Uganda. Atuwa. Celebrating friendship
Atuwa is a celebration among the Karimojong, an ethnic group of agro-pastoral herders living mainly in north-east Uganda. This feast is the most genuine expression of the African sense of brotherhood. In particular, it showcases Karimojong social traditions and lifestyle. The celebrations unfold between the September and November moons, at the end of the rainy […]
Vocation Story. “To light the candle of hope”
“The story of my vocation is rooted in the narrow alleys and dusty paths of the Korogocho slum, one of the most impoverished and forgotten corners of Nairobi.” Bro. Brian Onyango shares some reflections on his vocation journey. Despite being raised in an environment with little family support, I found nourishment through the sacraments and […]
Comboni Missionaries, 70 years in Ecuador
Seventy years ago, the Comboni presence in Ecuador began in Esmeraldas, in the north of the country, on the border with Colombia. Since then, three bishops and about 60 missionaries, priests, and brothers have dedicated their lives to announcing the Gospel to a population mainly of African and indigenous origin. The first group of missionaries […]
Madagascar
Romazava, a traditional dish Today, we go to Madagascar to learn about and taste a classic of its cuisine. Romazava is a soup made with vegetables (brède mafane, or edible legume leaves, or moringa leaves or spinach) and meat or fish. It is often accompanied with white rice. Time 40 minutes Serves 4 Ingredients 250 […]
Herbs & People. Momordica. A unique antidiabetic plant
It is commonly known as bitter melon or bitter gourd is a climbing vine whose leaves and green fruits have been used in traditional medicine to fight cancer, diabetes and many infectious diseases despite being very bitter. It is a widely distributed plant, especially in Africa, Asia, and South America. This herbaceous, slender climber has […]
Madagascar. The Vezo, the guardians of the sea
The Vezo of Madagascar spend their lives sailing in their pirogues, following the wind and currents in search of fish schools. They live in harmony with the ocean and are committed to protecting it. Their small, light outrigger canoes, carved from a tree trunk, caress the waters of the Indian Ocean, driven by the southern […]
Uganda: Catholic sisters offer trauma care to refugees
Over the past five years, Sister Linah Siabana, a mental health specialist belonging to the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa, has been working in settlements near the border with South Sudan in northern Uganda, helping to rebuild the lives of those displaced by conflict. Uganda is hosting nearly 1.7 million refugees, who are […]
Morocco. Along the streets of Midelt.
“So, every morning, after the monastery Eucharist, the mystery of the risen Christ who takes your soul, here I am living it in the streets and at the bus station of Midelt”. Father Renato Zilio, a Scalabrinian, asks himself: “How could we ever look the other way?” With mystical, unparalleled slowness, the monk gradually elevates […]
Briani, a speciality of Mauritius
Briani, a speciality of Mauritius The country’s culinary tradition reflects the richness and variety of the human geography that populates this land: heir to influences from Hindu, Chinese, European, African cuisine, Mauritian gastronomy ranges from sweet to more spicy and/or hot flavours. One of the most famous dishes is Briani, originating from the Indian Muslim […]
Herbs & People. Bidens pilosa. A valuable herbal medicine
Bidens pilosa is a member of the Asteraceae (formerly called Compositae) family. It is a highly valuable medicinal plant worldwide and has been used since ancient times, especially in China and Africa, to treat and manage various illnesses and conditions. Bidens pilosa is commonly found growing along roadsides, railroad tracks, vacant lots, and other places […]