From left: Brother Tomasz Basiński (representing the brothers in Europe, Verona, Italy), Father Zagaja Adam (representing the Vicar General in Poland), Father Fernando Domingues (Provincial Superior of Portugal); Father Baldan Fabio Carlo (Provincial Superior of Italy), Father Padilla Rocha Rubén (Provincial Superior of the London Province), Father Grabmann Hubert Josef (Provincial Superior of the DSP), Father Llamazares González Miguel Ángel (Provincial Superior of Spain), and Father Luigi Codianni (General Assistant, in charge of the Comboni circumscriptions in Europe).
A New Chapter for the Comboni Missionaries
On February 21, Father Luigi Fernando Codianni was elected Superior General of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ). Father Luigi, a former General Councilor, brings with him significant religious and missionary experience, particularly in administration and governance. He has served in various Comboni regions in Brazil and Italy.
Born on June 13, 1964, in Celenza Valfortore (FG), Italy, Father Luigi joined the Institute with his first religious profession in 1988 in Venegono Superiore (Italy). During his missionary formation, he studied theology in São Paulo (Brazil) from 1988 to 1993 and was ordained a priest on May 15, 1993, in Celenza Valfortore, diocese of Lucera-Troia. After his first pastoral experience in Italy, he was assigned to the Northeast Province of Brazil, where he worked until 2001.
From 2005 to 2010, Father Luigi was provincial superior in Brazil. His work in this position covered areas of great importance, such as pastoral care, formation, and the organization of the mission in northeastern Brazil. In 2011, he returned to Italy, where he took on several responsibilities, including that of provincial economist. In the 2022 General Chapter, he was appointed General Councilor and took charge of the European regions, the economic sector, and legal and representative affairs.
During his time as General Councilor, Father Luigi demonstrated a remarkable ability to coordinate efforts in various areas of the Comboni mission, particularly regarding economic management and institutional development. His pragmatic approach and deep spirituality have earned him the respect and admiration of his brothers and the communities with which he has worked.
Father Luigi’s election as Superior General comes at a crucial time for the Comboni Institute, marked by both internal and external challenges. In this context, Father Luigi has expressed his desire to strengthen the Comboni identity and promote a renewed vision of the mission in the modern world. As the new Superior General, he aims to strengthen ties between the different regions of the world and ensure that the Comboni mission remains a vibrant testimony of Christ’s presence in the neediest places.
In addition to his work in administration and leadership, Father Luigi is known for his dedication to pastoral work. In his years in Brazil, he helped consolidate the Comboni presence in the region and strengthen local communities. His deep spirituality, commitment to formation, and leadership ability will be crucial in guiding the Institute in the coming years.
The Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ) are a religious community that, since its foundation, has had an unwavering commitment to evangelization, particularly in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The charism of Saint Daniel Comboni, their founder, remains the primary inspiration for the Comboni missionaries worldwide. In this sense, Father Luigi has emphasized the importance of continuing the work initiated by Comboni, bringing Christ’s message to the peripheries of the world and helping the neediest.
The 2022 General Chapter, which culminated in the election of the new Superior General, was a time of reflection and renewal for the Institute. The Chapter members discussed key topics related to mission, formation, community life, and the challenges facing missionaries today. The election of Father Luigi as Superior General reflects the trust in his ability to lead the Institute in this new stage, marked by the need for adaptation and creativity in mission.
In the coming years, Father Luigi will face significant challenges, both within the Institute and in its relationship with the outside world. Transformations in the Church and in global society will require a renewed response from missionaries, who must be aware of the cultural, social, and economic changes affecting the communities with whom they work. Pope Francis has called on the Church to be closer to the poor, the marginalized, and the excluded, and Father Luigi has the mission to ensure that the Comboni Missionaries remain faithful to this call.
In addition to his responsibilities in the pastoral field, Father Luigi has also shown a strong interest in institutional development and collaboration with other missionary and religious organizations. During his time in the General Council, he worked to strengthen relationships between different members of the Comboni family and to create synergies that favor a more effective and coordinated mission.
The Comboni missionaries are present in over 40 countries, and mission remains their primary priority. The election of Father Luigi as Superior General is an important step toward consolidating this global presence and strengthening the bonds of fraternity and collaboration between different regions. Father Luigi’s leadership will be key in ensuring that the Comboni Missionaries remain a united community committed to the mission, faithful to their charism, and to the values that Saint Daniel Comboni left as a legacy.
The election of the new Superior General has been received with great hope by the missionaries and communities around the world. Many express their confidence in Father Luigi’s ability to guide them toward a future of greater unity, renewal, and commitment to the mission. As he assumes this new leadership, Father Luigi has invited all members of the Institute to work together to strengthen the mission and bring Christ’s message to all corners of the world.
