Spain: Comboni Missionaries’ Provincial Assembly

The news forced Provincial Superior, Miguel Ángel Llamazares, and some members of the Assembly to return to Madrid to attend his funeral. Despite the sorrow, the rest of the participants continued with the scheduled program.

The first day was dedicated to Ongoing Formation under the theme “Mission in Spain Today”. Jesuit Pablo Guerrero Rodríguez helped us reflect on an idea that is gradually gaining ground in missionary circles: “Spain is also mission territory”, he recalled.

The second day addressed one of the topics of greatest interest in the Congregation: the reunification of the Circumscriptions. Pietro Ciuciulla, superior of the Comboni Province of Italy, presented the vision driving this process. The working groups gave voice to the fears and doubts generated by this reconfiguration process, which will culminate at the next General Chapter in 2028.

Before the final stretch, the Assembly took a break to explore the hosting region. The participants visited Paredes de Nava, where they toured the Church of Santa Eulalia, and Becerril de Campos, with a visit to the San Pedro Cultural Museum.

The final day was dedicated to reports. The Provincial, Miguel Ángel Llamazares, presented his report, followed by those from the Secretariats for Mission, Formation, and Economy.

The Assembly concluded with a celebration of thanksgiving for the priestly silver jubilees of two missionaries, Enrique Bayo and Rafael Armada.

The next Provincial Assembly of Spain will take place in late June 2027.

Text and photographs: Boniface Gbama, mccj