World Mission Day. Pope Francis: “Come to the banquet”
This year, World Mission Day is part of the final phase of the “Synod on Synodality” being held in Rome. The theme chosen by Pope Francis is “Go and invite everyone to the banquet” (Mt 22: 9). In his message, Pope Francis gives a special meaning to World Mission Day, which is celebrated on October […]
Zambia’s Copper and Cobalt. Raw Materials for the Future
To avoid a climate catastrophe, we need to switch our oil and gas-based economy to sustainable energy sources such as solar and wind. Copper and cobalt play an important role in the production of electric motors and batteries. Both metals are mined in Zambia’s Copperbelt. Zambia became independent from Great Britain in 1964 under the […]
Herbs & Plants. Ageratum conyzoides. A remedy for myriads of disease conditions
It is an erect, branching, soft, slightly aromatic, annual herb with shallow fibrous roots. The plant has a goat-like smell and hence the common name “goat weed”. The genus name Ageratum is derived from the Greek words ‘a geras’, meaning non-aging, referring to the longevity of the whole plant. Ageratum conyzoides (Family Asteraceae) is a […]
Vocation Story. To share our faith and charism
Influenced by missionaries in his local parish, Edgardo decided to become a missionary at the age of 17. He tells of his vocation journey and his missionary experience. I am Fr. Edgardo Alfonso Vizcarra, a Comboni Missionary born and bred in the very heart of Manila, Tondo. I am the youngest of seven siblings, and […]
Mission Diary. Mozambique. A Drop in the Ocean
Sr. María del Amor Puche talks to us about guerrilla groups and refugee camps. Insecurity and fear. Commitment to women. Small microcredit projects. I live in Balama, which belongs to the diocese of Pemba, in the province of Cabo Delgado. The parish has about 75 communities that we visit regularly. The parish priest is a […]
Reflection. Fostering a “Frontier Vision”
Pope Francis’ “frontier vision” allows him to see reality from the periphery, not from the centre, from the point of view of individuals and communities struggling for a human existence and striving to live their Christian lives. Speaking to young people in Rio de Janeiro in 2013, Pope Francis raised his voice and shouted, “I […]
What do Africa’s youth have to say about the future of their world?
The latest African Youth Survey from the Ichikowitz Family Foundation, a leading African foundation promoting active citizenship across the continent, provides a comprehensive look at the perspectives, hopes and concerns of young people in 16 African countries. Now in its third iteration, the 2024 Survey reveals both encouraging signs of optimism as well as ongoing […]
Electric Mobility in Africa
New companies are appearing on the continent, trying to carve out a niche in the new business. The global sales of electric and plug-in cars continue to rise, with 16.6 million vehicles expected in 2024 and dominated by China, which in July saw half of its market satisfied by these models. In short, thanks also […]
The Philippines. Bikes for Education
For more than ten years, a group of advocates has been donating bicycles to underprivileged students in the Philippines. Known as Bikes for the Philippines, their goal is to motivate learning and help curb the drop-out rate. Kids walking to school in slippers for half an hour or more gave Joel Uichico the charge to […]
Vocation Story. Br. Mario. Learning to Be Open and Patient
Brother Mario from the Philippines, talks to us about his vocation and missionary journey. My name is Mario Jason Castro, a Comboni Missionary Brother. I am the fourth of six children and both my parents supported us by selling livestock meat in the market. My parents dedicated their time working so that we would have […]
