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While “salvation” and “paradise” are both held sacred and exclusively for believers by Muslims and Christians over the years, the unmistakable reality for all people of goodwill is that the invitation is universal. The janna of the Koran, the paradise of the Bible, the kingdom of Allah – God, is for every human being.
Violence committed against each other, unfortunately, emphasizes the stark differences among believers of different religions. In this scenario, it is impossible to think that followers of different faiths can even co-exist. But it is also not surprising that acts of mercy and love, the characteristics of one and the same God, can bind people of different religions together.
Sri Lanka has become home and a new frontier of mission for three Comboni Sisters: Sr. Quy Dinh, Sr. Nelly Kangogo and Sr. Libanos Ayele. In the spirit of Comboni, they live their passion for the poorest, joyfully sharing their lives with tea plantation workers, helping in the formation of the young, opening doors of hope for them, and serving as bridges of dialogue and encounter between different religions.
While coming from two very different backgrounds, two Marys have made a very positive impact on Indian people. While their approaches are very different, their goal is the same – to let people know of God’s love for them.
Organic farming has been gaining ground the world over, not just as a means to curb the harmful effects of chemical pesticides but, surprisingly, as a means to increase food production and reduce the effects of climate change.
For some, it takes a great personal tragedy that leaves them totally beaten black and blue, to recognize that God is there, ready to carry us. For others, living a life in worldliness and sin, even to the point of death, leads them to a catharsis, a liberating realization that God and goodness have been residing in them all along. Ultimately, however, the decision to go with God or to continue living as if one were already dead rests in each one of us. God, however, has lit that tiny spark of goodness in us – we need only to fuel it by sharing that goodness with others.
Children are often passed off and disregarded in society because of their immaturity and inexperience. However, many people of goodwill continue to place their hope in children and see them as the promise of the future. Regardless of their race or religion, these people see goodness in children, and, therefore, see God, the Child Jesus, in them. In turn, people who work tirelessly for the rights and welfare of children, like this year’s Nobel Peace Prize winners, Malala Yousafzai from Pakistan and Kailash Satyarthi from India, become earthly images of God themselves.
The gem of Christianity seems to be very much alive in the Muslim enclave of Northern Arabia. Bishop Camillo Ballin, a Comboni missionary, had made it his own choice to serve in Arabic countries. After an enriching experience in Egypt and the Sudan, he is now shepherding the Catholic flock, as Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, & Saudi Arabia – a distinct mission full of challenges, with the clear aim of doing good to all.
The pastoral care of people in very remote areas in South Sudan has truly enlightened the heart of young Comboni missionary, Fr. Gregory Schmidt. Along with three other companions in mission, they are living among the pastoralists of Nuer, dedicating their lives in caring for the different communities in and around Old Fangak, fostering education, and empowering the local people to build a better future for the Africa’s youngest nation. Though these areas have been neglected by the government, and isolation and lack of infrastructures are obstacles, nothing can stop these young missionaries, all under the age of 40, from living the missionary heritage of St. Daniel Comboni and giving their lives completely to the Nuer people.
What made Nelson Mandela the most famous and revered leader worldwide, and perhaps the most respected leader in history was his unshakable commitment to human rights and dignity.
