Saint Daniel Comboni

Biography

Saint Daniel Comboni, born on March 15, 1831, in Limone sul Garda, Italy, was a renowned Catholic missionary and educator. He dedicated his life to the service of God and the upliftment of the people in Africa, particularly Sudan. As a young man, Daniel Comboni received his education at Father Mazza's Institute in Verona, Italy. Here, he studied theology, medicine, and several languages, demonstrating his thirst for knowledge and his determination to prepare himself for a life of service. On December 31, 1854, he was ordained in the diocese of Verona by Blessed John Nepomuk von Tschiderer. In 1857, after completing his studies, Saint Daniel Comboni embarked on his first missionary journey to modern-day Sudan. However, due to declining health, he was forced to return home in 1859. Despite this setback, he continued his work by teaching at Mazza's Institute from 1861 to 1864. During this period, Comboni developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Africans and the dire need for assistance in their communities. He firmly believed that the best way to help Africa was through African agency, stating that aid should be used to "Save Africa Through Africa." He emphasized treating Africans as adults in need of a helping hand, rather than as children in need of guidance, as prevalent in European thought at the time. Comboni's dedication and vision prompted him to travel extensively through France, Spain, England, Germany, and Austria on fundraising missions. He aimed to raise awareness and gather resources for the necessary support and evangelization of Africa. In 1867, in Verona, Comboni founded the Istituto delle Missioni per la Nigrizia, which provided training and preparation for priests and brothers dedicated to missions in Africa. Additionally, he established the Istituto delle Pie Madri for women who felt called to work in Africa. These institutions, collectively known as the Comboni Missionaries, were driven by Comboni's philosophy of empowering African communities through education and evangelization. Recognizing the need to acclimatize missionaries to the challenging conditions of Central Africa, Comboni established similar institutions in Cairo, Egypt. His tireless efforts and commitment to African missions caught the attention of the Catholic Church, leading him to write to the First Vatican Council in 1870. In his correspondence, he emphasized the crucial role the Church plays in the conversion and spiritual development of Africa. In 1872, Saint Daniel Comboni was appointed the Pro-Vicar Apostolic of Central Africa, overseeing a vast territory that covered Nubia, Egyptian Sudan, and the region south to the Lakes, involving almost 100 million people. During his tenure, he founded numerous missions, including those in El-Obeid, Khartoum, Berber, Delen, and Malbes. Saint Daniel Comboni also played a significant role in suppressing the slave trade in the region. His efforts to raise awareness and mobilize resources to protect and liberate enslaved Africans were crucial in combating this horrific practice. Comboni's commitment to the people and lands of Africa was not limited to missionary work alone. He contributed extensively to scientific studies focusing on the region's geography and provided materials for scientific works related to Africa's cultures and languages. His understanding of various dialects, including Arabic and central African languages, allowed him to communicate and connect authentically with the communities he served. In 1877, Daniel Comboni was appointed the Vicar Apostolic of Central Africa, receiving the title of Bishop of Claudiopolis and Bishop of Khartoum. Alongside his missionary work, he prioritized the establishment of hospitals, schools, and orphanages, ensuring holistic development and care for the people he served. Saint Daniel Comboni's efforts and impact continue to this day through the Comboni Family. With priests, brothers, and sisters ministering in hospitals, schools, and orphanages, their work spans across 41 countries globally. Saint Daniel Comboni passed away on October 10, 1881, in Khartoum, Sudan, due to natural causes. His exemplary life of service, dedication to Africa, and commitment to the Church's mission led to his recognition as a saint. On March 17, 1996, he was beatified by Pope John Paul II, and on October 5, 2003, he was canonized, further affirming his status as a revered figure within the Catholic Church.