Embracing change through Innovation and Solidarity

From the 26^th to 31^st of August, 2024, the Comboni Missionary brothers working in Africa convened, for their inaugural continental meeting in Nairobi, Kenya. This historic gathering was marked by a profound reflection on the evolving nature of their mission, set against the backdrop of an inspiring Gospel passage from Luke 5:19, “But finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus.” This passage encapsulated the spirit of determination and innovative thinking that guided the discussions throughout the meeting.

30 brothers attended the meeting from various African countries, including Togo, Congo, TChad, South Sudan, Malawi-Zambia, Mozambique, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Uganda. The presence of Brother Alberto Lamana, Assistant General, and Father Jean Batista Opargiw, Provincial Superior of South Africa, added a significant dimension to the proceedings. Their participation underscored the importance of the meeting and the commitment of the broader Comboni community to mission’s future.

The meeting commenced with an insightful presentation by Brother Dzinekou Yawovi Jonas, Mccj, who provided an overview of mission’s evolution and the changing context in which it is carried out. This presentation set the stage for a deeper exploration of how mission work must adapt to contemporary challenges. Brother Jonas’s analysis highlighted the need for Comboni missionaries to reassess their strategies and methods to remain effective in a rapidly changing world.

Following Brother Jonas’s presentation, the focus shifted to the theme of formation. Brothers Jean Marie Mwamba and Patrick Lumami delivered a detailed presentation on the formation process, emphasizing its critical role in preparing missionaries for the complexities of modern missions. Their discussion delved into how formation programs need to evolve to address the current and future needs of the Church and the communities they serve. The session underscored the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in maintaining the relevance and effectiveness of the mission.

The meeting then addressed the theme of sustainability, guided by Brother Christophe Yata. This discussion was crucial, as it explored how the mission can remain viable and impactful in the face of diminishing resources and changing socioeconomic conditions. Brother Yata’s presentation focused on developing strategies to ensure long-term sustainability, including innovative approaches to resource management and community engagement.

Brother Alberto Lamana, Assistant General, provided an overview of the general reality of the Comboni brothers in the institute. His presentation offered valuable insights into the current state of the Comboni brothers and their work across the continent, identifying both challenges and opportunities. Brother Lamana’s analysis emphasized the need for unity and collaboration among the various circumscriptions to strengthen the mission’s impact.

The topic of merging circumscriptions was addressed by Father Jean Batista Opargiw. This discussion was particularly relevant given the evolving landscape of missionary work, which often requires a re-evaluation of organizational structures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Father Opargiw’s insights into the potential benefits and challenges of merging circumscriptions provided a framework for considering how the Comboni Missionaries might better align their resources and efforts.

Each presentation was followed by group discussions, allowing the brothers to engage deeply with the themes presented. These discussions faciliitated a robust exchange of ideas and experiences, enabling the participants to explore practical solutions and strategies in detail. The collaborative nature of these discussions fostered a sense of shared purpose and commitment among the brothers.

One of the key takeaways from the gathering was the recognition of the changing landscape of mission work and the imperative to adapt accordingly. The brothers expressed a collective concern about how best to navigate these changes while remaining true to their core mission and values. This concern highlighted the need for ongoing reflection and strategic planning to address the evolving demands of their work.

As the meeting drew to a close, the participants focused on formulating practical resolutions. These resolutions were designed to address the key issues identified during the discussions and to set a clear path forward for the Comboni Missionary brothers in Africa. The resolutions encompassed a range of actions, from enhancing formation programs and adopting sustainable practices to exploring organizational changes that would better support the mission’s goals and visibility of brothers.

The Continental meeting of Comboni Missionary Brothers was a significant milestone in the ongoing journey of the Comboni Missionaries in Africa and the Comboni Institute at large. It provided an opportunity for reflection, dialogue, and planning, ensuring that mission remains responsive and effective in the face of contemporary challenges. The insights gained and resolutions made during the meeting are expected to guide the brothers as they continue their vital work across the continent, embodying the spirit of innovation and perseverance exemplified by the Gospel passage from Luke 5:19.

Fr. Christopher Silwembe, Mccj