Comboni missionary animation centre celebrates 50 years

The CAM was inaugurated on September 21, 1976, during a simple ceremony presided over by the then Superior General of the Combonians, Father Tarcisio Agostoni. Also present were the Italian Ambassador to Mexico, Raffaele Marras, numerous priests, Comboni Ladies, benefactors and friends of the Comboni Missionaries.

The building suffered severe damage as a result of the devastating 1985 earthquake, and its structure had to be reinforced. Today, it continues to operate as the Comboni Missionaries’ main centre for Missionary Animation in Mexico.

Over the years, numerous priests and brothers have served there, ensuring the work of editing the magazines, administration and contact with benefactors. Many employees, too, have helped to keep the flame of Mission alive.

Numerous missionary animation and formation events have also been held at the centre.

The CAM community and its current employees celebrated the anniversary with a Mass of thanksgiving to God for this half-century of uninterrupted service to the missionary cause.

The Mass was presided over by Father Rafael González Ponce, who witnessed the centre’s early years and experienced first-hand the terrible days of the September 1985 earthquake.

During the Mass, Father Rafael gave an emotional account of the centre’s beginnings and its first years of operation, explaining the social, ecclesial and Comboni context of that period. After the Mass, the Combonis and employees working at the CAM shared a fraternal meal.

All of us currently working at this centre give thanks to God for these 50 years and renew our commitment to continue giving the very best of ourselves, so that Esquila Misional and Aguiluchos may continue to reach every home in Mexico.

Father Ismael Piñón, mccj