Brazil: Comboni Missionaries on a vocation mission

The Comboni delegation consisted of Fathers Raimundo Rocha, Provincial Superior, and Simon Tap, who recently arrived from South Sudan, together with three scholastics involved in missionary and vocation animation: Michel Nzaba, from the DR Congo, Raphaël Amavi, from Togo, and Chrisphino Getan, from South Sudan.

“Baptism: the foundation of vocations”

The gathering had as its theme “Baptism: the foundation of vocations”, accompanied by the biblical subtitle: “Lord, what do you want me to do?” (Acts 9:6).

The initiative took place in the context of August, traditionally dedicated in Brazil to reflection and prayer for the different vocations.

More than 25 religious congregations and pastoral groups took part in the event, which became a space for encounter, ecclesial communion and vocation awareness.

The Comboni Missionaries are present in São Paulo through two communities: the Our Lady of Guadalupe Scholasticate and the Provincial House.

Participation in the exhibition helped to strengthen and make the Comboni presence in the local Church more visible, while also fostering closer collaboration with other religious institutes and pastoral organisations involved in evangelisation.

A mission of sowing

The Comboni presence aimed to raise awareness among and encourage young people, benefactors and the entire People of God to cultivate an authentic missionary spirit.

Faithful to the charism of St Daniel Comboni, the participants wished to recall that mission is the responsibility of the whole Church. Each person, according to his or her vocation and possibilities, is called to take part in the work of evangelisation begun by Christ and continued in the Church.

“For me, this experience was particularly enriching,” says scholastic Michel Nzaba.

Taking part in the exhibition allowed him to experience missionary animation concretely “as a work of sowing, carried out with trust and hope in the hearts of the people we met.”

The event was also an opportunity to introduce St Daniel Comboni, his spirituality and his charism to people who were not yet familiar with them.

Towards 75 years of Comboni presence in Brazil

The participation in the exhibition took on a particular significance as preparations are underway to celebrate 75 years of Comboni presence in Brazil.

The anniversary will be an opportunity to give thanks to God for the journey travelled and, at the same time, to renew the missionary commitment and availability to serve the Gospel, especially among peoples and in situations that most need a missionary presence.

The experience in São Paulo strengthened the conviction that missionary and vocation animation remains essential, particularly in awakening in young people the desire to dedicate their lives to the service of God, the Church and the mission.

Sch. Michel Nzaba, mccj