Blessings in African Culture.
In Western cultures, blessings are essentially spoken words that emphasise the power of language. In African cultures, however, blessing combines both speech and action; although verbal formulas are rare, there are rituals of blessing. The emphasis is on action: to bless is to take action. The most common word for ‘blessing’ among the Bantu of […]
Africa Cuisine. South Africa, sosaties with apricots and onions
Sosaties are marinated meat skewers, a classic South African braai staple. Here’s a tasty variation enriched with spices, onions, and apricots, which add a sweet note to the grilled meat. Time: 30 minutes + overnight marinating Serves: 4-5 Ingredients: 450g diced lamb leg 150g dried apricots 2 red onions 30ml wine vinegar 3 tablespoons […]
People & Culture. Tanzania. The Maasai Colours
Red and black are two of the fundamental colours in the Maasai culture and symbolize God’s two main traits. Red depicts anger and benevolence, and black (or dark blue) the sanctity of a person or object. Above all, they invoke God himself as Papa Jai Orok (the Black father) and they ask him to cover […]
Agadez. The City of Resilience
From Saharan myth to crossroads of migrants and gold miners: history, crisis, and uncertainties of the Tuareg capital of Niger, between memory and future. Gateway to the desert, city of the blue people, crossroads of trans-Saharan trade… Whatever you call it, the city of Agadez, a dusty urban agglomeration in the heart of Niger, about […]
Mission Diary. “I now understand my missionary life differently.”
Sr. Norma Virginia Allen Brown shares her experience with the elderly. “By accompanying them, I continue to feel like a woman and a missionary, despite my advanced age.” I am the first Comboni missionary of African origin in Costa Rica. For over a year, I have been participating in the pastoral care of the elderly […]
Vocation Story. Fr. Simon Yomkuey. Advocating for those whose voices remain unheard.
Father Simon Yomkuey Kueth Tap is the first Nuer to become a Comboni missionary and the first South Sudanese Comboni priest to be ordained since the country gained independence fifteen years ago. His initial appointment as a missionary will be in Brazil. I was born in Mayom, Bentiu, Unity State, which is now part of […]
African Cuisine. Madagascar: red potato and onion salad
We now take you to Madagascar with the recipe for a tasty, quick, and fresh red potato salad, perfect for summer dinners. Ingredients: 900 g red potatoes (boiled, peeled, and chopped), 40 g pitted black olives, 1 red onion, 25 g parsley, 1 garlic clove, salt to taste, pepper to taste, 100 ml sour cream, […]
Oral Literature. The Monkey and The Rabbit
Just how deep was their friendship? Let us see. While the monkey felt true affection, the rabbit was merely interested in him. One day, the rabbit made his favourite drink and poured it into seven jars. He then sent a messenger to invite his friend, the monkey, handing him an invitation that read: “My friend, […]
Herbs & Plants: Spinach, a rich source of minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients
Turmeric Spinach is scientifically referred to as Spinacia oleracea. It is a member of the Amaranthaceae family and it is definitely one of the most popular green, leafy vegetables with a rich source of minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients. Spinach can be eaten raw as salads or cooked. It rightly deserves its reputation as an extremely […]
Mission. With a backpack.
Father Antonio La Braca is an Italian Comboni missionary. He first left for Africa in 1972 and has been carrying out his missionary ministry there ever since. He has worked primarily in Uganda and South Sudan, where he still lives. This year, he celebrates the 60th anniversary of his priestly ordination. We had the pleasure […]