UPCOMING EVENTS
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PAST EVENTS
Friends Day
October, 2024
Just a look back at our wonderful Friends Day at the Comboni Center last October ! It was heartwarming to see so many familiar faces gathering for coffee and fellowship. Sr Expedita’s inspiring morning talk set the perfect tone for the day, followed by Sr Catherine’s moving witness about her teaching work in the Nuba Mountains of Sudan.
A special thanks to Fr Michael Dunne for celebrating Mass with us, and to Allan & Trish for leading our music ministry with “Wing and Prayer” – your voices truly lifted our spirits! The shared lunch afterwards gave us all a chance to strengthen our bonds as a community.
These gatherings remind us of the importance of friendship and solidarity in our mission. We’re blessed to have such a supportive extended Comboni family here in London.
Looking forward to seeing you all at our next event! 🙏
Fundraising Success for St. Joseph’s School in Sudan
July, 2024
We are all thrilled that the Comboni Centre’s 2024 fundraising mission for St. Joseph’s Secondary School in the Nuba Mountains, Sudan, was such a resounding success!
Thanks to the incredible support of our community, events like the Barn Dance on June 15th, the Sponsored Walk on July 13th, and many generous donations, we have raised an astonishing £11,200—far surpassing our initial goal of £8,000.
These funds will provide vital resources for the school, including a photocopier, a laptop, school fees, and food supplies, directly impacting the 454 students who attend. Despite the challenges of poverty and limited resources, these students remain determined to build a brighter future through education.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who danced, walked, and donated to this wonderful cause. Your generosity will help Sister Catherine and her team continue their incredible work in nurturing and empowering the students at St. Joseph’s School.
We will keep you updated on how these funds are being put to use. Together, we are making a difference!
Remembering Sister Mary Lonergham
July, 2024
This year, we bid farewell to Comboni Sister Mary Lorigan, whose life was marked by decades of service and dedication. Sister Mary’s funeral took place on July 18th at Our Lady of Grace and St. Edward Church, where friends and community members came together to honor her memory.
Earlier in the year, despite her illness, Sister Mary celebrated an incredible milestone: her Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years as a Comboni Missionary Sister. Much of her life was spent in Uganda, where she worked as a nurse, midwife, and tutor at a Comboni Midwifery School, leaving a lasting impact on those she served.
On May 3rd, as part of her Jubilee celebration, our community gathered around her bedside to sing the Magnificat and give thanks for her life. It was a simple but heartfelt moment of reflection and gratitude.
Sister Mary’s dedication and quiet strength will be remembered by all who knew her. May she rest in peace.
Barn Dance Success: A Night of Joy and Generosity for St. Joseph's School
June, 2024
What an incredible evening we had at our Charity Barn Dance on June 15th, 2024! The Chiswick Catholic Centre came alive with music, laughter, and dancing as our community gathered to support St. Joseph’s Secondary School in the Nuba Mountains, Sudan.
BLAG, the talented Celtic and World Music Folk Trio, had everyone on their feet, teaching traditional dance moves to both experienced dancers and enthusiastic beginners. The joy was contagious as families, friends, and neighbours joined together in solidarity for this wonderful cause.
Thanks to your overwhelming generosity, we made significant progress toward our £8,000 fundraising goal. These funds will help provide essential resources for the 454 students at St. Joseph’s, including a much-needed photocopier, laptop, school fees support, and food items. Sister Catherine, who teaches science at the school, has expressed heartfelt gratitude for this support that will make a real difference in students’ lives.
We were deeply moved by our community’s response – from the youngest dancers (who attended free of charge!) to our senior supporters, everyone contributed to making this evening unforgettable. Special thanks to our volunteers who transformed the Centre into a proper barn dance venue and managed the refreshments throughout the evening.
For those who couldn’t attend but would still like to support St. Joseph’s School, donations can still be made through our JustGiving page (remember to note “St. Joseph’s School” in the PayPal notes field).
The success of this event reminds us that when we come together as a community, we can make a significant impact, even in places as far away as the Nuba Mountains. Your support will help provide quality education to students who walk miles to school each day, driven by their thirst for learning and determination to build a better future.
Thank you, Chiswick, for dancing, giving, and caring!
2024 Parenting Children Course at Comboni Centre
Feb.- Jul., 2024
What a wonderful journey we had with our 2024 Parenting Children Course! From February through July, parents gathered at the Comboni Centre in Chiswick to explore the essential aspects of raising children aged 0-10 years.
Over six enriching sessions, we covered crucial topics including Building Strong Foundations, Meeting Children’s Needs, Setting Boundaries, Teaching Healthy Relationships, and developing Long-Term parenting aims. The course concluded with a heartwarming celebration in July where families came together to share their experiences.
This year’s course was particularly special as we welcomed both experienced and first-time parents. While rooted in Christian principles, the course created an inclusive environment where families from all backgrounds could learn and share together. Our certified volunteer babysitters enabled parents to fully engage in the sessions while knowing their children were well-cared for.
The feedback from participating families has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting how the practical tools and strategies have already made a difference in their family lives. The mix of structured learning and open discussion created a supportive community where parents could share challenges and celebrate successes together.
We’re grateful to all our dedicated volunteers who made this course possible and to the families who committed their Saturday mornings to invest in their parenting journey.
Members of the Cenacles of Missionary Prayer organise a Retreat in Barcelona
March, 2024
How to practice Synodality’ was the theme of the retreat that took place in Barcelona from 7th to 11th March 2024, held by the couple Ginette and Peter Cobbold. The event took inspiration from the retreats that the Comboni Centre in Chiswick offers to the lay people, and from Pope Francis’ Synod on Synodality.
The retreat, led by Father Patrick Moran, opened with a positive and introspective tone, creating a sense of unity and connection among the participants. He started by asking the question ‘Who is God and who am I?’. ‘We adopted the format of the Synod in Rome and sat in a circle, each participant presenting their responses’. The participant presentations and final summary served as a powerful and meaningful start to the retreat, leaving everyone feeling empowered and inspired as they began their path of self-discovery and growth.
Throughout the course of the four-day retreat, participants engaged in deep discussions and reflections on the teaching of Pope Francis and the concept of Synodality. Under the guidance of Father Patrick and Sister Natalia, they were inspired to consider how they could incorporate these principles into their own spiritual journey of ‘I to We’. One participant reflected that ‘ the Synodal process is valuable and catalytic’. By the end of the retreat, participants felt a profound sense of purpose and commitment to carrying forward their newly found lessons and insights.
Charity Auction Success!
December, 2023
We were delighted to host our annual Charity Fundraising Auction on December 10th, 2023, and it was a resounding success! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we raised a significant amount of money to support the work of the Comboni Centre Mission. The auction featured a fabulous selection of Christmas gifts, with everything from handcrafted treasures to unique experiences, and the bidding was both lively and heartwarming.
We’re so grateful for everyone who attended, donated items, and spread the word about this wonderful cause. Your support makes a tangible difference in the lives of those served by the Comboni Centre Mission.
Missed the auction? There are still ways to help! Donate
Celebrating a Milestone: Sister Natalia F. Gomes' Golden Jubilee
October, 2023
On the 22nd of October, 2023, the Comboni Missionary Sisters and the wider community gathered to honour a remarkable milestone—the Golden Jubilee of Sister Natalia F. Gomes’ Religious Profession. This special day was marked with a series of events that celebrated not only Sister Natalia’s fifty years of devoted service but also her profound impact on the lives of many.
The celebration commenced with a Sunday Mass at the Church of Our Lady of Grace and St. Edward in Chiswick, where Sister Natalia renewed her missionary consecration, reaffirming her commitment to the path she embarked on five decades ago. This moment of spiritual recommitment was a poignant reminder of her lifelong dedication to the missionary call.
The afternoon brought a shift in atmosphere with a wonderful piano performance held at the Chiswick Catholic Centre. Talented pianists Pedro and Bruno Gomes Ferreira, both hailing from Portugal, charmed the audience with their delivery of pieces by Brahms, Schubert, and Rachmaninoff. Their performances were a fitting tribute to Sister Natalia’s jubilee, embodying the commitment she has brought to her work.
This gathering was a chance for the Sisters, friends, family, and fellow missionaries to share in the joy of Sister Natalia’s achievements and to look back on the great influence she has had throughout her service, particularly in South Sudan where her missionary journey began.
Looking back we are reminded of the enduring commitment and love that Sister Natalia has built. Inspired by St. Daniel Comboni’s words, “I die, but my work will not die,” Sister Natalia’s life and work continue to inspire, embodying the spirit and dedication of the Comboni Missionary Sisters.
The Pizza and Play Quiz Night
July, 2023
On a warm evening in July, the Chiswick Catholic Centre transformed into a hub of friendship and competition for the Quiz and Pizza Night. This special event, held on the 14th, was part of the drive to support the educational aspirations of young girls in Aboke, Uganda, through the Comboni Sisters’ Uganda School Project.
At £15 per ticket, participants were treated not only to the culinary delight of freshly made pizza but also to the challenge of a fun quiz. The atmosphere was further boosted by the melodies of ‘A Wing and a Prayer,’ providing a musical backdrop to an evening dedicated to fundraising for essential resources and furniture for St. Mary’s Girls High School.
This gathering was the second event in a concerted effort that ultimately saw the successful raising of £10,000 by the end of August 2023. It represented a unique blend of joy, generosity, and the collective will to effect change, for the school. As we now document this occasion in our Past Events, reflecting on the evening with a sense of pride and accomplishment, we are reminded of the impact of collective efforts.
Our appreciation extends to all who participated, offered donations, and shared in a better future for the Aboke girls
Stepping Forward for Education: The Sponsored Walk for Aboke Girls
June, 2023
On a brisk June morning, supporters of the Comboni Missionary Sisters and enthusiasts for a great cause gathered at Fulham Palace, Bishop’s Park, marking the commencement of a Sponsored Walk destined for Westminster Cathedral. This event, held on Saturday, 10th June 2023, was part of a larger fundraising effort aimed at reaching a target of £10,000 for the construction of two new classroom blocks at the Aboke Girls’ St. Mary’s High School in Uganda, a symbol of hope and education situated 350 km northeast of Kampala.
Participants had the option to embark on a 10K journey, with a 5K alternative available, ensuring inclusivity for all levels of ability and commitment. Along the path, rest stops and lunch provided much-needed respite and fellowship, underpinning the communal spirit of the day.
This Sponsored Walk was the first step in a broader fundraising drive which also included a Quiz and Pizza Night, direct appeals through the Parish newsletter, and the tireless efforts of the Sisters and volunteers. Together, these initiatives culminated in the achievement of the £10,000 target by 26th August 2023, a testament to the collective will and generosity of the community.
As we document this event in our Past Events Section, alongside a visual representation of the original poster, we celebrate not only the success of the Sponsored Walk but also the collective achievement of reaching our fundraising goal. This effort reflects the Comboni Missionary Sisters’ dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of the Aboke girls, affirming our commitment to education and empowerment.
A Heartfelt Gathering: Comboni Charity Fundraiser 2023
May, 2023
The Comboni Missionary Sisters hosted a charity fundraiser at the Green Man restaurant in London, uniting community and cause over a delightful buffet. The event aimed to support the vital missions of the Comboni Centre, marking a significant occasion in our calendar.
Held on Sunday, 14th May, the event welcomed attendees with a variety of starter snacks, followed by a hearty main course selection of stew with mashed potatoes and salad or codfish with cream, culminating in a sweet dessert and coffee. While drinks were available separately, the menu’s rich array ensured a fulfilling experience for everyone.
Priced reasonably, with tickets at £35.00 for adults and £17.50 for children aged 5-12 years, the event promised not just a meal but an experience, complete with live music and a quality item auction, adding an extra layer of excitement to the afternoon.
Organised by Fátima Alves, the fundraiser was not only a culinary delight but a great source of support for the Comboni Centre’s missions. As we look back on this event, now showcased on our website alongside an image of the original poster, we are reminded of the power of community would like to offer a sincere thank you to all who joined and contributed to making a difference.
A Day of Reflection: Comboni Retreat 2023 Recap
In May 2023, the Comboni Centre in London offered a retreat day themed “Gaze at Him!”, focusing on deepening faith and spiritual reflection. Sr. Margaret Doherty (RNDM) led the program, which included a mix of teaching, personal reflection, and guided prayer, concluding with communal snacks. Inspired by the call to fix our eyes on Jesus (Luke 4:20) and the invitation to rest and reflect (Mark 6:31), attendees found solace and inspiration.
Held at the serene Comboni Centre, this event was a poignant reminder of the power of pausing to connect deeply with our faith. Now remembered in our Past Events, this retreat symbolizes the Comboni commitment to spiritual nourishment and the ongoing journey of faith.
Parenting with Purpose: A Look at the Comboni 2022 Parenting Course
In 2022, the Comboni Centre in London hosted a series for parents, the Parenting Children Course, from January to May. This event, held on the final Saturday of each month, was a close look into the art of parenting, drawing on the ethos that children are a treasure, as highlighted by Jesus’ invitation for children to come unto Him.
Designed to support parents from all walks of life, this course was grounded in Christian values but open to all, regardless of religious background. It aimed to equip participants with knowledge and strategies to nurture their children’s growth in a supportive, loving environment. Through five to six sessions led by volunteer experts, attendees explored various aspects of child development and parenting techniques.
An added bonus for attending parents was the provision of babysitting by certified volunteers, ensuring that participants could engage fully with the content. The course covered a range of topics, all aimed at strengthening the family unit and fostering environments where children can flourish.
Now archived in our Past Events, alongside a visual reminder of the course, this program symbolizes the Comboni commitment to family and community support. Reflecting on it, we’re reminded of the vital role parenting plays in shaping the future, underlining the importance of such initiatives in our community’s life.
Reflecting on the Journey Towards Light: A Look Back at the Comboni Advent Retreat 2022
In November 2022, the Comboni community gathered for a profound Advent Retreat, a moment of spiritual reflection and communal prayer as we prepared for the Christmas season. Held on Saturday, 26 November, this event was themed “Standing up for what we believe: A journey towards the Light,” a call to explore our deepest longing for God’s presence in our lives. Inspired by the words of Gerald May, we were reminded of our inborn desire for God, a desire that stands as our most profound longing and our most precious treasure.
The day began with a warm welcome, coffee, and tea, setting the stage for a day filled with reflection, silent prayer, the celebration of Holy Mass, and concluded with refreshments and heartfelt departures. It was a time to humbly open our doors to Christ and our neighbors, discovering how to fulfill the longing in our hearts by reaching out for God’s love that surrounds us.
The retreat’s theme encouraged us to stand firm in our beliefs, inspired by contemporary examples of faith in leadership. Drawing parallels with our new Prime Minister and the late Queen Elizabeth, who both demonstrated the courage to express their faith openly, the retreat called on us to be lights to others without fear. This message was particularly resonant as we entered the Advent season, a time of preparation that reminds us of the significance of Christ’s birth and the steadfast rock of salvation God provides, as echoed in Psalm 62.
As we reflect on this past event, held beside an image of the original poster, it stands as a reminder of the Comboni community’s commitment to spiritual growth, courage in faith, and the ongoing journey towards the light. This retreat was not just an event in time but a stepping stone in our collective spiritual journey, encouraging us to live openly and fearlessly in faith, especially in times of preparation and anticipation.
The Comboni Sisters Elected a New Leadership Team
October, 2022
The Comboni Missionary Sisters elected a new Leadership team at the conclusion of their XXI General Chapter that took place in the Mother House in Verona in October. The newly elected General Superior, Sr. Anne Marie Quigg, who is originally from Scotland will guide, with her four councillors, the Congregation for the next six years and implement decisions taken during the Chapter.
The Chapter is an important event that involves all members globally and this time it coincided with the celebration this year of our 150 years that marks the beginning of the Congregation in 1872, founded by St Daniel Comboni. The 52 sisters delegated to the Chapter – mostly young and from a variety of cultural background – presented the reality of our mission in various parts of the world.
Every Chapter looks at how the Comboni Charism can be better lived by the Sisters and expressed in that particular time. Today, while facing the challenge of shortage of young vocations and the increasing age of the members, the Comboni Sisters will prioritise small presences in places considered the peripheries of the society. One of the many tasks of the new Leadership will be to make the Comboni mission ever more relevant to our time.
Congratulations and best wishes!
Sr. Anne Marie Quigg – General Superior
Sr. María de Los Angeles Funes Rodríguez – Councillor
Sr. Alicia Vacas Moro – Councillor
Sr. Veronicah Wangui Mburu – Councillor
Sr. Eleonora Reboldi – Councillor
What happened in Verona in May 2022…..
Tuesday, 24th May, 2022 at 12.00
On this memorable day a small group of pilgrims left their homes and their countries on a journey to the Comboni mother house in Italy.
In true pilgrim fashion they travelled with laughter and joy in their hearts. They were eager to see the sacred places of the saintly missionary, Daniel Comboni.
Their week was a busy one with so much to see. Visiting the the holy places associated with the founder of the Comboni Missionary Sisters. An Order which today is working for the poor and underprivileged around the world: in Egypt, Africa and 30 other countries.
The pilgrims’ steps led them to the church of St Thomas (Verona) to Bosco Chiesanuova where Sr Giuseppa Scandola was born to the village of Mambrotta, the birthplace of Sr. Teresa Grigolini, to Limone where St. Daniel Comboni was born and a visit to the parish where he was baptised.
Our group throughly enjoyed the pilgrimage and were delighted by the welcome at the Mother House and from the Sisters there. Some of the pilgrims comments after the trip: “What a wonderful week – thank you so much” “We really had a great time.” “Thanks again for a wonderful trip.”
“Very blessed in many ways. We are a group of great missionaries. Let the fire of love and faith rekindle in our hearts from the pilgrimage to the birth place of the Comboni and Comboni Missionaries keep burning in our hearts and move each one of us to light up our world with the love of God.”
A big thanks you to the Mother House, its Sisters and St. Daniel Comboni.
London Boat Journey - Celebration of 150th Jubilee Year on the River Thames.
Saturday, 30th April, 2022 at 12.00 – 16.00
Our community in Chiswick organised a boat trip on the River Thames in London, on the 30th April 2022, to celebrate the 150th Jubilee Year of the Comboni Missionary Service.
On board from Chiswick Pier towards Hampton Court there were 110 parishioners, mainly families from different areas in London and from a wide range of multicultural backgrounds. As the boat moved slowly on a four-hour trip, the Sisters explained that the meaning of this trip was to commemorate the journey of the first five Comboni Sisters on their first journey up the River Nile to the mission in Central Africa, accompanied by the Founder Bishop Daniel Comboni in 1877.
While presiding over the Eucharist on board of the boat, Fr Michael Dunne, the parish priest at Our Lady of Grace parish underlined the importance of the radical “yes” of the first five Comboni Sisters. The great message of Fr Michael homily was completed by the witness of Fr Alberto Pelucchi, Provincial Superior of the Comboni Missionaries in UK and by the reading of the message from Sr. Anne Marie Quigg, Comboni Sisters Provincial Superior of Europe Province.
The boat event was greatly supported by many good friends from the lay group who are actively involved in the Comboni Mission through the Sisters in Chiswick. Many commented it was a remarkable event, as someone wrote “the occasion will live very long in the memory for us all I think!”
Sr Graça Almeida and Sr Natalia Gomes from the Comboni Centre for Spirituality and Mission wish to say a big thank you to all who support the Comboni Missionary Sisters in London and throughout the world in their 150 years of celebration.
Christmas Auction
Sunday, 12th December, 2021 at 16.00 – 18.00
For more information about joining the zoom event or donating go to: www.combonisc.co.uk/ChristmasAuction/
Comboni Friends Celebration
Saturday, 16th October 2021 at 10.00 – 14.00
Sponsored Walk - River Path
Saturday, 10th July 2021 at 10.30a.m.
Please Join Us On The Walk or make a donation:
• Start: 10.30 am Fulham Palace, Bishop’s Park
• End: Westminister Cathedral
• To join walk e-mail: combonicentre16@gmail.com for sponsorship form and details
• To Donate or for more info. on the cause: www.combonisc.co.uk/butembo
Spring Auction and Quiz
Saturday, 10th April 2021 from 19:30 – 21:00.
The Comboni Missionary Sisters invite you to their Spring Auction of Quality Items and Zoom Quiz. The money raised will support the Comboni Centre’s Activities and continued service to the local community.
Please register your interest by contacting us:
Tel: 020 8994 1220;
E-mail: combonicentre16@gmail.com
Website: www.combonisc.co.uk
Quiz, Dance & Prayer Evening to Support St. Bakhita's Day
Monday, 8 February 2021 from 19:30 – 21:00.
A fantastic evening of activities to support St. Bakhita’s Day against human trafficking and slavery. All proceeds go to Fr. Claudino Gomez (founder of the Cenacle Missionary Prayer Groups) to aid Comboni Missionary work in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Full details in the accompanying Facebook Post – a Dance Challenge awaits !!
Comboni Christmas Festival
Saturday, 5 December 2020 from 16:30 – 18:00.
The Comboni Missionary Sisters invite you to an afternoon of music and singing, poetry readings, Christmas Quiz and online Auction of Quality Items.
In support of our continued presence and involvement in the local community and our aim to create a connecting ‘bridge’ with the laity and our global mission.
If you would like more information or to join in the fun please e-mail: combonicentre16@gmail.com or phone: 020 89941220. We’ll happily send info. and/or the Zoom link.
Comboni Feast Day Online Event
Some of you might still recall last year’s exciting Comboni Friends Day celebrated here at the Comboni Centre, in Chiswick. A few months later, we were all overwhelmed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then we understand better the need to make time for friendship and for celebrating the little things that life gives us. It is a biblical principle that God wants us to “rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Rom 12:12).
The Comboni Sisters therefore were delighted to invite you to celebrate with us the Comboni Feast Day and 4 years of the Comboni Centre. The event took place ONLINE via ZOOM.
The event included two stories from Comboni Sisters: Sr Joana Carneiro from the frontline in South Sudan and Sr Gabriella Bottani on a mission to fight human trafficking. It was followed by Mass celebrated by Fr Julio Ocaña. The music was provided by young volunteers: Patrick Rafter, violinist and Pedro Gomes, Pianist, Charlotte Lamont and Sofia Sulas, singers. There was also a taste of African Congolese music by a group of young candidates to missionary life.
Talk by Sr. Joana Carneiro
The Comboni Sisters’ Great International Zoom Quiz Night
In Bergamo in Northern Italy there is a community for retired Sisters, who have spent their lives serving others throughout the world. This community was badly affected by Coronavirus. There were many cases, of whom 9 died. The care costs increased tenfold due to:
- extra nursing and care staff
- safety and protection for the Sisters and lay helpers
- extra sanitation and disinfection
- funeral expenses
The online quiz was a great success and a total of £12,000 was raised in the campaign.
Thanksgiving Concert.
The success of the Appeal Covid – 19 was celebrated with a Thanksgiving event on 25th of July that gathered about 40 people on Zoom. This was organised by Sr Graça and Sr Natalia with the invaluable collaboration of Anthony Clarkstone and Peter Cobbold to express our sincere gratitude for the support we received towards assuring the care of our elderly sisters.
The two elderly Comboni sisters who gave their testimony about the experience of surviving from coronavirus (one 85 and the other 89 years old) was very moving. With light shining on their eyes they stressed they were very grateful to God for the gift of everyone who helped them to live and be well again. They added they are still active with the mission of prayer. As we read in St Paul to Philippians 1:3-11: “And I always pray for all of you with joy. I thank God for the help you gave me while I told people the Good News”.
A Year to Remember – Poem written by Nell Preston
Twenty-twenty , this pandemic year
When Covid-19 made us quake with fear
Rapid contagion brought panic and stress
Thousands of deaths caused untold distress…
Article by Sr. Graca published in the Comboni Magazine - August 2019
To read the full article please click here
Barn Dance in aid of Schooling in Sri Lanka - June 2019
Music Festival Supporting Schooling for Children in Sri Lanka - May 2019
Every year the Comboni Missionary Sisters in UK adopt a worthy cause to help. This year’s projectwas to help with education of pupils in St. Patrick’s college in Talawakelle where the Comboni Sisters have been teaching since 2012.
The funds raised will go towards the purchase of essencial school equipment: computers (for accounting and commerce); refrigerators and ovens (for home economics); and science equipment (for science laboratory). This essencial “tools” aim at encouraging the children of the hard-working tea pickers of the region to stay at school and to enable the pupils to progress not only during their time of school, but also help prepare them for prospective jobs and personal initiatives in the future. (NP)
Young Couples Retreats - 2019
The first retreat in March 2019 was led by the Verbum Dei community. The topic was: Standing on Holy Ground. Growing together through listening to Scriptures.
The Couple retreat on 18th of May 2019 was an opportunity for a beautiful, insightful and sharp reflections on the family, its challenges, and the nature of love, which draw on this process of dialogue.
There was a Creche available for young children
Retreat on our experience of God - Facilitator Sr Natalia - March 2019
God speaks to each person in different ways. For Moses, the voice of God came from a burning bush, for Job from and hurricane, for St Daniel Comboni God was experienced as a flash of lightening that revealed Christ’s passion for humanity. This retreat provided a space where the participants reflected on their unique experiences when trying to make sense of God.
Retreat on Modern Slavery - Facilitator Fr. Alberto Pelucchi - February 2019
No More Slaves. God has set us free for freedom .
How can we find time for God and ourselves? How can I find meaning in the many situations of the world and in my daily life?
The feast of Saint Bakhita that is celebrated in February, offers us an opportunity to become more aware of new forms of modern slavery that is affecting millions of children, men and women alike. In this retreat we will ponder on how God created us in love and sent Jesus to set us free.
Come and experience God’s gift of love and freedom within you.
Spitafields Market event for support for Tamil Children - December 2018
A project to help young Tamil tea pickers reach higher education and widen their skills for a better future. The Comboni Missionary Sisters teaching at St Patricks College in Talawakelle want to help these young people to fulfil Christ’s call for them: “I have come so that they may have life, life to the full”.
St Bakhita Vigil Prayer for Human Trafficking Victims - March 2018
“They are just children! Not slaves!”
We prayed through the painful journey of Jesus to Calvary and the joy of the Resurrection, for present day victims through the intercession of St Josephine Bakhita who experienced the trauma of slavery and the grace of freedom. This hour of prayer was prepared and guided by the members of the Comboni Cenacles of Missionary Prayer who meet fortnightly locally.
Young Couple Retreats 2018
The theme for 2018 was Five Love Languages as put forward
by Gary Chapman.
The focus of our retreats was “understanding our differences”
We have learned safe ways of communicating our own needs and feelings, slowly becoming more aware of what is going on within ourselves.
We have also learned how to listen more attentively to our loved ones as they try to identify and express their own needs and feelings.
Barn Dance in aid of South Sudanese refugees - May 2018
“Dear Sr. Natalia, Sr. Graça and members of the Cenacle Missionary Group,
Peace and Joy in the Lord.
I want to start my Writing by apologizing for the delay in making myself present to each one of you by a felt word of gratitude.
Sr. Natalia has been informing me about your activities and in a particular way about the success of the Barn Dance. I was really touched! I thank God for the strength and the passion that God gives to you all. I thank each one of you for your closeness to the Lord and for allowing your hearts to beat as one with the Heart of Jesus, feeling and hearing the cry of the poor. Thank you very much for your wonderful support and your prayer.
We, as Comboni Sisters, together with you and other friends have been successful in building a small house and starting a ministry in Palorinya, North of Uganda among the refugees of South Sudan, we are very happy for all that we have been able to accomplish in God’s name. Now, we as Comboni Sisters are looking forward to pass the mission already settled to an African, local Congregation called “the Sacred Heart Sisters” to give continuity to the work we started in this refugee camp. This in order to allow us to return to South Sudan to continue our mission in this country so much torn apart by a situation of war of which we cannot foresee its end. We are aiming, by God’s will, towards the middle of next year 2019 to be able to have the local congregation settled in Palorinya Refugee Camp. This will enable us to offer a reliable continuity in the service to the refugees and at the same time the possibility of returning to South Sudan where there is a great need of personnel and support in order to carry on with the different ministries we are involved in; education, health and pastoral…
My superiors have already assigned me to Upper Nile Region, Renk, where we have a community left with only two Sisters with the whole responsibility of the schools, nursery, primary and secondary, and the pastoral work in the parish. By God’s grace we will do our best.
You can look for Upper Nile State, Renk province in the Internet, is one of hottest regions affected by the conflict.
I ask the Lord to bless each one of you and to continue to give you His strength and love.
With gratitude
Sr. Dorinda Lopes da Cunha
Comboni Missionary Sister”
Young Couples Retreats 2017
We have used as background material the work of Marshal Rosenberg on non violent communication and also the painting of The Light of the World by William Hunt.
On this painting Christ is knocking on a door which does not have any handle, just a knocker. It signifies that it is up to us to open our door to the light that He carries, radiates and offers.
In a similar way it is up to us individually to open the door of our heart to other and this is is what we are trying to do gently and gradually as we progress on our journey of discovery of ourselves and others.
The Comboni centre offers a safe, comfortable and friendly space for couples to meet and reflect while their children are looked after by CRB checked helpers.
Lenten programme for young adults 2017
In the six week lead-up to Easter we at the Comboni Centre, offer young people a taste of the different types of prayer that can help them come closer to God, building a new, loving friendship with Him.
March 5th: ‘Knowing God, Knowing Yourself: spiritual wisdom through Christian meditation. Led by: Henriëtte Hollaar, from World Christian meditation community
March 12th: ‘Lighting the inner light’ with Taizè chanting. Led by: Brother Paolo,from Taizé Community in France.
March 19th: ‘Into the depths of heart and mind.’ Imaginative prayer in the Ignation tradition. Led by: Nicole Paice, counsellor and spiritual Director in the Ignation Tradition
March 26th: ‘Lectio Divina: A Password to God’. Led by: Fr. Robin Burgess, the Clergy Coordinator for the UK living in Ealing Abbey community
April 2nd: ‘God the Artist: expressing Prayer through Art. Led by: Nicole Paice, counsellor and spiritual Director in the Ignation Tradition
April 9th: ‘The Passion of Jesus: An Awesome God. Led by: Fr Michael Dunne, parish priest at Our Lady of Grace and St Edward Church
Make time to experience the beauty of prayer.
From 4 pm to 6 pm each Sunday of Lent.
Enjoy the hospitality offered at the Comboni Centre, 2 Chiswick Lane, London W4 2JF. For further information email Sr. Graça or Sr Natalia at combonicentre16@gmail.com. Or call 0208 9941220.
Novena & Prayer Vigil for Child Victims of Human Trafficking
The Catholic Church in England and Wales observes the Feast of St. Josephine Bakhita, 8th February, as a Day of Prayer for Victims of Trafficking and for those who work to combat it.
The Cenacle of Missionary Prayer Group that meets every Thursday with Sr. Natalia at the Comboni Spirituality Centre asks the Parish to join them in the praying of a Novena from the 30th January each day leading up to a prayer vigil on the 8th February at Our Lady of Grace and St. Edward Chiswick, 7:30 – 9:00pm. All are encouraged to pray the Novena and come to the Vigil. For the Novena please click on this link Vigil on Human Trafficking.
Retreat for Young Adults
Catechists Meeting
I found the atmosphere of the Comboni Centre to be very peaceful, welcoming and conducive to prayer and reflection. As a group of catechists meeting to discuss our upcoming programme to prepare candidates for the sacrament of Confirmation, the Comboni Centre provided the perfect environment to discuss and pray together without distractions. Celebrating Mass in the beautiful chapel you have just finished renovating was particularly special.
Thank you again for hosting us. I look forward to visiting again soon.
Andrew
