Senior Comboni Course 2025 in Rome

Now in its fifth edition, the course is designed for confrères aged 70 and above. This year, it brings together 12 missionaries from Spain, Portugal, South Africa, Germany, Peru, and Italy. Some of us already know one another; for others, the course is a chance to meet, get to know each other better, and strengthen bonds of fraternity. Having begun on 7^th October, the course will run until 7^th December.

The reasons for participating are as varied as the participants themselves. Yet, as became clear from the very first day of sharing, they can be summed up in a shared desire: to enjoy a period of rest, both physical and mental, to step away from daily routines, and to devote more time to prayer, reflection, and study.

The course aims, as outlined in the brochure prepared by the coordinators, Fr Alberto Silva and Fr Sylvester Hategk’Imana, are to help each participant live the later stage of life with serenity and fruitfulness; to grow in their relationship with the Lord; to cultivate an inner freedom that loosens attachment to roles, power, and busyness; and to deepen their personal connection with St Daniel Comboni, our founder.

To achieve these goals, the course offers a variety of means: dedicating more time to personal prayer, engaging more fully in community liturgy, exploring themes connected to the physical, psychological, spiritual, and missionary dimensions of ageing, taking part in a six-day spiritual retreat, and undertaking a pilgrimage to Limone sul Garda and Verona.

In his opening address, Fr Giulio Albanese helped us place this experience within the wider context of lifelong formation. He provided a clear-eyed interpretation of the complex global situation, touching on political, economic, and financial realities, and drew our attention to the ecclesial context in Rome, with its many challenges, noting that only 6-7% of Catholics in the diocese are active practitioners.

The first three days of the second week were led by Fr David Glenday, who invited us to rediscover the gift of our founder, St Daniel Comboni. With both simplicity and depth, he posed fundamental questions designed to help us experience a more personal encounter with him. Each day, Fr Glenday’s reflections were followed by moments of sharing, in which participants recounted how Comboni’s example and message have shaped, and continue to inspire, their missionary journeys.

In the weeks ahead, particularly during the spiritual retreat days, we will return to this theme, continuing to grow in our relationship with St Daniel Comboni.

Father Efrem Tresoldi, mccj