70 Years of Comboni Presence in Ecuador

The two institutions, working in close collaboration, took the initiative of preparing the celebration, which was experienced with joy and gratitude. The motto that accompanied the various events was: “Comboni Missionaries, witnesses of love and prophets of hope”.

There were two main moments, apparently distinct but entirely complementary. The first was the conferral of an honorary doctorate on Father Rafael Savoia, Comboni missionary, pioneer and promoter of Afro Pastoral Ministry in Esmeraldas, in Ecuador, in Colombia, and in other Latin American countries.

The ceremony took place on 6^th June, within the framework of the 44^th anniversary of the Catholic University of Esmeraldas, founded by the Comboni missionaries. The day began with a solemn Afro-style Eucharist, presided over by Bishop Antonio Crameri, Apostolic Vicar of the VAE, and continued with the ‘celebratory session’, attended by civil and academic authorities as well as numerous Afro associations.

Particularly appreciated was the speech by Vice-Rector Dr. Diego Jiménez, who explained the reasons for the award, and then officially conferred the title on Father Savoia, who was greeted with prolonged applause. The celebration concluded in an atmosphere of joy, with the participation of a large number of people of African descent, not only from Esmeraldas but also from other regions of the country.

The second moment consisted of three days of festivities (June 19–21) marking the 70 years of Comboni presence in Esmeraldas. A committee, coordinated by Bishop Antonio, prepared a rich programme of activities, involving parishes, schools, religious communities, and apostolic groups.

On 19^th June, a festive march (pregón) was held, in which hundreds of young people took part, filling the Cathedral square. Father Julio Canga, Vicar General, greeted those present on behalf of the bishop, after which the provincial superior of the Comboni missionaries, Father Ottorino Poletto, encouraged the young people to respond with courage and generosity to the missionary vocation, following the example of St. Daniel Comboni.

On 20^th June, at the Catholic University, a symposium was held focusing on the socio-ecclesial context of the years when the Comboni missionaries first arrived and on their evangelising work under the guidance of the three bishops who marked the growth of the Church in Esmeraldas: Angelo Barbisotti, Enrico Bertolucci, and Eugenio Arellano Fernández. It was highlighted how the Comboni mission has always united evangelisation and social promotion, especially in education, health, and community organisation. In the presence of professors, students, religious and priests, the day concluded in the afternoon at the Sagrado Corazón School with a cultural programme animated by the Afro Pastoral group.

On 21^st June, the ‘solemn session’ and Eucharistic celebration, once again in Afro style, were held in the Cathedral. Present were the Apostolic Nuncio, Bishops Antonio and Eugenio, civic and university authorities, several priests, and many faithful. Bishop Crameri warmly greeted all those present, thanking God for the work carried out by the Comboni missionaries in Esmeraldas over the past 70 years.

After him, Father Ottorino, in an extensive address, first presented the characteristics and objectives of Comboni evangelisation during Bishop Barbisotti’s time, then recalled the various social works, especially in the field of education, carried out during the episcopates of Bishop Bertolucci and Bishop Arellano. He emphasised how, starting from Esmeraldas, the Combonis also took on pastoral commitments in other jurisdictions (Quito, Guayaquil, Portoviejo, and Colombia). He concluded by reaffirming that the Comboni missionaries maintain a special bond with Esmeraldas and wish to continue their missionary service in the VAE in the future. His words were met with warm applause.

In his homily, the Nuncio invited the faithful to rediscover the roots of faith, thanked the Comboni missionaries for the journey they have made, and urged the people of Esmeraldas to take responsibility for evangelisation.

A commitment that continues – The celebration was a precious occasion to renew our commitment to the Church of Esmeraldas, which still today needs support. This commitment is concretely expressed in the presence of the three Comboni communities of La Merced, Borbón, and San Lorenzo.

With discretion, but with deep inner participation, Bishop Eugenio Arellano, Bishop Emeritus of the VAE and now a member of the Comboni community of La Merced, also took part in the celebration. To him goes heartfelt gratitude for his great missionary example.
(Father Ottorino Poletto, mccj)