Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Agenzia Fides) – The Comboni Missionaries (Pious Mothers of Nigrizia) are preparing for their General Chapter XIX which will open at their Mother House in Verona, on September 1, 2010 and will end October 5. Inspired by the desire of their founder, St. Daniel Comboni, who wanted his sisters “holy and capable," the Chapter will have as its theme: “Holy and Capable: To Regenerate Life and Life in Abundance (cf. Jn. 10:10).” From August 29 to 31, the schedule calls for three days of prayer and reflection for Chapter Members. September 1 marks the official opening of the XIX General Chapter, with the Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr, Enrique Sanchez Gonzalez, Superior General of the Comboni Missionaries. On October 5, anniversary of the canonization of St. Daniel Comboni, the official closing ceremony is expected to be held in Limone sul Garda. The Chapter Members are 64, 24 of whom are delegates by right and 40 delegates from the circumscriptions where the Comboni Missionaries serve. The Comboni Missionaries number about 1,500 and operate in thirty countries of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.
In view of the upcoming General Chapter, the relic of the white cassock that St. Daniel Comboni was wearing at the time of death began a pilgrimage tour of the Comboni communities on July 1, allowing the order to implore his intercession in the next General Chapter. In a letter issued by the Superior General, Mother Adele Brambilla, for the occasion, it reads:
"As you know, in the shrine at the Mother House, we have the clothing that our beloved founder was wearing at the time of his return to the Father's House: a habit marked with sweat, blood, sacrifice, passion, loyalty. The habit that he wore until his death. This is undoubtedly the most cherished relic that the Institute possesses. Our thanks go to the Sisters and the Superiors who since October 10, 1881 have conserved it for us." On August 15, the relic will return to the Mother House, where it will remain during the time of the Chapter. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 07/10/2010)
