The Poor Challenge

Concern for the poor and , consequently, a commitment to their liberation are not new to the Church. From its very beginning and in tune with the message and the actions of Jesus, the first disciples understood and tried to give life to very explicit texts such as Lk 4:14 ff and Mt 25:31-46. In the latter Jesus assumes the very identity of the poor and the less privileged and says explicitly, whatever you have done or not done to the least of my brothers and sisters, you have done it or not done it to me!    

The option for the poor and for their total liberation is a Gospel option, which has its roots in the most ancient biblical and pastoral tradition of the People of God.

Faithful to this tradition and to the charism and pastoral practice of St. Comboni, we Comboni Missionaries have constantly renewed our option for the poorest and marginalized. It could not have been otherwise, because most of us live in places where poverty and exclusion oppress the weak and where many see their last hope in our missionary activity.

The Cry of the Poor

Missionaries from the North and South of the world were present at our General Chapter. During its various sessions, those present listened and shared often, the cry of the poor ~ the brothers and sisters with whom we live and work. By renewing our option for the poor and against poverty, the Comboni Missionaries try to answer the call to greater solidarity, sharing and hospitality with those who are suffering. We say in our documents, "To make common cause with the poor."  We never finish growing and deepening our understanding and witness of this option ~ it is after all becoming more and more Christ-like!