In 1881, the final year of his life, Daniele Comboni faced heart-wrenching trials upon returning to Africa. Misunderstandings regarding Virginia Mansour and the emerging Mahdist revolt dealt heavy blows to the saint, yet failed to deter him from his unwavering commitment to the mission and the Pie Madri della Nigrizia.
Comboni’s return to Khartoum in early 1881 was marked by the noticeable absence of the Sisters of St. Joseph, his valued collaborators. Their departure weighed heavily on him, compounded by lingering frustrations over the agreement with the Stimmantini Fathers that had curtailed his authority over the missionary institute.
In a pivotal moment, Comboni poured out his heart to Sr. Vittoria Paganini, superior of the Pie Madri in Khartoum. Her calm wisdom and assurance that the sisters would rise to the challenge given proper formation deeply consoled Comboni. He regained his characteristic enthusiasm, envisioning the Pie Madri not only equaling but surpassing the efforts of their predecessors.
However, a painful misunderstanding soon arose concerning Virginia Mansour, the former Sister of St. Joseph whose brother had been abruptly dismissed by Fr. Sembianti in Verona. Seeking to resolve the situation and retain Virginia’s valuable Arabic skills, Comboni proposed she enter the novitiate in El Obeid under Sr. Teresa Grigolini’s guidance.
Shockingly, this plan was grossly misconstrued by some as evidence of an inappropriate attachment. The insinuations dealt a crushing blow to Comboni, wounding him to the core. His anguished letters reveal the depth of his suffering and his horror at such a calumny against his consuming passion for Africa and for Christ.
Yet even as this trial unfolded, Comboni forged ahead, visiting the Nuba Mountains and laying foundations for new missions. His words to Sr. Caterina Chincarini – “I am dying, but my work will not die” – hinted at a premonition of his approaching death, even as they proclaimed his unshakable faith in God’s providence.
Returning to Khartoum in late July, Comboni faced an additional threat: the rise of the Mahdi, a self-proclaimed prophet bent on expelling Turkish and Christian influence from Sudan. The massacre of 200 soldiers sent to capture him signaled the gravity of the looming crisis.
Comboni, though shaken and physically weakened, refused to despair. He drew strength from his missionary companions, especially Fr. Fraccaro, and from his unbreakable bond with the Pie Madri, who incarnated his vision and his hopes for Africa. In their fidelity and courage, Comboni found solace amidst the gathering shadows.
The final months of Daniele Comboni’s life were a crucible of suffering and steadfast faith.
