GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

27th Consulta, 8 – 30 June 2009
General Notes
June Consulta: during the whole month of June, the General Council (GC) was engaged in the last Consulta of its mandate. Understandably, in this last Consulta, decisions and items of the agenda of March that were left unfinished were resolved. Concerning personnel, the GC has only confirmed the decisions of those on the waiting list.

Perpetual Vows: On 19 June, feast of the Sacred Heart, 13 confreres were admitted to Perpetual Vows and Holy Orders. These confreres belong to the first group which has concluded the programme of the year of missionary service. The GC thanks them wholeheartedly for their collaboration and thanks God for their positive evaluation precisely on the missionary service. We also thank the provincials and confreres who have cooperated and accompanied with generosity our young confreres.

Santarém Novitiate (P) : As from 6 June, 2009, the GC has decided to suspend the European novitiate for lack of novices. The only Brother candidate, coming from the Italian province, will do his novitiate in Lusaka (Zambia).

Manila Novitiate (Asia) : As from 6 June 2009 the GC has decided to suspend for this year the novitiate in Asia for lack of candidates. It is hoped that it will be reopened next year with some novices.

Renewal Course in Rome: The GC in this June Consulta evaluated the Renewal Course in Rome, which has completed its 43rd edition, recognising its validity and importance. Having seen the proposal for restructuring Ongoing Formation in the Institute, which will be presented to the next Chapter and could give a new programming also to this course, the GC has decided to suspend the 2010 edition of the Course, leaving till after-the-Chapter to take up this initiative in line with what will be suggested. For any information contact Fr. Danilo Cimitan.

PISAI: On 15 June 2009 the GC, at the request of the Holy See, has reconfirmed Fr. Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot as Rector of PISAI. To him go our best wishes.

Continental Assemblies in preparation to the Chapter: Concerning the process of the Continental Assemblies (not the contents), we all noted that the experienced gained was highly positive and enriching, greatly appreciated by the confreres without previous know-how of a Chapter and who have taken advantage of the experience of the “senior” confreres. The introduction to the by-laws and the request to make use of it, have been very useful and very much appreciated. We have also noticed that the environment was generally relaxed and fraternal, which has allowed a frank and constructive dialogue, leading to decisions (like what to say as continents at the Chapter) that were nearly unanimous. It is possible that the absence of great divergent stances explains why in none of the continental assemblies the method of discernment was practised as proposed in the by-laws and as was done in the process of the Ratio Missionis. This seems to be the main regret mentioned in the evaluation. Only the European assembly had two days of ongoing formation inserted in its programme, while the others concentrated on the work at hand from the very beginning.
Generally speaking, we consider the continental assemblies a very valid phase in the preparation to this Chapter. It would be useful to keep in mind this way of proceeding for future Chapters.

Precapitular Commission: During the month of June, the Precapitular Commission met in Via Luigi Lilio to prepare for the forthcoming General Chapter. The outcome of their work will soon be sent to all the Chapter Delegates.

Economy: In this Consulta the financial and economic report of the year 2008 of the General Direction was approved. Thanks to Divine Providence, and to prudent administration, we managed to face up to all our commitments, in spite of the financial crisis. A good number of provinces, instead, suffered considerable financial losses. The crisis is an opportunity for us to orientate ourselves towards greater collaboration and information among the secretariats for finance and provincial procures in order to make choices that privilege ethical practices and transparency concerning the pursuit of the greatest profit, and also to share with those people who have been or shall be hit the hardest, namely the poorest.

Treasurer General: The Holy See has confirmed the nomination of Fr. Claudio Lurati as General Treasurer starting from 1 July, 2009. We wish Fr. Claudio all the best and renew our thanks to Fr. Alessandro Lwanga Guarda.

Comboni Lay Missionaries (CLM) : The leaders responsible for the CLM in Europe will meet in Granada, Spain, from 4 to 8 August, 2009. Their meeting will undoubtedly contribute inputs and reflections for the General Chapter.

Thanks: In concluding this Consulta, we wholeheartedly thank the entire General Administration, the Provincial and Delegate Superiors and their respective Councils and each Confrere for the collaboration, closeness and brotherly love during our mandate. We remain in communion of prayer as we journey towards the General Chapter. We also wish to Fr. Umberto Pescantini a speedy recovery so that he may join us for the Chapter.

Agenda of the General Council
Fr. Teresino Serra: 9 - 16 July visit to Eritrea.
Fr. Fabio Baldan: 17 July to 16 August holidays at home.
Fr. Odelir José Magri: will remain in Rome. At the end of July he will take two weeks holidays in Italy.
Fr. Tesfamariam Ghebrecristos W. : 9 July - 3 August visit to Eritrea.
Bro. Martinuzzo Umberto: London from 13 July to 17 August. From 25 to 27 August meeting of the Brothers Chapter Delegates in Rome.
During the summer months the GC will remain in Rome for the final preparations for the XVII General Chapter.

Meeting of the Precapitular Commission in Rome
The Precapitular Commission met in Rome from 7 to 27 June to continue the work in preparation for the XVII General Chapter. It was set up by the General Council late last year and its members are Fr. Daniel Cerezo Ruiz, Fr. Giuseppe Filippi, Fr. Tesfaye Tadesse Gebresilasie, Bro. Daniele Giusti, Fr. Claudio Lurati, Fr. Joseph Mumbere Musanga, Fr. Enrique Sánchez González and Fr. Antonio Villarino Rodríguez. In the light of the reports of the continental assemblies and of all the pre-existing documents, including personal and group contributions which arrived in time, the Commission has prepared an instrument of Chapter discernment on the three themes of the Chapter: Mission, Formation and Government. As the Chapter title itself states (“From the Plan of Comboni to the plan of the Comboni Missionaries: requalification of the mission, formation and government”), this Chapter ought to crown the process begun with the Ratio Missionis to bring about the formulation of operative decisions useful for the plan of the Institute during the coming years. In other words: what must the Institute be and which priorities must it establish in this “Hour of God” in order to be the continuation in history of the charism of St. Daniel Comboni today?
Besides the preparation of the Working Instrument for the Chapter, the Commission worked on the revision of the Chapter By-laws, the preparation of the general programme of the Chapter and the introductory week as well as the format of the various reports to be received and studied by the Chapter and other logistic aspects.
The Commission will meet in Rome on 25 August for the final phases of Chapter preparation.

Comboni Year of Ongoing Formation (CYOF)
The CYOF was held for the thirteenth year at Pretoria Comboni Study Centre from October 2008 to March 2009. The course, which is divided into two parts, was attended by twelve participants during the first part: six from Africa (two from Sudan, one from Ethiopia, one from Congo, one from Uganda and one from Malawi), five from Europe (two from Portugal, two from Italy and one from England) and one from Latin America (Ecuador). The second part (synthesis and Ignatian month-long retreat) was attended by ten participants.
Those presenting conferences, the spiritual directors and psychotherapists were highly qualified. The experience was seen as positive by both participants and organisers and took place, right from the first moments, in an atmosphere which was peaceful, open and fraternal.
The next edition of the Bulletin will carry a more detailed report. The conclusions and suggestions for improving formation and the Comboni Year will be presented to the General Chapter.

General Secretariats
General Secretariat for Finance
Motions of the 2008 General Assembly for Treasurers
The GC, having consulted the provincial superiors, who expressed their views during the continental assemblies, has decided to publish the motions proposed by the treasurers in the MCCJ Bulletin so that they may be available as a point of reference and reflection for all the provinces.

General Directory for Finance (GDF)
After the experience of the past six years, the financial secretariat has studied, proposed and shared, during the general assembly for treasurers, the changes they consider necessary to be made to the GDF. The GC, in the March Consulta, had previously approved the norms already being followed in the Institute, both for the application of the Chapter rules as well as subsequent decisions of the GC. As regards the new section, the provincial superiors were consulted before taking decisions. The new edition of the General Directory for Finance will be printed and distributed in the near future.
We wish to remind provincial superiors and treasurers of the need to apply the norms regarding the accounts of particular projects and of the need for corresponsibility in administering the patrimony of the provinces and of the Institute, as required by the document “Holy and Capable Missionaries” (nos. 23 and 31.5.1 of the Code of Conduct).

Financial and Economic Balance for the year 2008
The GC has approved the financial and economic balance for 2008 and wishes to thank the Treasurer General for the good work he has done during his tenure as the person responsible for the finances of the Institute. Available funds and the superavit were distributed thus: a grant to the province of Central Africa, the re-financing of the Sick Fund, the Projects Fund and the Reserve Fund of the Institute.

World Financial Crisis
The effects of the world financial crisis were felt during 2008 in the Comboni Institute and in the various provinces and areas of the world.
The crisis has once more shown how necessary it is to share information and how useful it is to have a degree of coordination between the major procures, a greater sense of solidarity and greater competence on the part of those in administration and a Reserve Fund in the general finances to protect the entire Institute.

First Professions
Michael Haile Tsegay (ER) Decameré 04.06.2009
Simon Tsegay Tewolde (ER) Decameré 04.06.2009
Albarina Moises Rellon (A) Manila 07.06.2009

Perpetual professions
Ngoma Mwanza Jean Célestin (CN) Bondo (CN) 05.04.2009
Nyebate Paluku Lazare Denis (CN) Isiro (CN) 01.05.2009

Prayer Intentions
July - For the people who are obliged to migrate: that in society and in the heart of each person there may arise feelings of solidarity, respect and acceptance. Let us pray.
August - For our sick and elderly: that they may continue to be and to do mission through their prayers, their witness and their sacrifice. Let us pray.
September - That the General Chapter of the Comboni Missionaries may be a time of hope and grace for the missionary Church and an opportune time to renew our consecration to the Mission that God has entrusted to us. Let us pray.

CURIA

Important announcement
In view of the XVII General Chapter, the superior of the house, Fr. Livio Tagliaferri, wishes it to be known that it will not be possible to offer hospitality either to relatives and friends of the Comboni Missionaries or to confreres passing through during the months of August, September and October.
Anyone who really needs to spend the night at Via Luigi Lilio during this period should first contact Fr. Livio.

ECUADOR

Continental Assembly for America and Asia
From 18 to 25 May, all the provincials and delegates of America and Asia, together with the Chapter Delegates of the continents met at Quito, Ecuador, to prepare for the General Chapter. The meeting was also attended by Fr. Odelir José Magri and Fr. Tesfamariam Ghebrecristos Woldeghebriel of the General Council.
Each day was filled with intense work during which each province and delegation replied to a previously circulated questionnaire. The purpose of the meeting was to get to know one another and to share common points of view on the life and work of our provinces and delegations. The experience proved to be enriching for all concerned.
A large portion of the time was spent in writing the continental report containing our orientation on the themes to be dealt with during the next General Chapter: Ratio Missionis (Spirituality, Identity and Mission), Formation and Government and other points considered important in our context (continental plan, missionary service, CLM, important Comboni projects for Brothers, mission-insertion and African American and Indigenous American pastoral economy...).
Sunday, 24 June, the feast of the Ascension, was a day of rest. We went on an outing to Ibarra, visiting the tomb of Mgr. Leonidas Proaño. A man of humble background, he was bishop of Riobamba for many years and was considered a great prophet and father of the indigenous people. We celebrated Mass at his tomb in thanksgiving to God for the testimony of a man who succeeded in being faithful both to the Gospel and to his people. The experience was providential, being in harmony with the reflections of our assembly. Afterwards we were given the opportunity to come to know better the life and traditions of the people who welcomed us. Despite great problems and difficulties, they live in the hope of a better future. The pilgrimage was concluded with a visit to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Quinche, Patroness of Ecuador and beloved of the people. To her we dedicated our mission service as well as each and every one of those people and situations dearest to us.
All the participants are grateful to the province of Ecuador for the brotherly and considerate welcome afforded them (Fr. Rogelio Bustos Juárez).

Notice: Invitation to Afro-American Pastoral Course
The Quito meeting discussed the possibility of organising a meeting of all those involved in Afro-American pastoral work.
Bro. Alberto Degan, the director of the Centro Afro of Guayaquil, at the CCA community, suggested 22 to 26 February, 2110, as a possible date, to coincide with the inauguration of the cultural centre which will be completed in the coming months.
Bro. Degan, together with his community, will prepare the programme which will be sent to all the provincials who will, in turn, send it to those in charge of Afro-American pastoral work in their provinces and delegations. Those concerned are requested to get in touch with him if there are any difficulties regarding the date (Fr. C. Zendron).

ETHIOPIA

Awasa: consecration of the new bishop
On 31 May in Awasa, the capital of the Vicariate of the same name, the episcopal consecration of Fr. Giovanni Migliorati, a sixty seven-year-old Italian Comboni Missionary, took place. The consecration was eagerly awaited due to the fact that his predecessor, Mgr. Lorenzo Ceresoli, also Italian, had resigned in 2006, having reached the age of seventy five. There was a delay of three years before the new appointment was made, although it came as no surprise. Fr. Migliorati had been assigned to the vicariate in 1969, immediately after his ordination to the priesthood, and worked all his missionary life in the Awasa Vicariate, apart from a period of seven years (1994-2001) when he was appointed to Poland. In the Vicariate his appointments included: director of the catechetical centre, Vicar General, Rector of the major and minor seminaries, coordinator of the Catholic Secretariat (an organisation which includes all diocesan secretariats). Fr. Migliorati is known and appreciated in the Vicariate for his dedication, initiative, energy and knowledge of the local languages.
The consecrating bishop was the Archbishop of Addis Ababa, Mgr. Berhaneyesus Surafiel. The ceremony was attended by all the other bishops of Ethiopia, nine altogether, including the previous bishop Mgr. L. Ceresoli. The Nuncio, abroad at the time, was represented by his secretary Mgr. Matthew of Ghana. The cathedral and the tent-covered area in front of it were filled to overflowing with priests, religious and faithful. Tents had been set up to protect people outside the cathedral from the heat of the sun.
Of special significance was the intervention of a local priest who mentioned the pastoral work of the out-going bishop and also his humble and patient approach to the internal conflicts which afflicted the Vicariate at various times.
Mgr. Migliorati is the third Vicar of Awasa. The Vicariate was started by the Comboni Missionaries in 1965. The first Vicar was Mgr. Armido Gasparini, followed by Mgr. Ceresoli. There are 180,000 Catholics in the Vicariate. As priests and faithful of the local Church gradually increased, the Comboni Missionaries would hand over parishes to the local clergy and other Institutes. Today, we are but a small part of the various apostolic forces present in the Vicariate.
The entire Comboni Institute and the province of Ethiopia wish to thank Mgr. Lorenzo Ceresoli for his fifteen years of selfless missionary service as pastor of the local Church. They also wish to thank him for having decided to continue his qualified service in Ethiopia, his missionary home.

ITALIA

Bro. Vittorio Fanti’s works on display
On Friday, 17 April, at Pressano di Lavis, an anthological display of the paintings of Bro. Vittorio Fanti, better known as ‘the missionary artist’, was inaugurated.
Apart from many local people, various notables of the town council and the parish and several representatives of the Comboni communities of Trent, Verona and Rome also took part in the ceremony. Paintings and drawing by Bro. Fanti were displayed inside and outside the ancient church of Sant’Anna for four days.
The display, funded by the Lavis town council, was organised “to bring Bro. Fanti home”, as the council representative Germana Comunello remarked. The Parish Priest, Fr. Vittorio Zanotelli, described him as “a beautiful figure of a missionary who preached the Gospel through his paintings”. At the end of the ceremony, the mayor, Graziano Pellegrini, said: “We have rediscovered a very special citizen. His paintings express serenity and humour; the scenes, originating in his deep faith, also recall his work as a peasant farmer, an occupation he pursued for a number of years before becoming a Comboni Missionary”.

Immigrants in Italia
The Justice and peace Commission of the Conference of Missionary Institutes in Italy published a letter on 29 May in which they wrote: “It would be a betrayal on our part if we were to pass over in silence what is happening in our country. In previous letters we took the opportunity to condemn the lack of democracy and the mechanisms of exclusion which afflict the poorest strata of our society. Among these, the immigrants, especially those from Africa, demand our attention. We hold that it is a serious crime to deprive of dignity and history, people such as immigrants who embody the hope of a future which is different for all. They will find us always and everywhere on their side to write with them the history of all”.

Fr. Giovanni Marengoni remembered at Trezzano
On Saturday, 30 May 2009, at Trezzano Rosa (MI), a home was inaugurated for the elderly and named after our confrere Fr. Giovanni Marengoni, a native of Trezzano who died on 27 July 2007 at the Fr. Ambrosoli’s in Milan and was buried in Nairobi.
The building is simple and beautiful and was suggested by the present mayor as a recreation centre for the elderly of the town. It consists of a bar, a hall, rooms for various activities and thirteen flatlets for the elderly. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Fr. Marengoni’s sister, a number of nieces and nephews and Fr. Lino Spezia, superior of the Milan community. The mayor and his sister unveiled a plaque to the memory of the illustrious citizen. In his speech, the mayor spoke not only of the merits of the centre for the elderly but also outlined, in simple but profound words, the figure of Fr. Marengoni. The ceremony ended with the blessing of the building by the local parish priest.

KHARTOUM

Initiatives for the Year of the Priest
The celebration of the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is part of the heritage left by St. Daniel Comboni to the members of the Comboni Family but also a heritage that Comboni left to the Church of Sudan, where it has been one of the pillars on which the faith and Christian life of the people were built. The practice of the first Fridays of the month was very popular in the past. It was lost only through the upheavals of the two long civil wars. Many are the Churches dedicated to the Sacred Heart.
This year the celebration coincided with the beginning of the Year of the Priest. The proposal to have this special year came from Pope Benedict XVI who suggested that it should start on the day in which the Church celebrates the solemnity of the Heart of Jesus. The Year of the Priest marks the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Mary Vianney.
The archbishop of Khartoum, Cardinal Gabriel Zubeir Wako, took the event to heart and thought of some initiatives to make the Year of the Priest a pastoral event, bearing fruit not only for the priests, but for the whole Christian community.
The first step was to make use of the traditional annual study week of the diocesan clergy. For a whole week, about 40 priests of the archdiocese of Khartoum have been praying, reflecting and debating on the root causes of a crisis priestly life is undergoing, trying at the same time to find ways to come out of the crisis with renewed vigour.
After the study week, the priests had two more days together. On Thursday, vigil of the feast of the Sacred Heart, all the priests, both diocesan and religious, came together and spent the whole morning planning for the year. Following the methodology of discernment, they tried to find out what could be done at personal, parish and diocesan level in order to let this year bear its expected fruits, both for the priests and for the Christian community. On Friday, the solemnity of the Sacred Heart, the priests had a day of recollection and concluded with the Eucharist celebrated in the open, with the participation of the Christian community. About sixty priests attended, that is the great majority of the priests of the archdiocese.
Two words were greatly stressed by the Cardinal: appreciation and identity, both to be put into practice through one’s holiness of life.

MEXICO

Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
On 19 June, the Comboni Family in Mexico experienced a moment of great fraternity between the various communities of the province. We were brought together by the solemnity of the Sacred heart of Jesus to remind ourselves that Comboni consecrated each of us, his missionaries, to that Heart overflowing with such love and tenderness as to allow itself to be pierced in order to nourish our missionary vocations with that love.
The meeting, attended by the communities of Mexico City, the confreres of Cuernavaca and the Comboni Sisters, began at 10am. The Mother Provincial presented a reflection and invited us to pray with this question: what are the attitudes and feelings of the Good Shepherd which challenge us and, at the same time, fill with meaning our vocation as men and women consecrated to the mission according to the Comboni spirituality?
After a period of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, we celebrated Mass led by the provincial. During the Mass the scholastic Francisco Galicia Sandoval made his perpetual profession; we also remembered to pray for another scholastic Mario Alberto Pacheco Zamora who, at that moment, was also making his perpetual profession in Cincinnati. All the Comboni Missionaries renewed their missionary consecration. We concluded with a fraternal meal served in the refectory while we conversed with each other of our missionary experiences.

50 years of consecrated life
Fifty years ago (on 5 June, 1959) a small group of young men consecrated themselves to the mission in the parish church of Tepepan. Our first novitiate in Mexico was housed at that time, in the adjacent convent. Among them was Bro. Salvador Orozco Madrigal. From that moment, Bro. Chava, as he is better known, served the Lord as a Comboni Missionary. For some years he worked in Ecuador but most of the time in Mexico.
On this occasion, Bro. Chava stood before the altar to celebrate fifty years of missionary consecration and to renew before those present his commitment to live ad vitam the marvellous gift of the vocation he received. In the chapel of the Oasis community of St. Daniel Comboni, the provincial superior presided at the Eucharist during which he underlined the fidelity with which Bro. Chava lived his mission. The latter, before renewing his consecration, read an account of his life, a true hymn of praise to God for the love with which he filled his life. Congratulations, dear Bro. Chava!

NAP

Two scholastics take their final steps toward priesthood
Two Comboni scholastics, who made their perpetual vows in June, will be ordained to the diaconate in July and priests later this year.
Mario Alberto Pacheco Zamora: Mario grew up in southwest México. He left his parents and two sisters in 1998 to begin life with the Comboni Missionaries. “I got hooked on the Comboni motto ‘The World is our parish’. It said to me: You can go anywhere in the world as a Comboni missionary!” Mario came to Cincinnati in 2008 for his year of missionary service where he has collaborated with Fr. Bill Jansen and Fr. Jorge Ochoa at St. Charles Borromeo Church in the Office of Hispanic Ministry. He has been in charge of the RCIA program and the religious, liturgical and biblical formation of Hispanic ministry leaders.
Juan Diego Calderón Vargas: Juan Diego comes from Costa Rica and is the 9th of 11 children. He grew up steeped in the Catholic faith, and was drawn to the Comboni missionaries because “they were always available and full of passion for ministry in my parish.” He joined the Comboni Missionaries in 1994 and was impressed with his “first taste of the richness of internationality and culture of the Institute.” When Juan Diego finished his studies at CTU in Chicago, he went to Los Angeles where he’s been working in Saint Cecilia’s parish as part of his pre-ordination mission experience. Juan Diego had the opportunity to interact with people of all ages: adult liturgical ministers, youth, and children who want to be acolyte.

Mission appeals season in the NAP
The 2009 Mission Appeals season has already started in the NAP. This summer we will be visiting 97 parishes nationwide to meet with pastors and parishioners to talk with them about the mission.
The local church in the USA is eager to listen, from missionaries who live the mission first hand, their stories and the story of the people they are serving or have been serving as missionaries stationed overseas or in South America. It is a privilege to be part of this nationwide program of mission promotion. The NAP is involved in the program and, as usual, has asked for the solidarity of the other Comboni Missionaries provinces to come and share with us this privilege.
This year we are receiving the help of six confreres coming from three provinces: Fr. Abraham Hailu and Fr. Dawit Wubishet Teklewold from Ethiopia, Fr. Kennedy John Onoba and Fr. Raphael Wochorach P’Mony from Kenya; Fr. Mario Martin Muñoz Alvarez and Fr. Rodolfo Hilaje Coaquira from Peru.

SOUTH SUDAN

Catholic Radio Network growing
The Sudan Catholic Radio Network (SCRN) keeps growing slowly but steadily with three stations already on air and another three to join soon.
Emmanuel Radio, of Torit diocese, started its testing transmissions on June 19, joining Voice of Peace, in Gidele, Nuba Mountains, and Bakhita FM in Juba.
Voice of Peace Radio went on air in May, and is an environment friendly station using only solar and wind energy.
Bakhita FM, also known as The Voice of the Church, which started broadcasting in Juba since Christmas Eve 2006, transmits regularly since 8 February 2007 and, on 8 June 2009, had already passed the 10 thousand-hour broadcasting milestone. This is a real feat taking into account the difficult conditions in which it operates: the station is made up of two containers, united by two walls, its staff was entirely trained by the Comboni team, and the technical conditions – power supply, heat, dust and humidity – are very daunting challenges.
Meanwhile, Voice of Love Radio, in Malakal, Good News Radio, in Rumbek, and Resurrection Radio, in Yei, should all be on air during July.
Wau, Torit and Tonj FM stations – the latter in Rumbek diocese: it is an initiative of the Salesians who decided to join the SCRN – will complete the network.
SCRN has also in place a news desk that prepares two daily news bulletins and shared programs for the network and a training centre to coach the staff that runs the nine stations.
SCRN has been an initiative the Comboni Family undertook to mark St. Daniel Comboni’s canonization. It belongs to the Sudan Catholic Bishops Conference and each station to its respective diocese. There are four Comboni Sisters – the SCRN coordinator and three station directresses – together with two Comboni Missionaries – the financial coordinator and the news editor – working full time on the project.

IN PACE CHRISTI

Fr. Giuseppe-Zeno Picotti (27.08.1926 - 21.05.2009)

Let us Pray for our Beloved Dead
THE FATHERS: Francis Mulindwa, of Fr. Achilles K. Kiwanuka (EG); Justino José, of Fr. Herivelto de Sousa Marques (MO); Stanisław, of the Sc. Mariusz Szybka (PO).
THE MOTHERS: Dolores, of Fr. Julio Ocaña Iglesias (ET); Nazira Aziz Kalil, of Fr. Sobhy Basily Attalla (EG); Pierina, of Fr. Ezio Bettini (I).
THE BROTHERS: Franco, of Fr. Alfonso Rossi (I); Pasquale, of Fr. Agostino B. Galli (I).
THE SISTER: Maria, di Fr. Giacomo Francesco De Bertolis (KH).
THE COMBONI MISSIONARY SISER: Sr. Lucia Paganoni.


PRAYER
IN PREPARATION FOR THE GENERAL CHAPTER

Father, we praise and we bless You
for choosing Daniel Comboni
to be the apostle and witness of your love
for the peoples of Africa.
Bless our desire to carry forward
the mission you first entrusted to him.
Guide our steps,
as we follow our Founder
in sharing the love with which
you call us to be Comboni Missionaries.
Send Your Spirit upon us,
to make us capable of taking on
the new challenges of mission
with courage and creativity, so that
your Kingdom may come in the world today.
We ask this through Christ Jesus,
the Good Shepherd. Amen.