Herbs & Plants. Carissa spinarum: The Magic Herb.
Carissa spinarum (Apocynaceae family) is a shrub which is indigenous to tropical Africa. Previously scientists had named this plant Carissa edulis. The plant has been a source of inspiration for a number of communities. It is very popular among many communities in Africa due to its enormous food and medicinal benefits. This shrub-like plant is […]
People & Culture. Uganda. The Bwola, the Royal Dance.
Among the many cultural dances of the Acholi people, who live in the northern region of Uganda, the Bwola dance is known as a royal dance performed before the chiefs. Unlike many tribes in Uganda that were ruled by kings and still maintain their kingdoms, the Acholi people were governed or ruled by chiefs in […]
Mission Diary. Sr. Andrea. Becoming salt and light for the people.
“The Lord is merciful to me and enables me to open my heart, to be more flexible with reality, and to adapt to it creatively.” Sr. Andrea Velasco Urueña, a Comboni Sister, shares her missionary life. Our community in Adu is located near the coast, about a 12-hour bus ride from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. We […]
Mission Diary. Fr. Manuel. “Our daily bread”
Fr. Juan Manuel Labajo Pejenaute, a Spanish Comboni missionary, takes us to his Amakuriat mission among the Pokot ethnic group. Our parish in Amakuriat, a small town in northwestern Kenya, is dedicated to Our Lady of Peace. We live with the Pokot people in a mountainous area, about 1,600 meters above sea level, with a […]
On the Road. To give purpose and meaning to human existence.
The peace and compassion, freedom and dignity championed by Jesus of Nazareth, are ideals that give purpose and meaning to human existence. Selling, abducting or controlling humans for exploitation in any way is to deprive them of what makes us human: the ability to make thoughtful, free choices. Taking away this unique attribute of personal […]
Oral Literature. Liyondo and the three tests
There once lived a King who had seven strong sons. When the day arrived for the eldest of them to leave the family home, he explained to his father that he longed to travel to a distant land and requested a sailing boat, together with some food and money. The king provided him with these […]
People & Culture. Kenya/Maasai. The concept of God
In the life of Maasai, God is always present. They are indeed a deeply religious people. Not far from the border between Kenya and Tanzania, can be found the mountain the Maasai call Oldoinyo le Engai, “God’s Mountain”, and it is half way between the white mountain, the “Kilimanjaro”, and the black one, the “Meru”. […]
Vocation Story. Fr. Marnecio. “Things do not happen by chance.
From a simple life in the Philippines to missionary work in Africa and Brazil, Fr. Marnecio Quarteros ’s vocation journey is a testament to God’s love, guidance, and purpose, shaping him to realise that things do not happen by chance. It is God’s will. Every time I share my vocation story, I am filled with […]
Uganda/Karamoja. Farewell to Arms
The Karamoja region has always been marked by violence. A project by the local diocese of Kotido is now supporting former Karimojong fighters on a new path of dialogue and personal and community growth. It’s one in the afternoon when, under the vast sky of Kotido, Karamoja, in northeastern Uganda, an important dialogue begins among […]
On the Road. The Meaning of Life and Love
It is time to think about the meaning of life and love. We need to examine the deeper, more enduring relationships that will give us more fully human experiences like married love, love of family and children, friendship and above all, the commitment to serve others for no reward. The Good Samaritan is the great […]
