I have known the Comboni Missionary Sisters for over 10 years. As the agents of change in the world, they hold on to the charism of their found- er, St. Daniel Comboni.
When I think of the history of our people (I come from Africa) and how at one time the Africans were never considered people with soul, it breaks my heart into uncountable pieces. But thank God for people filled with love and compassion like St. Comboni, who stood with people left at the margine, who fought for justice and against any form of op- pression.
When people like St. Comboni, are no more, we wonder if there’s anyone to carry their “mantle”. Yes! I would say, for so many years there have been Sisters, brothers, priests, lay men, and women who have com- mitted themselves to continue the legacy of Comboni “ I am dying but my work will not die”. He was right.
Sr. Tiberh showing a group of friends the sisters who were prisoners during the Mahdia.
The community of Sisters with some friends at the end of the Mass.
During the celebration Mass of the 150 Jubilee of the CMS
This year as the Comboni missionaries celebrate 150 years of their founding and what would have been 191 birthday of St. Comboni, celebrations were held across the world in order to remember the great works done by the saint himself and the missionaries at large.
At the Comboni missionary sisters convent in Lakeside, Richmond VA, where I have often visited with the sisters and participate in the cele- brations of Comboni, today on March 12 on the occasion of Comboni’s birthday, Fr. Don SJ, the main celebrant reminded us during the Mass that the sisters have a mandate as shepherds of the flock entrusted to them.
The sisters have shepherded so many people for years. They take the mandate to “go into the whole world and preach the good news”, very seriously.
I have been with sister Tiberh as she ministers to the refugee community, immigrants, and other individuals and sometimes I scratch my head and ask where does she get all this energy. I have heard her take calls from peo- ple she does not know, but they know of the ministry she does. The passion she has for the people of God is indisputable. She reminds me that all are created in God’s image and they matter to God. Even when you think she has given all she is, she still goes out and gives of herself more.
The sisters continue to show the love of God shed abroad and that God’s grace is sufficient to carry them through so they can continue the mission for years to come.
May we continue to pray for vocations so we can have many more people coming to join in the mission to spread the gospel of love.
Mary Odindo, Comboni’s friend
Published on the Newsletter-Spring-USA
