Togo. Exploring the meaning of the numbers
The Wachi, an ethnic group in southern Togo, are agriculturalists the subsist on the land’s products. The cosmological and religious beliefs of this group are rich in symbols. Let us take a glance at the numbers that signify much more than mere counting. Among the important numbers, some are especially so. Number three, for example, […]
Burkina Faso. Faith, pride and tolerance
Islam and animism intertwine around the great mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso, the cultural and spiritual capital of the country. Bobo-Dioulasso, in Burkina Faso, is a city of great charm, where the passage of time is marked by the muezzins who call to prayer, but also by the succession of animist ceremonies and the stories of the […]
Reflection. Communicate with Skill
In a rapidly changing world, the message of Jesus calls for skillful communication that resonates within diverse contexts. By embracing creativity and imagery, modern believers can effectively share this transformative message of compassion and hope. The Message of Jesus is meant to reach all people in their life contexts to address their specific needs. It […]
Pier Giorgio Frassati. A man of the eight beatitudes.
He will be canonised with Carlo Acutis on 7 September. A joyful character and lover of nature, Pier Giorgio renounced his privileged position to dedicate his life to the poor. He inspired thousands of youths, relatable in his humble lifestyle yet blessed with an extraordinary personality. Born into a well-off family in April 1901. His […]
Ethiopia
Shiro. Cream of chickpeas Shirò is a cream of chickpeas, tomato and spices typical of Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. Usually served with zighinì. We recommend enjoying shirò on injera bread. Time 1 hour Serves 4 Ingredients 500 ml water Half onion 1 clove of garlic 3 tablespoons of chickpea flour Ripe tomatoes or puree Salt […]
Kenya. Pokot – Dancing in a circle.
The Adango is a common dance or game organised by young men, which is played during the night, or at the end of some ceremonies and feasts like Sapana, the initiation of young men. The most frequent one is the one organised by young men, almost every night, though especially on full moon nights. Married […]
The Hippo. King of the Rivers.
Despite its apparent tranquillity and its soft and jovial appearance, it is an animal with an irascible, unpredictable and aggressive character. The most dangerous and deadly in Africa. But you have to know it to appreciate it. Legendary origins. The hippopotamus is one of the most dangerous, yet interesting, animals on the entire African continent. […]
Vocation Story. “Giving my life to the mission”
“It was the mission that made me a missionary. I came to understand the true nature of the mission and the charism of St Daniel Comboni.” Fr. Tesfaye Erbelo Anulo from Ethiopia, talks about his vocation journey and his missionary experience. I was born on 15 March 1978 in Borchosha, Kambata, southern Ethiopia. My parents […]
Mission today: a daily challenge
Father Valentin Garcia, a Spanish Comboni missionary, shares: “Some ideas in this mature time of my life.” Since I was a child, in the minor seminary of the Comboni Missionaries, we were visited by missionaries from Africa and Latin America who helped us breathe the missionary spirit. I arrived in Peru, in Tarma, a year […]
Mali. Rice in Fakoye sauce
A typical dish from northern Mali, fakoye is a stew with a very particular flavour. Time 2 ½ hours approx. Serves 6 Ingredients 500 gr rice 1 kg mutton or lamb 100 gr fakoye leaves (or zofonboulou; scientific name: Corchorus olitorius) powder songhai spice mix (cinnamon, nutmeg, fennel, cumin…) 2 onions 1 bitter aubergine 1 […]
