Advocacy & People. Carlos Mallo Molina: a new generation of environmental stewards.
He helped lead a sophisticated, global campaign to prevent the construction of Fonsalía Port, a massive recreational boat and ferry terminal that threatened a biodiverse 170,000-acre marine protected area in the Canary Islands, Spain. Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, a Spanish territory in the Atlantic Ocean. Its southwestern waters are home to […]
Oral Literature. The Crocodile and the Cockerel.
Once upon a time, the crocodile was king of the animals. He was holding court one day. He sat majestically on his throne as he received petitions from his subjects and issued orders. A large crowd had gathered at the court on that day. His large size alone elicited awe. His large teeth elicited fear. […]
People & Culture. The Andes. The wool of the gods
Alpacas, vicuñas, guanacos and llamas are essential to life for Andean peoples. These animals are used as a source of food, clothing and as a means of transportation. Their skins were more precious than gold to Incas. Camelids, who have inhabited the Andes for more than three million years, are one of the greatest treasures […]
Mission Dairy. Chad. Gestures of Hope
Even behind bars, new life is celebrated. Seven young inmates were baptized in Klessoum Prison, in the Chari-Baguirmi Region in the heart of Chad. Father Renzo Piazza, head of prison ministry, describes it for us. The activities of the small team in charge of prison pastoral care include preparing for the weekly Mass, teaching men […]
Vocation Story. Fr. Alfred. “Sower of Hope”
Father Alfred Mawadri, a Ugandan Comboni missionary, talks about his vocation journey and the challenges he has faced in his pastoral work. I was fortunate to have loving parents. My father was a man of integrity and strength. My mother was a wonderful person. She was compassionate in her words and actions and instilled Christian […]
Mari Luz Canaquiri Murayari. A Steward of the river
The river is sacred to the Kukama people, who believe that their ancestors reside on the river floor. They are ready to protect the Marañón River. They won the case in court. For the first time in the country’s history, a river was granted legal personhood, with the right to be free-flowing and free of […]
Herbs & Plants. The Hypoxis genus. A potent medicinal Plant
This plant includes eight genera and approximately 130 species. It plays a significant role in traditional medicine. The Hypoxis genus – comprising various species such as Hypoxis interjecta, Hypoxis multiceps, Hypoxis nyasica, Hypoxis obtusa, Hypoxis sobolifera, and the prominent Hypoxis hemerocallidea – holds significant importance in traditional medicine across the Southern African region. As part […]
Ethiopia. The coffee ceremony
In the African country where coffee originated, women perform a magical ritual. The preparation of the popular drink resembles a religious liturgy marked by solemn gestures that have been passed down for centuries with the smoke of incense, prayers to the spirits and prophecies of the future. In Ethiopia, the homeland of coffee, each family […]
Vocation Story. “Witness of God’s work”
Sr. Veronica Mburu, a Comboni sister from Kenya, shares her vocation journey and says, “I feel fulfilled in loving and serving my brothers and sisters.” I come from a Catholic family, where my parents introduced me to a life of faith and dedication to helping others. They taught me to be attentive to others’ needs […]
Brazil. “I dream of a ministry of listening, closeness, and accompaniment”.
Father Joaquim Pereira, a Portuguese Comboni missionary, shares his pastoral experience in the parish of Santo António in Marcos Moura, a neighbourhood in the municipality of Santa Rita in the Brazilian state of Paraíba. The social reality of Marcos Moura is marked by widespread poverty, increasing violence, and the great challenges that families face daily. […]
