Plants & People: Coriandrum – Amazing Health Benefits
Coriander, scientifically known as Coriandrum sativum (Plant family Apiaceae), is a herb with savoury deep green leaves. Its use as a spice for different sauces can be traced back to 5,000 BC, making it one of the world’s oldest spices. This unique vegetable is very famous in Asian countries and its popularity is spreading across […]
Asian Spirituality: A Quest For Depth
Nearly all major religions of the world were born in Asia. We look at some common traits of Asian spirituality – inner journey, search for depth, silence, detachment, nonviolence, and honesty – shows their significance in our modern times. An inward pilgrimage is central to Asian understanding of religion. Spirituality is the removal of all […]
Africa: Traditional Healers
In Central and East Africa, the term most commonly used for a traditional healer is ng’anga. No one can doubt the fundamental role that this occupation still has in the field of health and health services in African societies. It is hard to define a ng’anga. He is a doctor, when he cures a disease; […]
Ecuador: To Live And Share My Faith With Others
Comboni Father Seraphin Kakwata, Congolese, shares his experience being amongst afro-descendent communities in S. Lorenzo parish, in the province of Esmeraldas, Ecuador. In 2013, I was assigned to San Lorenzo, in the province of Esmeraldas, in north-western Ecuador. On Mondays I work from the parish centre, which includes the main church building and other meeting […]
Mexico: Father Solalinde – On The Side Of Migrants
They threaten and intimidate him, but Father Alejandro Solalinde continues his mission, at the risk of his life. Father Solalinde is not afraid to speak out against abuses and injustice. He says “I have received numerous death threats”. The immigrant shelter, which he founded in Ixtepec, has been attacked more than once. He adds that […]
Zambia: Fighting deforestation by Agness Chileya
Forests are rapidly vanishing in Zambia. The country’s rate of depletion of this natural resource is extremely high. The government is looking for new lines of approach and action to stop the human roots of this ecological crisis. Approximately 65% of Zambia’s total land area is covered by forests. The country boasts of a great […]
Uganda: Lango Culture – Old Is Gold (Fr. Lawrence Ogwang)
In African traditional society, elders are treasured for whom and what they are. They are respected and honoured by their communities for their spirituality, wisdom, high intelligence, knowledge, life experiences and teachings. They have a deep understanding of people and communities. They are recognized for their gifts, for their love and knowledge of the land […]
Kenya: A Horizon-less Frying Pan
Comboni Missionary Father Mitiku Habbthe from Ethiopia is working with the Turkana in the remote north-western part of Kenya, a semi-desert area, shares his experience. The Turkana people lead a nomadic or semi nomadic life style, living with herds of cattle, goats and donkeys. An estimated 80 percent of the people rely on purely pastoralism […]
Central America: The Garinagu, The art of drum-making.
The Garifuna people, located in Central America, are famous for their use of drums and music, that is especially of great importance in religious ceremonies. Stop at any Garifuna festival, sporting event, festival, church ceremony, nine-night (Beluria) or just a regular social gathering and you will be sure to hear the vibrating sound of the […]
Peru: It is impossible to remain silent.
On both sides of the border between Ecuador and Peru, there are oil and gas operations. The consequences are disastrous for the environment and for the indigenous peoples who live there. Two Augustinian missionaries living in Iquitos (Peru) talked about the challenges for the church and for the indigenous people. Governments traditionally have partnered with […]
