Familia Comboniana 855 - October 2026

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

Perpetual professions

Ordinations

Confrères who have definitively left the Institute – 2026

This table lists the names of professed confrères who have definitively left the Institute from the beginning of 2026 to the present. From now on, every issue of Familia Comboniana will report any definitive separations from the Institute. 

Holy Redeemer Guild

October 01 – 07 RCA 08 – 15 TCH 16 – 31 RSA

November 01 – 15 SS 16 – 30 T

Prayer intentions

October

We pray that all members of the Comboni Family, sustained by the Holy Spirit and inspired by Saint Daniel Comboni, may proclaim the Gospel with joy and be signs of light, hope, and tenderness among the peoples to whom they are sent. Lord, hear us.

November

As we celebrate this month the 10th World Day of the Poor, we pray that those with responsibilities in nations may restore justice to the poor and help them rediscover dignity and hope. Lord, hear us.

Comboni liturgical calendar

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

Significant anniversaries

OCTOBER

NOVEMBRE

Publications

Tonino Falaguasta Nyabenda, Bibbia: una parola per noi. Breve introduzione alla Bibbia, Missionari Comboniani, Verona, luglio 2026, 4a edizione, pp. 80 – This booklet is a useful tool for getting to know Sacred Scripture. “Every Christian,” writes Father Salvatore Marrone—Superior of the Motherhouse in Verona—in the preface, “must be initiated into reading and meditating on the Bible. It is only in this ‘Library’ that we can encounter Christ and discover the path to salvation and happiness.”

Tonino Falaguasta Nyabenda, Missionari Comboniani Veronesi / 2, Verona, marzo 2026, pp. 112. In this booklet, Father Tonino presents a list of the 37 Comboni missionaries from Verona who were still alive on 1st January 2026 (including their birthplaces and current residence, as well as the countries where they are still engaged in mission work), along with very brief obituaries for 161 deceased Comboni missionaries from Verona. Why remember them? “Because they were outstanding for who they were and for what they accomplished in their missionary lives, embodying the charism of our Holy Founder.”

CURIA

16 Comboni bishops in Rome for their biennial meeting

On 16th September, sixteen of the 23 Comboni bishops serving in Africa and Latin America gathered in Rome at the General House for a week of formation, prayer, and sharing. Present were Bishops Juan José Aguirre Muñoz, António Manuel Bogaio Constantino, Christian Carlassare, Victor-Hugo Castillo Matarrita, Dominic Eibu, Giuseppe Filippi, Giuseppe Franzelli, Damiano Giulio Guzzetti, Claudio Lurati, Matthew Remijio Adam Gbitiku, Menghesteab Tesfamariam, Léonard Ndjadi Ndjate, Odelir José Magri, Guerrino Perin, Jesús Ruiz Molina, and Raphael P’Mony Wokorach.

Bishop Claudio Lurati, Apostolic Vicar of Alexandria of Egypt and coordinator of the Union of Comboni Bishops, explained that the meeting would “consist of a week dedicated to sharing experiences regarding episcopal ministry, but it will also be an opportunity to catch up on the journey of the Comboni Institutes and the Church.”

Father Elias Sindjalim Essognimam, Assistant General, welcomed the participants on behalf of the General Council. “Your presence among us is a cause for great gratitude,” he emphasised, “and it reminds us that, beyond the specific service the Church has entrusted to you, your bond with the Institute and the communion we share remain alive and profound. Indeed, you are one of the faces of our shared Comboni charism.” This was followed by a reflection on the mission and ministry of Comboni bishops – guided by Father David Glenday – in light of the encyclicals Dilexit nos and Dilexi te. At 12:00 PM, the Eucharist was celebrated, presided over by Msgr. Menghesteab Tesfamariam, Archbishop of Asmara (Eritrea), who was marking the 25th anniversary of his episcopal ordination that very day.

Throughout the week, the bishops met with representatives of the Comboni Institutes, engaged in moments of episcopal and Comboni spirituality, and had opportunities to delve into topics related to their ministry.

Two main contributions were offered by external experts. On the morning of 17th September, Msgr. Krzysztof Józef Nykiel, of the Apostolic Penitentiary, presented the role of bishops in relation to priests – with particular reference to the sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation – and discussed various pastoral, spiritual, and canonical aspects.

On the morning of September 18, Father Giuseppe Crea addressed the issue of stress and burnout in episcopal service, emphasising the importance of active listening in dialogue with priests and of “self-care” as essential dimensions of healthy leadership.

The program also included visits and moments of pilgrimage. The bishops visited the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, where they met with the Community of Sant’Egidio, and undertook a pilgrimage to Franciscan sites in the Rieti Valley, visiting the friaries of Greccio and Fonte Colombo as well as the Sanctuary of La Foresta. The program concluded with a visit to the Rieti Cathedral and a meeting with the local bishop.

At the end of the gathering, before returning to their respective sees (starting Tuesday, 22nd September), the bishops reconfirmed Msgr. Claudio Lurati as coordinator of the Union of Comboni Bishops.

BRAZIL

Provincial Assembly and Inauguration of the Jubilee Year

Around fifty missionaries gathered from 6th to 11th September, at the provincial headquarters in São Paulo for an extraordinary provincial assembly. The gathering had two main objectives: to reflect on the Comboni mission in the current context and on the reconfiguration and merging of Comboni circumscriptions; and to officially inaugurate the Comboni Jubilee Year, marking two milestones: 75 years of Comboni presence in Brazil and the 160th anniversary of the Institute’s founding.

Attendees included nearly all members from the 14 communities of the Brazil province, the Superior General (Father Luigi Codianni), the Vicar General (Father David Domingues), and the major superiors from the Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia circumscriptions.

► ‘Going beyond’ in mission – Provincial Superior Father Raimundo Rocha opened the proceedings by outlining the assembly’s goals, emphasising the importance of commemorating the Comboni presence in Brazil while simultaneously looking toward the future through the lens of present-day challenges. “We wish to reflect on our missionary presence and mission today, with the aim of making our presence and missionary action more meaningful and consistent with the Rule of Life, ensuring higher-quality missionary service, and deepening our reflection on the process of unifying the circumscriptions.”

Over the course of the four days, participants reflected on the theme “The Comboni mission today and the call to go beyond,” drawing inspiration from Jesus’s invitation: “Put out into the deep” (Luke 5:4). The program alternated between moments of prayer, sharing, reflection, and discussion, aiming to foster a shared understanding of the challenges facing the Comboni mission and the new demands placed upon communities and missionaries.

One of the assembly’s central themes was the process of unifying the Brazil Province with the circumscriptions of Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia.

►75 Years of Presence – On 9th September – the liturgical memorial of Saint Peter Claver, the Institute’s patron – the assembly also inaugurated the Comboni Jubilee Year. This was marked by a Eucharistic celebration at the Santa Cruz da Reconciliação Shrine in the Caxingui neighborhood of São Paulo. Presided over by Father Raimundo, the Mass was attended by members of the Shrine community, Comboni Missionary Sisters, scholastics, and representatives from the São Sebastião parish in Sapopemba. The Jubilee Year will run from 10th October 2026 to 10th October 2027 — a twelve-month period celebrating 75 years of Comboni presence in Brazil (which began in 1952 with the arrival of the first group of Comboni missionaries in Vitória) and the 160th anniversary of the founding of the Comboni Missionaries Institute in Verona by Daniele Comboni on June 1, 1867. (Father Raimundo Rocha, MCCJ)

Towards the New South American Province

The project to unify the Comboni circumscriptions of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru is taking shape. From 16th to 19th September, the commission tasked with guiding this process met at the provincial headquarters in São Paulo.

The commission includes Fathers Raimundo Rocha and Mossi Kuami (Brazil); Father Jorge Benavides and Brother Abel Godfrey (Colombia); Fathers Nelson Mitchell and Edison Lopez (Peru); and Fathers Juan Rodríguez and Alcides Costa (Ecuador). The meeting was also attended by the Superior General, Father Luigi Codianni, and the Vicar General, Father David Domingues, who were visiting the Brazil Province.

This meeting is part of the process of reflection and discernment initiated by the Institute regarding the reconfiguration of the Comboni presence in South America. After gathering input and proposals from the various local contexts, the commission drafted an initial version of the future Provincial Directory. This document, to be presented to the General Council in January 2027, aims to outline the character of the new Province, highlighting its missionary identity and the significance of the Comboni presence on the continent. Key elements under consideration include missionary priorities, areas of activity, services, and other fundamental aspects of the future provincial organisation.

The commission’s work thus represents another step forward in the journey toward a new configuration of the Comboni presence in South America—the result of dialogue and contributions from the various circumscriptions. (Father Raimundo Rocha, MCCJ)

Father Alfonso Cigarini – A Centenarian with 70 Years of Religious Life

On 9th September, Father Alfonso celebrated the 70th anniversary of his perpetual vows. He is actually 100 years old, having been born on 7th January 1926. He was ordained a priest on 15th June 1957.

Immediately after his ordination, Father Alfonso worked in Mozambique from 1957 to 1962. From 1963 to 1976, he lived in Portugal. After spending two years in Italy, he was assigned to Brazil in 1978; he still lives there today as a resident of ‘Casa Comboni’ – a home for elderly and infirm missionaries – in São José do Rio Preto, in the Diocese of São José do Rio Preto, southeastern Brazil.

On the occasion of his 100th birthday, he said: “What motivates me is the presence of Jesus, who invites us to hope for a new heaven and a new earth. What I leave to the many people I have met and loved is an invitation to live a fulfilling life, striving to set a good example, loving one’s neighbor, and maintaining hope for a better future.” Hats off to you, Father Alfonso! (Father Raimundo Rocha, MCCJ)

ERITREA

Visit of Father Austine Radol Odjambo The Comboni missionaries in Eritrea are deeply grateful to the General Council for sending Father Austine, Assistant General, for an official visit. His visit, which took place from 3rd to 10th September, was a source of great joy and strong encouragement for all of us serving in the country’s four communities.

Visits to Eritrea by members of the General Council are rare, primarily due to the difficulty of obtaining entry visas from the government. Thanks to his previous experience living in Eritrea for several years and his status as a Kenyan citizen, Father Austine was able to secure a three-month residence permit.

During his stay, Father Austine led a brief meeting with the confrères and had the opportunity to meet each of them personally; he managed to visit three of the four communities: the provincial headquarters and the postulancy (Asmara), the minor seminary (Decamere), and the scholasticate (Asmara). Members of the community that was not visited – those serving in the parishes of Delle and Hykota – traveled to Asmara to meet him. The confrères were particularly impressed that, despite having left Eritrea many years ago, he had not forgotten a word of Tigrinya.

Father Austine also met with the Archbishop of Asmara, Msgr. Mengh-esteab Tesfamariam, who invited him to dinner. Additionally, he celebrated the Eucharist at the Comboni Sisters’ provincial house and visited other elderly sisters.

We hope that he will now share with the General Council what he saw and experienced during his visit, and that he will remind the entire Institute of our profound sense of isolation, asking all our confrères to pray for us.  (Father Gaim Haileselassie, MCCJ)

ESPAÑA

Two sons of Africa rekindle hopes for vocations in the province

On 5th September, in the chapel of the Comboni provincial headquarters in Madrid, Nteyamba Ilundu Étienne (from the Congo) and Saúl Arnaldo Bazo (from Mozambique) made their perpetual vows in the presence of Father Miguel Ángel Llamazares, the provincial superior, who was representing the Superior General, Father Luigi Fernando Codianni.

A week later, on 12th September, the two newly professed men were ordained deacons at the Comboni parish of Virgen de las Mercedes in Granada. The celebration brought together the ordinands’ families and friends, parishioners, members of the Comboni Family, and professors and students from Loyola University in Granada.

The solemn Eucharist was presided over by the Archbishop of Granada, Msgr. José María Gil Tamayo; it was concelebrated by about twenty priests and assisted by a deacon. Comboni scholastics animated the liturgy.

Representing the families of the two ordinands were Saúl’s father, Ribeiro José Bazo, and his godmother, Lucrecia Venancio Mateus – who had traveled from Mozambique – as well as Étienne’s uncle and cousin, Hubert Lwaramanga and Benjamín Kwepanga, arriving from Belgium and Italy, respectively.

In his homily, Msgr. José María expressed his gratitude for the presence and work of the Comboni missionaries in Spain, who are particularly known for their commitment to missionary animation, including through the magazine Mundo Negro. Addressing the two ordinands, he reminded them that the path they were embarking upon “is not a career, but a service” – as the very word ‘deacon’ (meaning ‘servant’) implies. He then urged them to be “servants of the Word.” During the ordination rite, the archbishop handed the Gospel to each of them, pronouncing the words prescribed by the ritual: “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become: believe always what you proclaim, teach what you have learned in faith, and live what you teach.”

At the end of the celebration, Father Miguel Ángel—after thanking Msgr. José María and all those present—spoke about the history of the formation community in Granada, which has been recognised as an international scholasticate since 2023.

This marks a significant milestone for the Comboni Province of Spain. Perpetual professions and diaconal ordinations had been absent from its calendar of celebrations for many years: one has to go back 15 years to find the previous perpetual profession, and more than 20 years for the previous diaconal ordination.

It is no minor detail that the ones reopening this chapter of Comboni history in Spain are two young African missionaries. Étienne and Saúl arrived in Spain in 2021 and, after a year dedicated to learning Spanish, began their theology studies at Loyola University in Granada. Upon completing their studies, they chose to remain in Spain for their first missionary assignment: Étienne in Barcelona and Saúl in Madrid. Their presence—however brief—also reflects the increasingly international face of the Comboni mission. (Father Boniface Gbama, MCCJ)

ETHIOPIA

Mons. Tesfaye installed as Archbishop of Addis Abeba

On Sunday, 6th September 2026, Monsignor Tesfaye Tadesse Gebresilasie – appointed Archbishop of Addis Ababa on June 12 – was installed as the new head of the Catholic Archdiocese of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during a moving liturgical celebration lasting over four hours.

The event marked a historic moment for the Catholic Church in Ethiopia and for the Archdiocese of Addis Ababa. After nearly 27 years of pastoral leadership, Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel handed over the pastoral ministry of the archdiocese to the new Archbishop, Tesfaye. Present at the Eucharistic celebration of installation were Archbishop Brian Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio to Ethiopia and Djibouti; numerous Ethiopian bishops, priests, and religious men and women serving in Addis Ababa and other parts of the country; as well as members of the Comboni family, including Brother Alberto Lamana, Assistant General. Also in attendance were the head of the Orthodox Church in Addis Ababa, a representative of L’Œuvre d’Orient, and benefactors, family members, and friends of Monsignor Tesfaye. The theme of the handover of pastoral ministry was: “Looking back with gratitude, walking forward with hope.”

►Solemn celebration in the Ethiopian Catholic rite – The first part of the Eucharist, celebrated according to the Ethiopian Catholic rite, was presided over by Cardinal Berhaneyesus up to the proclamation of the Gospel. The homily was delivered by the Apostolic Nuncio, who began by saying: “I have few words of advice for the new archbishop, given his already significant episcopal experience” (Msgr. Tesfaye has been a bishop since February 2025 – ed.). However, he urged him to keep his gaze fixed on Jesus Christ – the Good Shepherd and model for all shepherds – reminding him that Jesus did not come to liberate His people through the force of arms, as many Israelites had expected, but through love and, ultimately, through the Cross, thereby setting an example of how to lead and serve the people.

Msgr. Udaigwe continued: “A shepherd is called to walk ahead of the flock to show the way, in the midst of the flock to keep it united, and behind the flock so that no one is left out... Duc in altum (‘put out into the deep’) without fear.”

After exhorting the faithful and the clergy to cooperate closely with their new archbishop, the Nuncio thanked the Comboni family for gifting one of its members to the Church for such a noble and important service. Following the homily, the liturgy was presided over by the new archbishop.

►A call to renewal and hope – In its official message of gratitude and welcome, the Curia of the Archdiocese of Addis Ababa invited the faithful to view the installation not merely as a ceremony, but as an opportunity for spiritual renewal: “May this installation and the transition of pastoral ministry truly be a renewal of our baptismal commitment—a moment for every Catholic to ask themselves: ‘What is Christ asking of me today? Where is He sending me? Whom am I called to serve?’ [...] May the Catholic Church in Ethiopia continue its service with confidence: grateful for the past, attentive to the present, and courageous in facing the future.”

The celebration was followed by a fraternal lunch, which concluded with entertainment and cultural performances by various religious groups and other participants. Gifts were also presented to the new archbishop as a sign of welcome and support for his new pastoral mission. (Father Hippolyte Awoumessi Apedovi, MCCJ)

Perpetual vows and diaconate

Scholastics Asmare Gawo Gebre and Biruk Girma Ababa Haileyesus professed their perpetual vows on 18th September, in the hands of Father Asfaha Yohannes, Provincial Superior, acting on behalf of the Superior General. The celebration, held at the Qillenso mission in the Diocese of Hawassa (southern Ethiopia), was attended by several Comboni missionaries, two religious sisters (one of whom is Asmare’s sister), and a group of the faithful.

On Sunday, 20th September, at the Church of Saint Daniel Comboni in Adola, Asmare and Biruk were ordained deacons by Msgr. Merhakristos Gobezayehu Getachew Yilma, Apostolic Vicar of Hawassa. In his homily, the bishop reminded the candidates that they had been chosen for this ministry not because they were the best, but because “they were called by God’s mercy for His service.”

At the end of the ceremony, Father Asfaha congratulated the newly ordained deacons and the large assembly gathered for the important occasion. He told the two deacons: “You have reached this milestone thanks to God’s grace. I encourage you to continue bearing witness to the Gospel through your lives and your new ministry.” The celebration concluded with a shared meal at the “Saint Daniel Comboni” Public Library.

Asmare will continue his ministry in Haro Wato, while Biruk will remain in Qillenso. (Father Habtamu Masresha, MCCJ)

ITALIA

Father Marco Innocenti – 25 years of priesthood among the Gumuz

On 19th September, the Montebonello community gathered in the parish church alongside about twenty local priests and several Comboni missionaries from Florence and other communities across Italy. Priests from Ethiopia and other parts of Africa were also present, all gathering around Father Marco Innocenti to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his priestly ordination. The Eucharistic celebration – animated by the parish choir and Comboni Lay Missionaries from Tuscany – served as a highlight for thanking God for the wonders He has accomplished through Father Marco’s missionary service among the Gumuz people over the course of 23 years.

Father Marco began the Eucharist by thanking those present, especially his parents; they had found it difficult to let their only son leave, yet remained convinced that, in God’s logic, it is by giving that one receives. He also expressed sincere gratitude to the many benefactors and supporters of his missionary work.

Father Marco chose to join his own jubilee celebration with that of Father Renzo Salvatici – his former parish priest – who was marking his 65th anniversary in the priesthood. This was a deeply meaningful gesture, highlighting priestly communion and the synodal, missionary service rendered to the People of God by all ministers. “May this Eucharist be an act of thanksgiving to God,” he said, “for the blessings He bestowed upon me by calling me to be a priest and missionary, and for what He chose to convey – through me – to you and to the Gumuz people, whom I have always strived to serve to the best of my ability over these past 25 years.” At the conclusion of the Eucharist, numerous messages of congratulations were read out – sent from Ethiopia, as well as from various bishops, the Superior General, and some of those present.

After Mass, the many guests continued the celebration with a fraternal meal prepared by a special parish committee. There were even fireworks! A fundraiser was also held to build a school for the poorest of the poor among the Gumuz people. (Father Fernando Zolli, MCCJ)

Brescia celebrates the prophetic memory of Mons. Franco Masserdotti

Msgr. Franco Masserdotti – who died in a tragic road accident on 17th September 2006, after being struck while cycling one Sunday afternoon along a road in Balsas, the seat of his diocese – was commemorated in Brescia on the twentieth anniversary of his passing through three separate events.

The first was a Eucharistic celebration held on 17th September, 2026, in Concesio (Brescia); it was presided over by Father Mario Andrighetto, with a homily delivered by Father Severino Perin – both of whom served as missionaries in Brazil.

The second event, held on Thursday, 18th September, was a discussion hosted at the offices of Il Giornale di Brescia on the theme “Prophetic Memory: The Enduring Relevance of Dom Franco Masserdotti.” Journalist Francesco Alberti engaged in conversation with Father Dario Bossi and – joining remotely – Father Mansueto Dal Maso; both men possess extensive experience in Brazil and deep insight into the life and work of Msgr. Masserdotti.

The bishop was portrayed as a brilliant, engaging, and intelligent individual, grounded in a solid theological and sociological education. A dynamic and creative missionary in Brazil, he served as a member of the Comboni Missionaries’ General Council, a formator at the Comboni scholasticate in São Paulo, and ultimately as the Bishop of Balsas.

From his days simply as “Father Franco,” he was a missionary who lived among a people impoverished by injustice; even as a bishop, he continued to embody the “preferential option for the poor” – a hallmark of the Latin American Church – with great passion, often at the risk of his own life.

His was a style of presence that placed him at the forefront, in the midst of, and alongside the people, fostering relationships characterised by simplicity, empathy, and courage. It almost seems as though Msgr. Franco anticipated certain expressions that later became characteristic of Pope Francis, such as “Church going forth,” “smelling of the sheep,” and “Church as a field hospital.”

The third event took place on Sunday, 20th September, at his home parish in Fiumicello (Brescia), where a Mass was celebrated by Father Dario Bossi, attended by about fifteen Comboni confrères.

In his homily, Father Dario highlighted the work Monsignor Franco accomplished in building the Kingdom of God – something he loved to define as the “growth of what is human.” He described Franco’s approach using a simple image: “When you encounter an impoverished man on a riverbank, you give him a fish to help him, but you also motivate him by giving him a fishing rod, and together you try to clean the river of whatever is polluting it.”

Towards the end of the Mass, his niece Federica offered a brief reflection that beautifully captured her uncle’s personality: “Dom Franco was a straightforward person who spoke to the heart and left a positive impression on those who listened to him. Possessing a deep spirituality – charismatic yet simple – he had an extraordinary gift for building relationships. He had a big heart, a youthful spirit, and a sense of humour. His life was entirely dedicated to serving the impoverished, to dialogue, and to the pursuit of justice.”

After Mass, a gathering took place in the parish hall where Father Giovanni Munari—a former Comboni missionary in Brazil—spoke movingly and passionately about Monsignor Franco to a large audience. Also significant was the presence of a group of friends from Trentino who had long collaborated with Monsignor Franco and who remain committed to supporting the mission in Brazil today.

Father Munari presented the figure of ‘Father’ and ‘Monsignor’ Franco Masserdotti by focusing on four key stages of his mission:

• his time of formation;

• the first period of his mission in Brazil;

• the second period of his mission in Brazil;

• his time as Bishop Franco.

Father Franco underwent his theological training at a unique moment in the life of the Church: the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council. He subsequently attended the Faculty of Sociology in Trento, amidst the intense ferment of student movements demanding more active participation in societal life, including in the realms of academia and politics. He thus experienced the stirrings of a Church seeking change and a role in the service of the world, all within a university environment marked by fierce protest. Among his fellow students were individuals who would later become founders of the Red Brigades.

During the first phase of his mission in Brazil, he shared the vision of the Conciliar Church – a vision embraced by Latin American bishops and championed by the Pact of the Catacombs (signed on 16th November 1965) and the Medellín Conference (1968). It was an exhilarating time filled with hope, as the guidelines set forth by the Latin American bishops were adopted: the preferential option for the poor, the development of base ecclesial communities, and the promotion of ecclesial ministries.

In the second phase of his mission in Brazil, however, Father Franco found himself in a vastly different environment. The Church appeared more cautious after the Vatican deemed certain choices made by the Latin American bishops “suspect.” Through targeted interventions, many initiatives were gradually halted, and much of the reflection that had developed over the preceding years was curtailed; Liberation Theology, too, was entering a period of decline.

Father Franco, who had always sought to maintain communion with the Church, thus found himself torn in his obedience between two vastly different visions of the Church.

He was first appointed coadjutor to Monsignor Carlesi and subsequently Bishop of Balsas. In addition to his diocesan work – characterised by a spirit of closeness to the people – he was entrusted with the role of lead bishop for pastoral care among Indigenous peoples, with whom he forged a deep bond of solidarity.

A single episode illustrates this commitment well. During the March of the Year 2000, organised to mark the 500th anniversary of the evangelisation of Brazil, the Indigenous community decided not to join the official event; instead, they gathered separately at a location not far from the main assembly. Dom Franco was with them. At one point, the group of Indigenous people was intercepted by law enforcement agents who proceeded to make several arrests. Among those arrested was Monsignor Franco. An officer recognised him and decided to release him, but he refused, saying: “These are my people. I am staying with them.” In the end, after six long hours, everyone was released.

Father Munari’s intervention was greatly appreciated and warmly applauded. That applause served both to remember – and almost acclaim – Monsignor Franco Masserdotti and to embrace his message of life, even today. (Father Gaetano Montresor, MCCJ)

MÉXICO

Golden Jubilee of the Missionary Animation Centre in Mexico City.

On 21st September 2026, the Missionary Animation Centre (CAM) of the Comboni Missionaries, located in Mexico City’s Tabacalera neighborhood, celebrated its 50th anniversary. The CAM prepares and distributes the magazines Esquila Misional and Aguiluchos, as well as books, brochures, and other materials dedicated to missionary animation.

The Centre was inaugurated on 21st September 1976, during a simple ceremony presided over by the then-Superior General, Father Tarcisio Agostoni. Attendees included the Italian Ambassador to Mexico, Raffaele Marras, numerous priests, Comboni lay associates, benefactors, and friends.

Throughout its history, the CAM has also faced difficult times. The building sustained severe damage during the earthquake that struck Mexico City in 1985, necessitating major structural reinforcement work. Nevertheless, the Centre continued its operations and remains one of the Combonis’ primary tools for missionary animation in Mexico.

Over these fifty years, numerous Comboni priests and brothers have served at the CAM, handling magazine editing and publication, administration, and relations with benefactors. Alongside them, many collaborators have contributed their efforts to keeping this vital service to the mission alive.

The Centre has also hosted numerous initiatives for missionary animation, formation, and awareness-raising, fostering knowledge of the mission and supporting the spread of the missionary spirit throughout Mexico.

To mark this significant anniversary, the CAM community and staff attended a thanksgiving Mass, giving thanks to God for fifty years of service to the missionary cause. The celebration was presided over by Father Rafael González Ponce, who had witnessed the Centre’s beginnings and personally experienced the dramatic days of the 1985 earthquake. During the homily, Father Rafael movingly recounted the history of CAM’s origins and early years of activity, placing them within the social, ecclesial, and Comboni context of that time.

Following the celebration, missionaries and staff shared a fraternal lunch in an atmosphere of gratitude and festivity.

Fifty years later, CAM thus continues its mission through communication and missionary animation. The community and its staff have renewed their commitment to this service, ensuring that Esquila Misional and Aguiluchos can continue to reach many families and keep the spirit of the mission alive in Mexico. (Father Ismael Piñón, MCCJ)

LET US PRAY FOR OUR BELOVED DEAD

THE FATHER: Apolinar, of Father Vázquez Hernández Felipe de Jesú (ME/KE)

THE BROTHER: don Gianni, of Mons. Spagnolo Olindo Natale (†) and a cousin of Father Spagnolo Marillo (I)

THE SISTER: Sr. Angelina-Martha Nagler (Franciscan Tertiary Sister), of Brother Eduard Nagler (DSP)

THE COMBONI SISTER: Sr. Maria Adele Recalcati (I)