries.

After the Eucharist, there was a fraternal agape, characterised by joy and communion.

DEUTSCHSPRACHIGE PROVINZ – DSP

Spiritual Exercises

The Province’s annual retreat took place from 6^th to 12^th October in the Milland-Bressanone house. 15 confreres participated. Also present was Father Josef Pfanner, 96 years old, the ‘senior member’ of the Province.

The theme of the retreat was ‘The sanctity of Daniel Comboni’. The retreat was conducted by Father Donato Benedetti, from the community of Limone. With two meditations each day and a short homily during the Eucharistic celebration, Father Donato was able to arouse our interest in the theme, based on various episodes of Comboni’s missionary life. The Founder wanted his missionaries to be fervent, cheerful, and committed: “Holy and capable... first of all ‘holy’, that is, completely alien to sin or any offence against God, and also humble. But this is not enough: it requires charity to makes the subjects capable” (Writings 6655). The hour of Eucharistic adoration every day and the silence maintained during the spiritual exercises contributed to creating an atmosphere of reflection and prayer.

On 13^th October, we all went on a trip to Limone, the birthplace of our Founder, where we were welcomed with exceptional warmth by the community. Our heartfelt thanks go to Father Donato and the community of Milland. (Father Alois Eder, mccj)

Visitors from Rome

General Assistant Father Luigi Codianni and General Secretary of Formation Father José de Jesús Villaseñor (‘Chuche’) visited the DSP from 17^th to 19^th October, in particular, the community of Graz/Messendorf, which since the beginning of October has been a ‘formation community’, with the assignment of four scholastics. Father Karl Peinhopf, previously a formator at the scholasticate of Casavatore (Naples), has been appointed community formator.

Of the four scholastics assigned, so far only Daniel Osuna has arrived from Mexico. 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 students from Africa.

With the four scholastics and the other six confreres of the community, the old house in Graz (opened in 1908 and renovated a few years ago) will be completely full. This means that this formation community will be able to welcome a new group of scholastics only when those now present have finished their courses and leave their places to new arrivals.

One thing we would like to underline: the local community of 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 Gigi and Father Chuche visited the city’s Faculty of Theology and met the Dean, the Dean of Studies, and the professor responsible for students coming from abroad. The meeting was very cordial and enriching. The faculty is happy that the Comboni Missionaries will be 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 numerous specialisations – were all highly appreciated by the two visitors. (Father Hubert Josef Grabmann, mccj)

EGYPT-SUDAN

Sudan – Solemnity of Daniel Comboni in a minor key

In Sudan, this year, the feast of San Daniele Comboni was held on a smaller scale, given the continuation of the war. In El Obeid, the celebration was not held in the cathedral – in the city centre, in fact, shootings were taking place during those days – but at the ‘Saint Daniel Comboni’ Centre, in the Rukab area, where some young people received confirmation. Other parishes outside the state of Khartoum, however, celebrated the solemnity as usual, imploring the intercession of Saint Daniele Comboni for the gift of peace in the country he loved so much.

Egypt & Lebanon – Apprehension due to events in the Holy Land

In the aftermath of the 50^th anniversary of the Battle of Sinai, the situation in the Holy Land has been drastically transformed, with a rapid increase in tension and armed clashes. This created – and still creates – great concern in the region, with very polarised opinions on both sides of the conflict. Both Egypt and Lebanon, which border the two warring countries, are viewing the situation with apprehension. We need to pray and have others pray as well for much-needed peace.

The new academic year at Dar Comboni

The ‘Dar Comboni’ Institute, a centre specialising in Arab Studies, has fully entered the new academic year 2023-2024. There are 9 first-year students and 17 second-year students. Another 15 students are doing individual courses privately. Worth noting is the presence of 15 diocesan and religious priests from various African countries, sponsored by a project of the Catholic Foundation ‘Aid to the Church in Need’ (4 from the first year and 11 from the second). Among the students, there are also two Comboni students and a Comboni Sister (all three in their second year).

ERITREA

Perpetual vows and diaconate of Biyanu Habtat Nuguse

On 29^th July 2023, the Comboni Family in Eritrea had the joy of attending the perpetual profession of the scholastic Biyanu Habtat, in the chapel of the delegation headquarters in Asmara. Present were the Comboni missionaries, family members, relatives and friends of Biyanu, and some members of other religious institutes.

The Eucharist was concelebrated by almost all the Comboni fathers present in Eritrea and presided over by Father Gaim Haileselassie, superior of the delegation, who centred his homily on the chosen Gospel reading from John 15, presenting religious consecration as a being “grafted into Christ, like branches into the vine”, and “established to go and bear fruit that endures”. The mass was followed by an abundant breakfast. Then, around mid-day, everyone gathered for a real banquet, overflowing with joy and a sense of gratitude.

Less than two months later, on 17^th September, Biyanu was ordained a deacon by the Archbishop of Asmara, Menghesteab Tesfamariam, mccj, in the parish of Sembel Kidane Mhret, where he served. Before the Eucharistic celebration began, the Mahlet Zelelit (song that priests of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church perform during the night to praise God) was sung, which was followed by a solemn ceremony, with a good number of concelebrating priests, many faithful, family members, relatives of Biyanu, numerous students of the Theological Institute, and many religious men and women. After emphasising how ordained ministers are called to live their lives for God and for his people, the Archbishop invited the new deacon to become a good shepherd of God’s flock.

Father Gaim thanked God for Biyanu’s gift to our Institute, his family for his generosity and all the faithful of the Sembel parish for their lively and joyful participation in the celebration.

ESPAÑA

Missionary Animation at the 2023 Book Fairs

As in previous years, the Province of Spain, with Mundo Negro Publishing House, was present in several book fairs organised in various locations, from the end of April to mid-October. Mundo Negro P.H. was present in nine cities: Valencia, Granada, Valladolid, León, Guadalajara, Salamanca, Madrid, Palencia and Murcia. At each fair, the organising association or the municipality makes stands available for the display and sale of books.

This space is a privileged place for missionary animation, where readers of our magazines, family members, friends, benefactors, and other interested people come to ask questions, get information and possibly purchase books.

During this ‘campaign’ that has just ended, we sold over 2,000 books from our publishing house; some Comboni missionaries, scholastics and volunteers close to our missionary animation activities also collaborated. We were able to present eight new books that we included in our 2022-23 catalogue and they were well received. In the coming years, the province will continue to repeat this type of activity which enriches and nourishes our missionary animation.

ETHIOPIA

Introductory Course for new arrivals

Lasting from 19^th to 22^nd September, the Comboni Missionaries and the Comboni Sisters organised a course for the missionaries who had just arrived in Ethiopia. The course took was held at the Provincial House of the Comboni Missionaries in Addis Ababa. The course was also open to other Institutes, through the Conference of Major Religious Superiors (CMRS). Five Comboni missionaries participated, as well as two Comboni Sisters, Sisters from the Congregation of Sant’Orsola of Lucca, and one Sister from the Contemplative Missionaries of Charles de Foucauld.

The workshop began on Tuesday with a prayer led by Father Juan Antonio González Núñez, mccj, Apostolic Vicar of Hawassa, who was one of the facilitators. After welcoming everyone, Father Asfaha Yohannes, Provincial Superior, emphasised how difficult it is for those who do not know the history of Ethiopia well to understand the customs of its people, who are very religious and very attached to their own traditions. (Father André Mbala Topa, mccj).

KENYA

Kenya launches the celebration of its Golden Jubilee

On 24^th September 2023, the Comboni missionaries working in Kenya launched the celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of their presence in the country. The icing on the cake was the diaconal ordination of Muia Jacob Nzomo and Mutinda Joshua Musyoki.

The event took place at the ‘Holy Cross’ parish of Kacheliba, in the diocese of Kitale. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Msgr. Henry Juma Odonya, bishop of the diocese of Kitale. The double consecration marked 50 years of existence of the parish and of the Comboni presence in Kenya.

An immense crowd attended and actively participated in the Mass. Lively singing and dancing marked the celebration. The large joint choir of the missions of Kacheliba and Amakuriat enlivened everything. Numerous members of the Comboni Family and other religious institutes were present, as well as priests and lay people of the diocese. Local government leaders and members of parliament were also widely represented.

In his homily, Bishop Henry thanked the Comboni missionaries for their tireless and generous service. Furthermore, he prayed and asked God to bless the Comboni Missionaries with new vocations also from Kacheliba. Finally, he urged the new deacons to carry out their ministry with faith, zeal and commitment.

Father Andrew Wanjohi, Provincial Superior, thanked the leaders and the entire Christian community of Kacheliba for the excellent organisation of the celebrations. He also praised their continuous support for the training of Comboni students who are regularly sent to gain mission experience at Kacheliba mission. At the same time, he challenged them to willingly accept that their children join the Comboni missionaries in the work of evangelisation.

Adding joy to the celebration was the presence of Father Tomás Herreros Baroja and Father Filipe Miguel Oliveira Resende, who came from Italy and Portugal respectively to participate in the great event. Father Tomás worked for a long time in the Amakuriat mission, while Father Filipe served Kacheliba mission for a number of years.

The previous day, Joshua and Jacob had made their perpetual religious profession during a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Father Filipe, during which Father Andrew Wanjohi accepted their vows on behalf of Father Tesfaye Tadesse, Superior General.

The Jubilee Year will end on 10^th October 2024. To ‘solemnise’ the year, several events have been planned that will take place in the missions and parishes where the Comboni Missionaries have worked and still work. Bishops and a large group of other collaborators will be involved.

Worthy of note was the presence at the inaugural celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of Father Sireu Ang’Irotum Abraham, a Comboni missionary originally from Kacheliba, ordained a priest in 2016 and now engaged in missionary work in the diocese of Marsabit, in north-eastern Kenya. How could he not have been there, since he is a splendid confirmation that the work of the Comboni missionaries in the area was not in vain? In him, Comboni’s dream of “saving Africa with Africans” is a reality. (Father Andrew Bwalya, mccj)

ITALIA

The Padua community in the footsteps of Comboni

On Sunday, 8^th October 2023, the Comboni community of Padua, including family, friends, volunteers and collaborators (in all, around fifty people), went on a pilgrimage to the most significant Comboni places: the house where he was born in Limone sul Garda, the Mother House in Verona, with the ‘Comboni Chapel’ and the African Museum, and, finally, to Valpolicella, where Comboni had good friends. Purpose of the pilgrimage: to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of his canonisation, which took place in Rome on 5^th October 2003.

There were three moments of ‘Combonian’ prayer: first on the bus, then the Holy Mass in the house where he was born, and, finally, a prolonged moment of listening to the Word of God and some significant passages from the Founder’s Writings in the chapel of the Mother House, which houses the urn with Comboni’s few mortal remains.

The journey was enriched by some life testimonies. Father Roberto Ardini, present with seven members of his family, spoke of his long mission in DR Congo, but also of the services rendered to the sick brothers in Verona, underlining how “the heart of the mission is to weave relationships of affection and respect with people to whom you are sent.”

Three mothers of Comboni Missionaries told their beautiful ‘stories’: Marcellina, mother of Msgr. Christian Carlassare, Miledy, mother of Father Diego Dalle Corbonare, and Carmela, mother of Brother Simone Bauce. Three touching testimonies of their meeting with Comboni through their children, thus finding themselves involved in his missionary passion.

It was an intense day, spent ‘in the company of Comboni’. The hearts of those present were full of joy and hope, and their common desire to continue their support was renewed. (Father Gaetano Montresor, mccj)

México

75 Years of Comboni Presence

Having arrived in Mexico for the first time in 1948, as they opened a work camp in Baja California, this year the Comboni missionaries celebrated with profound gratitude the 75^th anniversary of their presence in this nation. To solemnise the closing of this anniversary, on 14^th October, numerous confreres gathered first at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a well-known Marian sanctuary located on Mount Tepeyac in Mexico City. On the 15^th, however, they met again at the headquarters of the continental Comboni Novitiate in Xochimilco, also in the capital.

Monsignor Jaime Rodríguez Salazar, the first Mexican Comboni bishop, presided over the celebrations, while Father Rafael Güitrón Torres, Provincial Superior, enlightened us with his homilies and reflections.

Also present were two General Assistants, Father David Costa Domingues and Brother Alberto Lamana, as well as Father Juan Diego Calderón Vargas, provincial of Central America, and Father Enrique Sánchez González, former Provincial of Mexico.

The celebrations were held on the novitiate hill of Xochimilco and took place in a truly festive atmosphere. About two thousand friends, coming from the 13 Comboni communities, also sang, to the rhythm of mandolins and flutes, the 75^th anniversary anthem, composed by Father Jesús Lobato. For the occasion, Msgr. Andrés Vargas Peña, the first Bishop of Xochimilco, honoured us with his presence and also gave us his blessing.

We all returned home with grateful hearts and with the desire to continue to live out our missionary vocation intensely in the style of Saint Daniel Comboni. (Father Ramón Orendáin, mccj)

POLONIA

European CLM: Assembly of Coordinators

On 12^th and 13^th October, the Assembly of Representatives of the Comboni Lay Missionaries (LMC) from the various provinces of Europe was held in Krakow: Portugal (1), Spain (1), Germany (1), Italy (3), Poland (3). Also present were Alberto de la Portilla, coordinator of the Central Committee of the CLM, and the Comboni missionaries Father Arlindo Pinto, reference person of the General Council for the CLM, and Father Adam Zagaja, reference person of the Comboni Superiors of Europe.

The meeting had been postponed several times, first due to COVID-19 and then to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the refugee crisis it generated. We finally managed to find a few days to come together.

It was a great joy for all the participants to be able to meet in person. It was a simple meeting. We felt at home at all times thanks to the wonderful welcome received from the CLM and the Polish Comboni Missionaries. On 12^th October, with everyone present, we began a shared analysis of the reality of each of our groups.

First of all, we had time to deepen our understanding of our CLM vocation and the life commitment it entails, rediscovering what we are called to as missionaries in Europe.

We also had the opportunity to reflect on our responsibility in mission outside our continent. Being involved in the mission wherever we are at a given moment does not take anything away from the other responsibilities we have at a global level, starting with our international communities present in Africa or America and everything that has to do with our international belonging. (Alberto de la Portilla, Coordinator of the CLM Central Commission)

LET US PRAY FOR OUR BELOVED DEAD

THE FATHERS: Teklemariam, of Fr Alazar Abraha (ER); Boniface, of Fr Gbama Nsusu Boniface Junior (E); Teodoro, of Fr Castro Sánchez Jhon Jani (EC).

THE BROTHERS: Mario, of Fr Alois Deflorian (PE); Giacomo, of Fr Domenico Andriollo (I).

THE SISTERS: Liutgard, of Bro Kuno Stößer (PE); Assunta, of Fr Luigi Casagrande (MZ).

THE SECULAR COMBONI MISSIONARY: Germana Tosi.