Erythrina Abysynica: The Anti-Helminthic Plant
It is one of the well-known popular plants which is often used in traditional medicine. This veritable multipurpose tree is also often grown to protect the soil. This medium-sized deciduous tree is widely distributed in warm regions of southern Africa and the savannah of eastern Africa. In fact, the plant is native to a number […]
Peru: Weaving By The Sea
The arts of crocheting and fishing narrate the stories of the beaches of northern Peru. Peru has always been a land of weavers since pre-Inca times. The finest varieties of cotton such as tanguis, pima and native cotton are cultivated in the north of the country. But Peru is also a land of fishermen, who […]
“Take Courage, Build my House”
Christian Carlassare, a Comboni Father tell us how he became missionary. While visiting the small hermitage of St Damiano, in Assis (Italy) I heard that the Crucifix spoke to St Francis there and told him “Build My House”. Those words resounded also inside my heart as I was a student in a technical institute for […]
Brazil: Agroecology Is The Future
The Comboni Missionaries have established the Centre for Rural Innovation and Agroecological Development of Açailandia (CIRANDA) which promotes family farming in order to guarantee a dignified life to people and respect for the environment. We, the Comboni Missionaries, have been offering our pastoral services in the city of Açailandia since 1992. For twenty years we […]
Jumia: E-commerce Africa Style
It manages 48% of commerce in electronics, has spread to 23 countries and is now aiming to conquer Egypt with its vendors. Africa, too, has a website for electronics sales like Amazon, which sells all sorts of things from clothes and guitars, to electronic games and computers. It is called Jumia and, since its debut […]
Philippines: Feeding Street People
For the last five years, a retired engineer and his wife have been feeding poor people on the streets almost every week, Kamias Road in Quezon City. Nobody knows about it – neighbours, family members, and friends. “We do not advertise or brag about it”, Imelda said. “It is our expression of faith or faith […]
Mozambique: Benfica – Urban Mission
The parish of St. Francis Xavier in the outskirts of Maputo: a centre of Christian and social commitment. Two Comboni Missionaries lead the parochial community. The parish of St. Francis Xavier is located in the chaotic neighborhood of Benfica, near Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. Here, at five o’clock in the morning, the streets are […]
People & Plants: Ekebergia Capensis – Highly Valued Plants
This plant plays an important role in various communities for the treatment of numerous diseases and disorders including heartburn, coughs and respiratory complaints. Ekebergia capensis (Meliaceae Family) is widespread in the sub-Saharan countries in Africa, including Senegal, Ethiopia, Angola, Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa. This plant plays an important role in the various communities in […]
India: Kashmiri – The Fine Texture
Kashmiri shawls are globally famous for their fine texture and embroidery. Woven on handloom from a rare variety of soft wool and embroidered by artisans who have perfected the needlework over generations, these shawls are considered to be a status symbol. The word shawl is derived from the Persian word shal and is worn folded […]
Peru: To Share Life With People Who Are Incredibly Wise
As we approach the Pan-Amazonian Synod, the importance the indigenous culture. Two Augustinians, who live in Iquitos (Peru) talked about their experience. When we first arrived in the Marañon River Valley, more than two decades ago, the first thing we experienced was miscommunication – we didn’t understand the way people talked. It first struck us […]
