🖼️ CHAPEL THRESHOLD

In this corridor, before the busts of Daniel Comboni and Maria Bollezzoli, we pause to learn more about these two extraordinary protagonists of Comboni missionary history.

Saint Daniel Comboni

Born on March 15, 1831 in Limone sul Garda, Daniel Comboni soon discovered his missionary vocation. At only 18 years old, inspired by the motto "Africa or Death", he decided to dedicate his life to the evangelization of Central Africa, then called Nigritia.

After his first missionary experience in Sudan (1857-1859), where he witnessed several companions die due to harsh climate conditions and diseases, Comboni did not become discouraged. On the contrary, in 1864, while praying before the tomb of St. Peter in Rome, he conceived his famous Plan for the Regeneration of Africa.

"Save Africa with Africa"

What distinguished Comboni from his contemporaries was his revolutionary vision: he did not intend to impose a foreign culture, but to train Africans who could become protagonists in the evangelization of their own continent.

To accomplish this project, he needed collaborators, both men and women. In a letter from 1871, Comboni wrote:

"I need holy women to help me regenerate the African woman."

With this clear vision in mind, he purchased this house for his female missionary institute.

On October 1, 1877, the first eight sisters, led by Maria Bollezzoli, departed for Africa. They arrived in Cairo on October 14 and there founded a school for African girls.

In November 1879, four of them continued toward Khartoum, Sudan: Teresa Grigolini, Concetta Corsi, Faustina Stampais, and Amalia Andreis would become the first Catholic religious sisters to cross the Sahara Desert.

Mother Maria Bollezzoli

The premature death of Comboni, which occurred in Khartoum on October 10, 1881, and the Mahdist revolution in Sudan in 1882 subjected these pioneers to severe trials.

Mother Maria Bollezzoli represents the courage and determination that characterized the first Comboni missionaries. When Comboni died prematurely, she took upon herself the enormous responsibility of leading the young institute through the crisis caused by the Mahdist revolution in Sudan.

Some sisters were taken prisoner and released only after ten years of captivity. Others died of disease. But their testimony of indomitable faith opened the way for generations of missionaries.

Under her firm and wise guidance, the institute not only survived but flourished. Her leadership during those crucial years ensured that Comboni's vision continued to bear fruit through the generations.

Daniel Comboni was beatified by Pope John Paul II on March 17, 1996 and canonized by the same Pontiff on October 5, 2003.

Now we enter the chapel, the spiritual heart of this house, where generations of missionaries have found strength and inspiration for their journey.

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