The origins of the foundation of the “Pie Madri della Nigrizia” (PMN)
One of those missionaries who almost paid with his life for having dared to go to Sudan in 1857 was Daniel Comboni who, together with a group of 5 missionaries, left Verona with the idea of creating a missionary station in Africa, Sudan… they all died in a short time and the only one left alive, Daniel Comboni, had to return to Italy so as not to perish of the fever.
Reading
In Italy, thinking and rethinking the missionary method they had used up to that point, the “Plan for the Regeneration of Nigrizia”, as they called the centre of the African continent, came to him as a divine inspiration. It was 15th September 1864.
AMN, 10 pp. 11-15
Profile
“The candidate” : Maria Caspi
On 31 December 1971, Comboni accompanies Maria Caspi, the candidate, to Montorio, Veronese (Villa Zago) to start the missionary institute for women.
Contemplative Time
“My Lord, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for sure where it will end. Nor do I know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am really doing it. But I believe that the desire to please you does indeed please you. And I hope to have that desire in everything I do. I hope I never do anything outside of that desire. And I know that, if I do, you will guide me on the right path, even if I know nothing about it. Therefore, I will always trust in you, even though I seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are always with me, and you will never leave me to face my dangers alone”. Amen (Thomas Merton)
Reflection
Let’s spend some time in meditative prayer, reflecting on your call from God as you prepare to learn about the history of our Congregation.
Write in your Journal
What has caught your attention most so far? Share in two paragraphs with two or three sentences maximum.
The transfer from Montorio to Verona
The transfer from Montorio to Verona took place on 14th September 1872, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Three young women arrived from Montorio: Maria Caspi, Maria Teresa Scandola and Teresa Caviola. They were soon joined by a fourth, Maria Rosa Colpo (AMN, 10), who was already at S. Maria in Organo among the pupils of Laura Astori. Continua
Reflection
What has caught your attention the most so far?