The Comboni Missionary Brothers working in Africa convened for their inaugural continental meeting from the 26th to 31st of August, 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, the Assistant General and Father Jean Batista Opargiw, the 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 the mission’s future.

The meeting commenced with an insightful presentation by Brother Dzinekou Yawovi Jonas, Mccj, who provided an overview of the 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 re-assess 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 further addressed the theme of sustainability, guided by Brother Christophe Yata.

This discussion was crucial, as it explored how mission can remain viable and impactful in the face of diminishing resources and changing socio-economic 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, the 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 facilitated 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 the brothers.

The Continental meeting of the Comboni Missionary Brothers was a significant milestone in the ongoing journey of the Comboni Missionaries in Africa and the Comboni family 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.

By Fr. Christopher Silwembe Mccj

Bishop Sabino Ochan Odooki is the bishop of Arua Diocese. Rt Rev Sabino was born in Gulu Diocese in Layibi village, Gulu Municipality on August 8th, 1957. He had his early education in Gulu diocese and holds a Master’s Degree in Church Doctrine and a Ph.D. in Theology. Bishop Sabino worked as a priest in Gulu diocese in different capacities. At one time, he was the Rector of Alokolum Major Seminary and in 2006, he served as the Auxiliary Bishop of Gulu diocese.

In August 2009, the Shepherd of God was appointed as the Apostolic Administrator of Arua Diocese by Pope Benedict XVI. He was later confirmed as the Bishop of Arua Diocese and installed as Bishop on 18 December 2010 at Ediofe Cathedral, Arua. Three years into service as the bishop of Arua, in 2013 past midnight, he received a phone call from the Parish Priest of Dzaipi, Fr. James Edema, alerting him of a crowd that had filled the compound of Dzaipi Parish Church.

The people claimed to have come from South Sudan and one of them claimed he was a bishop. They said they had run away from a war. Bishop Sabino advised the Priest to call the LCI chairman of the area. Fortunately, the chairman came early the next morning to assess the situation and lay plans for the people. When the Chairman got to the Church, he immediately called the district chairperson who informed Uganda police and United Nations High Commission for Refugees about the situation at the Church in Dzaipi.

As soon as UNHCR arrived at the Church and saw the people, registration kicked off. Later, the people of Adjumani offered land to settle the Refugees. Days after, Bishop Sabino visited the refugees in Yumanzi and he was overwhelmed by the number of people who had crossed over from South Sudan. They had been offered land to settle and UNHCR was grading roads and building wells. He had also taken some food on his first visit.

Two days later, the Bishop related the situation of the refugees in Arua Diocese to some members of St Egidio community on request. He reported about the children who had no hope of returning to school. St Egidio community swung into action and assisted the refugees through Arua diocese. Bishop Sabino placed the education of the children at the forefront, he requested that a school be built for the children and a school was constructed to accommodate 1,000 children.

In 2016, another group of refugees entered Arua Diocese when the war in South Sudan escalated. This time, the number was bigger for Adjumani to accommodate. This gave way for other camps to be opened in Bidi Bidi, Yumbe district, Rhino Camp Bordering Arua, Terego, Madi Okolo, and Nebbi diocese, then later Palorinya Camp in Obongi district. All these districts apart from a small portion of Rhino camp are in Arua diocese and many other camps continued to be opened in the diocese.

The Apostolic Nuncio to Uganda then, Archbishop Michael August Blume, and Bishop Sabino toured the settlements and were overwhelmed by what they saw. That was the time the bishop knew that they needed more manpower to help; the presence of pastoral agents in the settlement camps was needed.

The Nuncio advised him to advocate for missionary groups to join Arua diocese which he did but the turn up was very low. He did not give up. The Apostolic Nuncio helped bring aboard the first congregation to work with refugees; this was the Missionary Servant of the word of God who settled in Londonga and were later joined by the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Cross.

In 2018, when bishops of Uganda visited the Vatican, Bishop Sabino was lucky to get an audience with Pope Francis. They discussed the situation of the refugees in his diocese, in particular, his need for more religious/ Missionaries. The Holy Father promised to talk to the field Generals in Rome and ask them to send their congregations to the diocese. Soon after his conversation with the Pope, the bishop began receiving Missionary groups in the diocese. The diocese now has 14 missionary groups working with the refugees, and the bishop has also created a vicariate for refugees to handle their Spiritual and Pastoral needs; it also helps with some humanitarian aid.

The settlements have been structured into Parishes and all missionary congregations are assigned to different settlements. They have also managed to create different projects for the refugees under Caritas Uganda, supported by other Stakeholders and Partners.

Arua diocese has started a program to help refugees, aligned to food security supported by different partners, among them; Caritas, UNHCR, and World Food program. Luckily, the refugees are being trained in Block farming.

Bishop Sabino added that the diocese has opened up a counselling department for the refugees, which many are actively taking part in. Education of the refugee children has not been left behind; many schools belonging to the diocese were handed over to assist the refugee children and a new school was built to accommodate 1000 children. “We are supporting the education of refugees, that is another contribution,” said the jovial bishop.

The Bishop said he still needs more Pastoral agents in the diocese because the number of refugees surpasses the number of Pastoral agents. “There are times when I have to give the sacrament of confirmation to over 800 candidates in the Refugee Settlement Camp and I had to ask the priests to help out because I alone could not manage,” concluded Bishop Sabino.

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“The happiest day of my life will be the one in which I give my life for you.” These words, inspired by Daniel Comboni, were chosen by Fr. William Nyadru as his ordination motto. Years later, the phrase would take on a profound and tragic meaning in his missionary journey.

Fr. William Nyadru, born in 1960, belonged to the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus. He entered Alokolum Major Seminary in 1979 and made his first religious vows on 5 May 1984 before taking perpetual vows in 1987. Although his priestly ministry lasted only a few years, his life and witness continue to be remembered with admiration among many Christians and missionaries.

Fr. Nyadru was killed on 25 October 1991 in Morulem, within the present-day Kotido Catholic Diocese. The circumstances surrounding his death have never been fully established. However, accounts recorded by fellow missionaries suggest that local warriors preparing for a cattle raid may have consulted a traditional diviner, who allegedly demanded the sacrifice of a man riding a motorcycle in exchange for success in the raid. On the day of the incident, Fr. Nyadru was travelling between Kotido and Moroto to collect baptism cards for use during Sunday celebrations when he was attacked and killed.

According to testimonies from those who later recovered his body, he was found lying face down in a posture that some compared to the position taken during priestly ordination, a detail that deeply moved many members of the Church community.

Fr. William’s ordination in October 1988 had been a historic occasion for the Catholic faithful in Moyo District. Christians gathered in large numbers to celebrate the ordination of the first Madi member of the Comboni Missionaries. The church built by the missionaries who introduced Christianity to the region decades earlier was filled to capacity as people celebrated the milestone with great pride and joy.

More than three decades later, Christians, religious leaders, and members of the Comboni community gathered once again at the same parish for a thanksgiving celebration in memory of Fr. Nyadru’s life and witness. Among those present were church leaders from Uganda and South Sudan, members of the Comboni congregation, and faithful from different parts of the region.

The commemorative Mass was led by Raphael Wokorach P’mony, who described Fr. Nyadru as a missionary who embraced his vocation wholeheartedly. In his homily, the Archbishop reflected on the priest’s dedication to service and obedience within the Comboni family.

He recalled that Fr. Nyadru had previously been sent to London for studies in journalism and communication and was later expected to contribute to Catholic media apostolate work. Before assuming those responsibilities, however, he was assigned to gain missionary experience in Morulem Parish in Karamoja, a region many considered difficult to serve at the time.

Archbishop Wokorach noted that Fr. Nyadru accepted the assignment with commitment and courage, following the missionary spirit of St. Daniel Comboni, whose ministry in Africa was marked by sacrifice, hardship, and perseverance. According to the Archbishop, missionaries such as Fr. Nyadru dedicate themselves to serving wounded communities with compassion and hope.

He also encouraged Christians to respond to the suffering of others with solidarity and love, saying that healing and reconciliation begin when people are willing to accompany one another through difficult experiences. He further reflected on the broader wounds affecting society, including violence and corruption, urging communities to become instruments of peace and renewal.

The anniversary celebrations also included the blessing of Fr. Nyadru’s renovated grave at the parish cemetery, cultural presentations, and a panel discussion reflecting on his life and missionary legacy. Students from St. Mary Assumpta, Pakele, performed a poetic reenactment inspired by the events surrounding his death.

During the discussion, Fr. Philip Zema MCCJ, who studied alongside Fr. Nyadru, described him as a deeply committed missionary who inspired many young people to consider religious life and missionary service. He observed that Fr. Nyadru had intended to use media and communication as tools for evangelization and remembered him as a person whose witness left a lasting impression on the Comboni community.

Sr. Dominic Dipio also reflected on Fr. Nyadru’s legacy, describing his life as a gift offered in service to both the Church and society. She noted that his death highlighted the painful reality of violence that has affected many communities and challenged Christians to examine how deeply they live out the values of faith, peace, and compassion.

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This year has marked significant growth for the Catholic community in Kotido Diocese, with the establishment of two new parishes aimed at strengthening pastoral outreach and spiritual life across the region.

In April, the Bishop of Kotido Diocese, Dominic Eibu, officially inaugurated St. Daniel Comboni Parish in Kokoria, located in Kotido District. Later in the year, on 28 September, another milestone was achieved with the opening of St. Joseph Parish in Kalapata, Kaabong District. The addition of the two parishes brings the total number of parishes in the diocese to twelve.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Kalapata, Bishop Eibu described the creation of a new parish as a moment of joy and renewal for the Church community. He compared the occasion to the birth of a child, noting that while such moments bring happiness and hope, they also come with responsibility and commitment.

He encouraged Christians in the diocese to take collective responsibility for nurturing the new parish, emphasizing that it belongs to the entire faith community rather than only priests, catechists, or church leaders. According to the bishop, the growth and vibrancy of the parish will depend on the active participation and support of the faithful.

The newly established parish has been placed under the patronage of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, and its annual parish celebration will be observed every 19 March. During the same event, Fr. John Bosco Etapar Lowang was installed as the parish priest, adding to the celebrations for the local community.

Fr. Samuel D. Lotuk, the Pastoral Coordinator of Kotido Catholic Diocese, explained that St. Joseph Parish Kalapata had previously functioned as a major chapel under Holy Cross Parish Kaabong before being elevated to the status of a canonical parish. For decades, the chapel served Catholic communities spread across the area following the establishment of Holy Cross Parish in 1955.

Historically, Holy Cross Parish Kaabong covered three pastoral zones: Kaabong, Kathile, and Kalapata. The Kalapata zone includes several chapels such as Lokwakaramae, Kamion, Timu, Lodwar, and Morukori, which mainly serve the Ik community, also known as the Teuso.

Church leaders noted that earlier discussions about creating a new parish had focused on Kathile. However, Kalapata was eventually considered more suitable because of its strategic location and its importance to the Ik community. The vision of establishing a parish in the area dates back several years and has long been supported by local church leadership.

Fr. Lotuk recalled that during his time serving at Holy Cross Parish Kaabong, efforts were made to strengthen pastoral work among the Ik people, including the construction of a priests’ residence in Kalapata to support regular ministry in the area.

The Ik are a small ethnic community living around Mount Morungole in Kaabong District in north-eastern Uganda near the Kenyan border. Many depend on subsistence farming for their livelihood and live in small clan-based settlements. Due to their relatively small population and remote location, the community has often faced challenges related to limited access to education, services, and development opportunities.

Kalapata is located about 30 kilometres from Holy Cross Parish Kaabong, a distance that church leaders say made the establishment of a new parish necessary to better serve the local Catholic population and strengthen pastoral care among the Ik community.