Reflection: in the silence of our loneliness
Many of us may feel lonely and abandoned in these challenging times. Gatherings in church, at home, or in Christian communities are discouraged or considered risky. Praying with the family is possible if the rules of how to protect ourselves against the Coronavirus are observed. Nevertheless, we can continue to experience God’s presence in prayer. […]
Vocation Story: Father Mubangizi, “God has given me so much”
As a boy, he wants to be a priest. Twice he writes an application to enter the seminary, but his wish does not come true. He continues his studies, graduates, and gets a job that satisfies him. But he wants more. Father Mubangizi John Bosco, a Comboni missionary from Uganda, tell us his story. I […]
Oral Literature: Why Warthog has Small Tusks
Amongst the Baila people, a story has been passed on through the oral tradition to explain why Warthog has small tusks. There was a time, long, long ago, when Elephant’s nephew, Warthog, had handsome long, curved tusks and Warthog’s uncle, Elephant, had shorter tusks that curved upwards. Both Elephant and Warthog lived harmoniously together in […]
Vocation Story: Sister Angelina Nyakuru, “to serve God and the poor”
She grew up in Uganda. Her father died when she was just eight years old. “Life was difficult, but my mother always encouraged us,” she says. “I prepared for my First Communion with the nuns and priests at the mission station of the Comboni Missionaries from Italy. There I met Sister Paola, who was a […]
Fasts and Feasts in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tradition
The most important period of the year for Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia is the Lent fast leading up to the Easter feast. Easter, known as Fasika, will fall on 2 May this year corresponding to 24th Miyazya 2014 in the Ethiopian Calendar. Fasting is central to Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity with some 250 fasting days during […]
Saving the Forests is Saving the Planet
Forests are of vital importance to the wellbeing of all creatures, the natural world and especially humankind. They absorb most of the damaging CO2 that causes climate change. Their protection and restoration should be of highest national priority of each nation to hold back global warming from rising above 1.5 degrees Celsius and avert the […]
Vocation story: Brother among brothers
“Wouldn’t you like to become a missionary” It took me a few seconds of reflection to reply:“Of course I would like to.” Brother Paulo Manuel Félix Ferreira, from Portugal tell us his story. I was born 53 years ago in Marvila, one of the fastest-growing neighbourhoods of the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. My parents introduced me […]
Oral Literature: Why the Sun Shines by Day and the Moon by Night
In the beginning of the world the king called the people together to be given their tasks. He sent out messengers for them. He sent the dove to call the moon, and the bat to call the sun. Each messenger was given a certain time to go and return, so that they might all arrive […]
Herbs & Plants: Canarium schweinfurtii, a medicinal plant
Known as African olive or bush candle, this tropical tree is highly beneficial to human beings. Medicinal plants have been utilized for different medicinal purposes for thousands of years. These medicinal plants are processed in different forms such as teas, decoctions, infusions, powders, tinctures, poultices, and other herbal formulations before admission for a given health […]
Mexico: Taxco, an inspiring Holy Week
Holy Week in Taxco involves one of the most moving and impressive liturgical ceremonies to be found in Mexico. A fascinating and creative religious syncretism. The crowd observed total silence as they waited for the imminent arrival of the procession. The frightening, uneasy silence was gradually broken by an impressive staccato noise. In the distance, […]