The Comboni Novitiate Reopens in Mozambique

Providentially, the reopening – an event of considerable importance both for the Province and for the Institute – coincides with the celebrations marking 80 years of Comboni presence in Mozambique. We wish to see in it a true sign of spiritual springtime and a proof that Comboni’s charism continues to be alive and fruitful.

The ceremony was presided over by Fr José Joaquim Luís Pedro, Provincial Superior. Also present were the new Novice Master, Fr Francisco José de Sousa Machado, Br Agostinho Jamal, and several confrères working in the Nampula area.

After welcoming everyone, Fr Joaquim addressed the new candidates, reminding them of the expectations of this period of formation and the commitments each of them must undertake in following Christ, “the missionary of the Father”. After asking each of the 14 candidates to express his willingness to begin this new journey, he concluded with the prayer of admission to the novitiate.

Drawing on the biblical passage chosen for the occasion, Fr Joaquim explained that the novitiate is a time of inner transformation and encounter with Christ, outlining six fundamental attitudes necessary to live this journey fruitfully:

• An active listening to learn to discern the voice of God in silence and prayer;
• a radical openness to allow oneself to be guided unconditionally by the Spirit;
• a prophetic fellowship capable of transforming this time into a testing ground for community life and authentic witness, in a world marked by so many divisions;
• courageous discernment, so as always to seek God’s will with sincerity and freedom;;
• resilient perseverance, so that the mystery of the Cross and the faithfulness of Christ may be revealed;
• a missionary joy that makes visible the signs of God’s presence, whose power attracts and convinces.

He also highlighted the happy coincidence of the reopening of the novitiate with the celebrations of 80 years of Comboni presence in Mozambique, during which many confrères have given heroic witness through fidelity, sacrifice, and generous service to the poorest and most abandoned in the country. He added: “You, the new novices, are not starting from scratch, but are entering into a history that has known times of peace and joy, as well as moments of war and suffering. Be aware that you are heirs to a Comboni missionary tradition that calls for both continuity and renewal.”

The celebration concluded with the rite of the presentation to each novice of the Rule of Life and the Writings of St Daniel Comboni – two documents which, together with the Word of God, constitute the sources and foundations of their formation. These will be read, explained, and deepened throughout the novitiate, so that the young men may understand Comboni’s spirit and charism in the light of the Gospel and interiorise the Institute’s style of life and mission in the service of the Church, especially of the poorest and most abandoned.

Expressions of gratitude were also offered, particularly to the General Council and to the Superiors of the circumscriptions of Anglophone Africa (APDESAM) for their trust and support, which made it possible to reopen the novitiate in Nampula.