Herbs & Plants. Aerva lanata. A Diverse Medicinal Herb
Africa is home to many important medicinal plants. One such plant is Aerva lanata, which has been used for many medical conditions since time immemorial. This strangling herb or undershrub can grow to a height of 90 cm. It has a hairy stem, a long taproot and many woolly branches. The leaves are ovate to […]
Kazakhstan. The Land of Nomads
Kazakhstan, a Central Asian country characterised by vast expanses of steppe, was the cradle of ancient civilisations and an important meeting point between East and West. It is therefore a veritable museum of human history. The oldest evidence of human presence in Kazakhstan dates back 35,000 years. These findings were found at a unique Palaeolithic […]
African Pastoral Care. Invoking and Feeling the Presence of the Spirit
An African pastoral care worker’s primary mission is to tell people of African descent that God loves them in a context of social coexistence where violence, mistreatment, discrimination in all spheres, injustice in all its forms, and the invisibility of their being… are daily bread for them, their families, and their communities. This mission requires […]
Chile. The desert flowers with faith and joy.
The festival of La Tirana, in Chile, celebrates the Christian faith – invoking the Virgin of Carmel – and recalls a colonial-era legend of love and faith, centred on a young Inca warrior and a Portuguese man. The festivities combine Catholic religious elements and Andean cultural traditions. The small Chilean village of La Tirana, at […]
African Cuisine. Tunisia
Harissa, a spicy sauce Today we’re sharing the recipe for a spicy and flavourful sauce: harissa. Originally from Tunisia, this paste is a must-have ingredient in North African cuisine. Made with dried chili peppers, spices, and lemon, you only need a small amount (be careful with the heat!) to season and enhance a variety of […]
DR Congo. A difficult journey.
The challenging circumstances she faced during her childhood and youth led her to meet people and visit places that later influenced her decision to become a missionary. Sr. Francine Bodada Anyangoya, a Congolese Comboni Sister, shares her vocational journey. I was born in Boma Mangbetu, a village in the northwest of the Democratic Republic of […]
Herbs & Plants: Acalypha indica. A useful source of medicine
It is a plant used as a medicine for several therapeutic treatments. The leaf decoction is dropped into the ears to treat earache and infections. The paste made from powdered leaves is applied for skin infections. In some communities leaves are cooked as a vegetable. Acalypha indica (Euphorbiaceae Family) is an erect, often simple-stemmed annual […]
African Myths. A door to the mysteries of creation
There are thousands of myths in Africa. They offer answers to the profound questions we ask ourselves about the world, life, happiness and evil. Questions and answers that every generation puts and gives to itself and then passes on to the next. Myths are many: they deal with the universe, the heavens, weather phenomena, the […]
Mission Diary. A Future of Hope
“We try to walk with the people, giving our best in training catechists, visiting Christian communities, and trying to revitalise new ones.” Father Placido Petit Majambo Lutumba shares his experience. When I was a young theology student, I was sent to South Sudan for a missionary experience lasting several months. I had the grace of […]
Africa Cuisine. A summer drink from Egypt
Today we offer a refreshing and original recipe: Sobia, a traditional Egyptian drink made with rice, milk, and coconut. Sweet, spicy, and served cold, it’s the perfect way to beat the heat. Time: 1 hour Serves: 4 Ingredients: 500 ml water, 100 g rice, 1-liter whole milk, 100 g sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla essence, 2 […]