Giovanni Makambo, cicm
Beginning the Mission
I arrived in the heart of Guatemala on January 9, 2025, ready to embark on a profound missionary journey. Before immersing myself in the mission, my initial task was to embrace the Spanish language—the heartbeat of the people—and to be essential for connecting deeply within the communities I would serve. After four transformative months of dedicated study, my companion, Romeo Sani, and I set forth to visit the parish communities where our CICM confreres serve as devoted priests.
Exploring the Parishes
In the diverse CICM district of Guatemala, we are entrusted with the spiritual needs of five parishes across four dioceses:
- San Marcos and Santa María de la Asunción (Archdiocese of Santiago de Guatemala)
- San Juan Evangelista (Diocese of San Marcos)
- San Miguel Arcángel (Diocese of Santa Rosa de Lima)
- El Calvario (Diocese of Verapaz)
Our primary mission revolves around evangelization, with a heartfelt focus on caring for the poor, a commitment deeply rooted in our Constitutions. On June 15, 2025, I began my journey through these parishes, eager to understand the dynamics of pastoral realities encountered by our confreres. Their ministry transcends mere preaching; they are passionately involved in nurturing the holistic well-being of their communities.
This compassionate approach resonates profoundly with the vision articulated in the Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes: “The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ.” In this spirit, our confreres completely immerse themselves in the lives of the people. The joys and sorrows of the Guatemalan community become inextricably intertwined with their own experiences.
Immersion in the Culture
As I lived alongside the people, I was warmly welcomed into the embrace of Guatemalan culture. I savored the rich and diverse cuisine, marveled at rural traditions, and observed the intricacies of daily life. This immersion has been nothing short of a revelation. Echoing Julius Caesar’s renowned declaration, I might proclaim: Veni, vidi, vici – I came, I saw, I conquered. Just as Caesar celebrated his swift victory, I, guided by the Holy Spirit, arrived at my mission, bore witness to the profound realities of the people, and triumphed over my own fears and preconceptions.
In my encounters, I have found Guatemalans to be remarkably gentle, polite, and kind-hearted. Instances of disputes and loud quarrels are rare; even in moments of anger or sorrow, they often bear a smile that belies deeper struggles. To honestly know someone in this land, one must approach with an abundance of patience, kindness, and attentiveness, skillfully posing the right questions and listening intently. In gatherings, confrontation is generally shunned, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and leave some conflicts lingering in silence. This tenderness demands a pastoral approach that balances patience, discernment, and supportive guidance.
Mission Conditions
Our work primarily unfolds in Guatemala's impoverished regions. Yet, amid the struggles, the unwavering generosity of the people is a continual source of inspiration. In the sweltering heat, where daytime rest can feel like a distant luxury, I have been touched by extraordinary acts of kindness and selflessness. Notably, I have been profoundly moved by the parishes of San Miguel of Aroche (Chiquimulilla) and El Calvario in Cobán, where our confreres tirelessly labor for the spiritual and material welfare of the people. Their mission extends far beyond mere evangelization, encompassing education, nourishing the malnourished, and enhancing public health.
Often, our confreres minister in remote villages devoid of roads, electricity, or basic facilities for respite. The CICM mission in Guatemala calls for a spirit of selflessness and complete availability, embracing Christ among the most marginalized in society.
Heirs to a Mission Marked by Sacrifice
The Guatemalans we serve carry the weight of a painful past, marked by internal conflict, marginalization, discrimination, structural racism, injustice, and violence. During the dark era from 1981 to 1996, several of our missionary confreres laid down their lives in the pursuit of social justice. Among them, four brave souls were martyred while defending the cause of the oppressed:
- Fr. Conrado de la Cruz
- Fr. Walter Voordeckers
- Fr. Alfonso Stessel
- Serge Berten
The legacies of these courageous confreres, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the field of mission, serve as a powerful source of inspiration. Like them, I aspire to love the people I am called to serve, to share in their joys and sorrows, and to serve Christ present in this blessed land of Guatemala faithfully.
