Ethiopia: Comboni family gathers for annual retreat

This moment of spiritual renewal, this year organized by the Comboni Missionary Sisters, was held from July 24 to 31 July, 2026. It was directed by Father Raymond Manyanga, a Jesuit from Tanzania. The retreat was attended by 12 Comboni Missionary Sisters, 11 Comboni Missionaries and six Handmaids of the Church, a local congregation started by Comboni bishop Armido Gasparini in the Vicariate of Hawassa.

The retreat explored the theme “Creative fidelity”. Father Raymond invited the participants to rekindle the charism of their founder Saint Daniel Comboni. Although a Jesuit, he mentioned some characteristics of the Comboni family as community life and a particularity for difficult mission.

He invited us, at the outset, to set a goal for this precious moment with the Lord: “What do you want me to do for you?” from the Gospel of Mark 10:51. It was from this question that he led the retreatants through different reflections on prayer life which helps us to be aware of our identity, to recognize our gifts, and the importance of praying as community.

The preacher reminded the participants of their unity in diversity, religious vows, the value of praying for the specific pastoral service given to each one by the Institute. The last talk was about apostle Peter’s character in the gospels.

The retreat happened in a very good atmosphere that helped all the participants to pray and come back to God. This moment was also special in the sense that during the retreat we celebrated the memory of blessed Joseph Ambrosoli, Comboni Missionary, and, on the last day, Saint Ignatius of Loyola.

We thank God for such precious time as the preacher recall us at the end to go in the perspective of creative fidelity.

Fr. Hippolyte Apedovi, MCCJ