Herbs & Plants. Black Nightshade – Solanum Nigrum
The plant has a long record of use in traditional medicine for the treatment of a number of conditions. For centuries, plants have played a vital role in human survival, culture, and healing. Among these, Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) stands out as a modest yet remarkable species. It is a small shrub, typically 30-120 cm […]
Justice in African Culture
Justice is about balance, both within the community and within the cosmos. Rather than being based on rights, justice is based on life itself as it is lived in a community. There are two words associated with justice in Luganda language in Uganda: bwenkanya and mazima. Bwenkanya means the capacity to equalise. The same word […]
Catholics growing in Africa
New data from the Annuario Pontificio 2026 and Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae 2024 highlight trends in baptized populations across the five continents, with a remarkable increase in the number of Catholics in Africa. The data in the Annuario Pontificio reveal several developments in the life of the Catholic Church worldwide for 2025. During this period, six […]
After the Jubilee. An Easter of Hope
We Christians must rekindle hope and shout it loudly to a world that has none. The Jubilee has ended, but its message should live on and not be lost: the message of hope. Pope Francis, in announcing the Jubilee, gave this instruction: “Pilgrims of hope.” Today, not only has faith grown weak, but even more […]
On the Road. Gratitude as a Daily Practice
One may define gratitude as “the quality of being thankful.” Alternatively, we can think of it as an attitude, emotion, personal trait, or behavioural practice. However, it is conceived that the quality of being grateful is a foundational component of daily social exchange and can carry deep meaning both on interpersonal and intrapersonal levels. Perhaps […]
Herbs and plants: Commelina benghalensis. The versatile plant
The plant is not only a healing agent, but also a symbol of resilience and adaptability. Commonly known as the Bengal dayflower, it is a sprawling annual herb with both surface and subterranean growth. Its sparsely and short-pubescent stems sometimes produce underground runners with self-pollinating flowers. Its leaves are shiny, pale apple-green and ovate with […]
Significance of Meals in African Culture
In traditional African culture, eating a meal encompasses more than just food; it is a vital part of cultural practices, complete with its own rites and values. African people follow strict rules about their meals, and these occasions are often surrounded by taboos, especially those held within families or during significant celebrations. These are indeed […]
Mission Diary. Incredible Women
Comboni missionary Sister Tere Soto, from Mexico, talks to us about her commitment to women, listening to them and sharing their struggles and projects. During my years in Africa, I admired the remarkable work of women. They are responsible for feeding, educating, and caring for their children; they know how to manage their time, because […]
Vocation Story. Keep walking
Father Romulo Panis talks about his journey to the priesthood and his missionary experiences. After a childhood shaped by the Eucharist and the gentle guidance of Mary, Father Romulo answered a call that carried him to mission fields in Africa and Central America— where faith, danger, and culture forged a life of service. My father […]
On the Road. The Silence of Life
Each spirituality has its own route. Any journey that takes you towards God will demand some vigorous asceticism, some real fasting, a real purification and a disciplined ordering of the countless, obsessive feelings and desires that act through us. We will not get in touch with the deep source of our lives if the activities […]
