Visit of Fr. Luigi to the London Province and meeting of the provincial superiors of Europe

They spent two days there, after which, they proceeded to the community in Glasgow, Scotland, where they celebrated the Feast of St. Daniel Comboni alongside the Comboni Sisters, benefactors, collaborators, and friends. Subsequently, Father Luigi and Father Ruben continued to London to visit the community at Dawson Place.

Father Luigi then briefly travelled to Italy to attend the funeral of the late Father Nicolino Di Iorio, who passed away in Ethiopia and was buried in his hometown of Celenza, Italy. Two days later, he returned to London to complete his visits, meeting the communities at St. Joseph’s Parish in Roehampton and in Sunningdale.

Throughout his stay, Father Luigi met with all confreres both individually and at the community level. His meetings at the personal level were open and sincere, offering support and encouragement to persevere in their faith and missionary vocation, even amid the legal challenges faced by the province. He assured the members of the London Province that they were not alone in their struggles.

Father Luigi's sharing fostered a sense of unity and solidarity with the wider Institute. His updates on various situations and recent developments across the Institute were informative and inspiring, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging to the Comboni family. He encouraged everyone to continue their work with responsibility and commitment.

After the visit to all the communities of the London Province, Fr Codiani stayed in London for the meeting of the provincial superiors of Europe held in the provincial house in Sunningdale from the 28th of October to the 2nd of November. 

The missionary month of October was made even more meaningful by Father Luigi’s presence, especially during the Feast of St. Daniel Comboni celebrated in Carmyle, Glasgow. This special celebration brought together Comboni Sisters, collaborators, benefactors, and friends. Father Luigi’s message at Mass was heartfelt, focusing on hope and peace amid the ongoing conflicts in South Sudan, Mozambique, the Republic of Congo, and Central Africa. He praised the courage of missionaries who remained in these dangerous areas and urged everyone to pray for peace and protection.

We are deeply grateful to Father Luigi Codiani for his visit and his dedication to the Institute. We pray for his safe travels and God’s blessings on his work as a member of the General Council. May Our Lady of Walsingham and St. Daniel Comboni continue to guide and protect him in his mission.

Fr. Padilla Rocha Rubén,
Provincial superior of the London Province