One of the greatest feasts among the Guji – an Oromo ethnic group – is that of name-giving. Like all other great feasts, it is sealed with the sacrifice of a bull, dancing and youthful games. In speaking of the maqbasa or name-giving ceremony, we must first mention the gadaa system which divides life from […]
Ethiopia: Maqbasa – Name-giving Read More »
From Zimbabwe to South Africa and Kenya, Women Rangers are fiercely defending wildlife against poachers. In their camouflage uniforms and armed with assault rifles, they scour the Phundundu Wildlife area in Zimbabwe, the natural habitat of 11,000 elephants. These are the Akashinga women rangers, a name that means courageous in the Shona language. As part
Women Rangers: Defending Mother Nature Read More »
Giraffe, in the Sindebele and Zulu languages, is Ndlulamiti, meaning literally ‘higher than the trees’, is one of the most iconic animals of the African continent. The tallest animal in the world, it can reach a height of six metres. The characteristics of this mild herbivore have enabled it to survive by blending in with
Africa: The Giraffe – ‘Higher than the trees’ Read More »
Twenty-five years have passed since a small group of Comboni missionaries arrived in Macao to start their work in the Chinese context. The Fen Xiang project was at the centre of their pastoral activities. The opening of a community in Macau and later in Taiwan was aimed at laying the foundations for the presence of
China: The Itinerant Comboni Mission Read More »
The daily life of a Mexican priest, threatened with death and target of an organized smear campaign launched in response to his fight for justice and truth. Father Marcelo Pérez has refused police escort. It’s two o’clock in the morning when Father Marcelo Pérez receives a threatening phone call from an unknown individual, identifying themselves as
Mexico: A Price on his Head Read More »
The Gedeo are an ethnic group in southern Ethiopia. Among the Gedeo, there are three main ways to find a girl to marry. The first way is called bultane which means in peace and full agreement. The two families are fully involved in the process. The first step is taken by the father of the
Ethiopia: That propitious day Read More »
The life of the Filipino villages and parishes is built around the “Fiesta”, a yearly celebration of the Patron Saint which includes the preparations, the solemn Mass, the procession with the images of the Saint, the cooking, and the hospitality. Every town in the Philippines, no matter how big or small, holds a fiesta. Traditionally,
Philippine: The Fiesta, joyful celebration Read More »
It is one of the most iconic of the African land mammals. It lives in water but cannot swim. The hippopotamus implements strategies that enable it to stay afloat in all circumstances. Discovering its secrets. Weighing up to and even more than 3 tons, the hippopotamus has serious flotation problems. The rhinoceros has the same
Africa: The hippo and its passion for rivers Read More »
The Coronavirus pandemic has hit Brazil’s indigenous people even harder than the rest of the population. To protect themselves, some people retreated deep into the rainforest. It’s seven o’clock in the morning when the Capuchin friar Paolo Braghini sits down in a small aluminium boat, starts the outboard and sails up the Igarapé de Belém,
Brazil: Protection against Coronavirus in the Rainforest Read More »
After leading for twenty-six years the Apostolic Vicariate of Esmeraldas, on the north-western coast of Ecuador, Monsignor Eugenio Arellano offered his resignation having reached the age limit. His commitment to environmental protection and education will remain in the hearts of people. We met him. Speaking of Esmeraldas, Bishop Arellano says: “There is a beautiful community
Comboni Missionaries © 2024 - email us at info@combonimissionaries.co.uk
