Comboni Community Life

From documents that come out of our meetings and discussions, the Comboni community is seen as both gift and a way of life. From the beginning, we have been international, living cross-cultural and these are lived as gifts and assets. Together we strive to live the Gospel in a radical way, based on austerity, solidarity and transparency. Our communities show that life in common is already in itself the proclamation and a translation of the Gospel that we announce. The energies and the time invested in the construction of an authentic community are not spent to the detriment of the mission, but in its service.

Community life to be this meaningful does not happen on it's own but is the result of personal and community renewal. Our planning and meetings would be useless if it was reduced to mere structural changes. Meaningful change requires conversion and inner transformation ~ from here we get new attitudes and motivations. We are called to develop attitudes that are "prophesy in action for humanity" (Vita Consecrata 85) a sign of communion and reconciliation in a humanity that is broken and divided.

In a recent meeting the following attitudes were named to commit to in our community life:

* Allow ourselves to be questioned by the present realities.

* Listening and dialogue, with passion and tenacity.

* Making holiness the foundation of our life and mission.

* Constantly taking up a process of conversion.

* To be with and for the poor.

* Of contemplation capable of discovering the love of Christ even in the most disturbing events.

* Giving time and space to being together, celebrating the important moments in the life of each one, being transparent in our behaviour,  having common objectives and being positive when speaking.

* Fraternal correction not only makes us aware of our fragility but assures us of fraternal support in our personal and community journey.