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 […]
Herbs & Plants. Bridelia Scleroneura. A tree of many gifts
It is a significant medicinal plant in African traditional healthcare systems due to its wide range of therapeutic properties. Bridelia scleroneura (family: Euphorbiaceae) is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that grows to a height of around 12 metres. Its bark is corky and turns black with age, revealing a distinctive red streak when cut. Initially sparsely […]
Mission Diary. Sr. Cecilia Sierra: “The veil literally saved my life”
A Comboni Sister from Mexico, Cecilia Sierra, explains why she wears a veil and the reasons behind it. I have worn a veil or a scarf for much of my life. In my congregation, the Comboni Sisters, the veil is not obligatory, yet I freely embraced it – first in Italy, the homeland of many […]
African arms imports fell by almost 50% in the last decade; West African imports rose sharply.
While the volume of arms imports by states across Africa overall decreased by 41% between the 2016-2020 and 2021-2025 periods, West African arms transfers rose sharply as the security situation in the region deteriorated. This is according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), which has released new reports on global arms transfers recently. […]
SIPRI Report 2026: The global arms market is growing.
According to new data published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the volume of major arms transferred between states increased by 9.2 per cent between 2016–20 and 2021–25. States in Europe more than tripled their arms imports, making it the biggest recipient region. Total exports by the United States, the world’s largest supplier […]
On the Road. To Have a Goal.
One of the most important things for a happy, meaningful life is to have a goal, a positive purpose that does good for others and for ourselves. It can be helping in the community, supporting in a shelter for the homeless, or raising funds for a worthy cause. Some people feel called to be involved […]
